Three Mounties in Coquitlam are currently dedicating their time to teaching the community how to support loved ones enduring a mental health crisis.
In 2015, the local detachment created a mental health unit (MHU) that help individuals in consistent contact with police in need of important services.
It's current trio has been out and about since 2020, coincidentally when the COVID-19 pandemic began.
And since then, they've been working to find long-term solutions following high-risk incidents where mental health is a significant component by partnering with community groups for better RCMP response.
"We take pride in the work that we are doing with our community partners," Cpl. Scott Klein said in a release today (Jan. 31). He, Const. Martin Holubar and Const. Habeeb Shah make up the MHU.
"Since MHU’s creation, we have seen great progress with the individuals referred and their impact to the community."
To address the issues, Klein explained the process starts with identifying and assisting individuals who pose an increased risk to themselves or others due to complex mental health issues with or without addiction.
These individuals could have a significant number of police contacts related to their needs, he added.
"Through a collaborated approach which includes police and community partners, an individual specific, wrap-around resolution is created to assist these individuals in receiving appropriate support with a goal of reducing the calls for service," a Coquitlam RCMP statement explained.
The detachment is set to release more information about MHU and how it wishes to make the community a safer place.
However, it's also providing supports from several organizations for local residents that may need an immediate mental health resource.
Services
- Tri-Cities Child and Youth Mental Health
- 300-3003 St John's St., Port Moody
- Direct or contracted therapy and assessment for general mental health issues
- Trauma
- Eating disorders
- Early psychosis intervention
- Sexual abuse
- Intensive family counselling
- Direct or contracted therapy and assessment for general mental health issues
Phone: 236-468-2373
- Early Psychosis Intervention
- 260 Sherbrooke St., New Westminster
- Clinical and group services, especially for those that may be developing psychosis
- Individuals ages 13-30
- Clinical and group services, especially for those that may be developing psychosis
Phone: 604-777-8386
- Purpose Society
- 40 Begbie St., New Westminster
- Delivers programs for children, youth and families
- Education
- Housing
- Health services
- Gender/race
- Disability
- Employment
- Delivers programs for children, youth and families
Phone: 604-526-2522
- Short Term Assessment Response Treatment Team (STARTT)
- Provides services for children/youth aged six to 18 experiencing extreme mental health symptoms interfering with daily living
- Short-term assessment
- Crisis intervention
- Family support
- Provides services for children/youth aged six to 18 experiencing extreme mental health symptoms interfering with daily living
Phone: 604-949-7765
- Kids Help Phone
- Free and anonymous service for children and youth
- Counselling
- Information services with trained professionals
- Live chat over phone counsellors
- Free "Always There" chat app
- Free and anonymous service for children and youth
Phone: 1-800-668-6868
- BC Mental Health Support Line
- 24-hour line for information, resources, and referrals
Phone: 310-6789 (no area code)
- Bounce Back Program - Canadian Mental Health Association
- Free, online CBT-based program with different modules to help with depression and anxiety
- Telephone coaching also available with family doctor's referral
- Coaching available in English, French, Cantonese, and Punjabi
Phone: 1-866-639-0522
Email: [email protected]
- BC Schizophrenia Society
- Information on support groups for families of those dealing with a serious mental illness (not just schizophrenia)
- Also provides services and information for family members
Phone: 1-888-888-0029
