World Mental Health Day: Making mental health support easier to find

Every year on October 10, World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to talk about mental health, reduce stigma and make it easier for people to find support when they need it.

The 2026 theme highlights the power of lived experience. When people share their stories of navigating mental health challenges, seeking help, and finding support, it creates space for others to do the same. These conversations reduce stigma, build connections, and remind people they are not alone.

For many people across BC and the Yukon, the challenge isn’t recognizing that support is needed but knowing where to begin. It’s understanding what resources are available to them and feeling confident to access the care when it’s required.

Finding support

When you’re dealing with a mental health concern — your own or someone else’s — knowing where to start can sometimes feel difficult.

Pacific Blue Cross members can sign in to their member account to review the mental health supports available through their plan.

Members with eligible counselling coverage can also use the Insta-Claim provider search tool to find participating mental health professionals who offer direct billing.

Since July 2025, eligible clinical counsellors in BC who meet Pacific Blue Cross registration requirements have been eligible to bill us directly. This means eligible members no longer need to pay the full cost upfront and wait for reimbursement, helping remove financial barriers that can delay access to care.

Members in the Yukon can review their plan details or contact us directly to understand their coverage and available options.

Supporting someone you care about

Mental health affects families, friendships, workplaces and communities. You don’t need to have all the answers to support someone who may be struggling. 
Listening without judgement, checking in and helping someone find appropriate support can make a difference. Friends and family members can also use community and crisis resources if they are worried about someone and aren’t sure what to do next.

If you or someone you know needs immediate support

• Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department in an emergency.
• Call or text 9-8-8, Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• In BC, contact 310-6789 (no area code required) for 310 Mental Health Support.
• In the Yukon, call the CMHA Yukon Reach Out Support Line at 1-844-533-3030.
• Indigenous people in BC can access the KUU-US Crisis Line at 1-800-588-8717.

Explore mental health support

Mental health support looks different for everyone. 
Pacific Blue Cross members can sign in to their Member Profile to review their coverage and benefits.

Explore mental health resources for information about programs, benefits and community supports for you or someone you care about.