Our mental health is as essential to our well-being as our physical health, yet it’s often neglected due to the stigma surrounding it. Just like well-known physical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, mental health challenges require attention, care, and understanding. 

As May marks Mental Health Awareness month, we want to advocate for the importance of mental well-being to be treated with the same urgency and care as a physical ailment. Our community in Burnaby Heights is a place of warmth and inclusivity, where support is always within reach. 

Known for its friendly and engaged business community, and street festivals; there’s no shortage of fun to be had in Burnaby Heights. Yet, The Heights offers one more service that’s crucial to the wellbeing of its residents – a robust array of mental health services. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness month, we’d like to introduce you to seven local therapists whose insights will help you start your journey towards mental wellness.

We tend to think that mental health services are expensive and out of reach, but take another look. Burnaby Heights and greater Burnaby provide a wide range of free and low-cost mental health services. These provide comprehensive support for diverse needs. Here are a few, as highlighted by the Kindred Counselling and Courage Counselling:

Youth and Family Services: Cameray Child & Family Services provide free counselling and multiple mental health programs. These services are designed to support the mental health of children and their families, offering everything from individual counselling sessions to group workshops. 

Indigenous Multicultural Support: The First Nations Health Authority offers no-cost mental health programs specifically designed for Indigenous families, providing culturally appropriate care and support. 

LGBTQIA+: MOSAIC provides support groups for LGBTQIA+ refugees and immigrants, helping them adjust to new environments while addressing any related stress or trauma. 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Burnaby Substance Use Services offers free counselling for individuals looking to change their relationship with substances. This service is flexible, including both drop-in and scheduled appointments, providing flexible options for those in need.

Educational Support: SFU’s Clinical Psychology Centre provides counselling for adults, children, and youth at a sliding scale fee. These services are provided by supervised graduate students and include psychoeducational, psychodiagnostic, and neuropsychological assessments. This resource is particularly valuable for families and individuals seeking accessible mental health evaluations and support. 

Specialized Crisis Services: For immediate needs, the Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Centre of BC offers multilingual support through various hotlines, providing immediate assistance for those facing severe mental health crises. 

Additionally, the Battered Women’s Support Services offers counselling and support for women who have experienced intimate partner violence.

Senior Support: The Well Being Program for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind seniors offers free counselling and mental health support services that are accessible for all communication needs and modalities, ensuring that older adults are not left out of the conversation on mental wellness. 

Virtual Programs: Bounce Back Reclaim Your Health by the Canadian Mental Health Association provides free skill-building programs designed to help manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress, or worry. The program is accessible to teens and adults and is delivered online or over the phone with a coach. 

♥ Tara Marshall from Kindred Counselling specializes in EMDR therapy for children and adults. With a deep understanding of trauma and its long-term effects, Tara’s approach helps patients find healing and resilience. 

♥ Gelareh Karimiha at BCG Counselling Group offers psychoeducational assessments and mental health services, focusing on children and adolescents. Her expertise lies in addressing learning disabilities and other mental health challenges through a psychological lens. 

♥ Bari Emam practices at Burnaby Heights Integrative Healthcare, specialising in somatic experiences for families and couples. His approach integrates the mind-body connection essential in overcoming stress and trauma. 

♥ Laura Spiegel at BodyMind Interactive uses EMI and Somatic Experiencing to aid individuals in their mental health journeys. Her holistic approach fosters a balanced recovery and personal growth. 

♥ Soo Sen Lee of Courage Counselling employs a diverse array of approaches including EMDR, catering to individuals, couples, and families. Soo’s practice emphasises early intervention in mental health to prevent long-term difficulties. 

♥ Krishna Sharma from UR-ALLY Counselling brings a focus on CBT, Narrative, and Play Therapy, particularly catering to BIPOC communities and those dealing with trauma. 

♥ Dr. Randall Gillis, a Registered Psychologist, offers comprehensive mental health services, blending traditional psychological therapies with innovative techniques tailored to individual needs. Dr. Gillis can be reached at 604-862-8464 for consultations.

In Burnaby Heights, we want everyone to know that comprehensive support is available here in our neighbourhood. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or looking out for a loved one, know that our community’s professionals and resources are here to help you every step of the way on the journey to better mental health.