We've covered a lot of ground this week. We named the pain, talked about what actually matters, learned to be a little cheaper, and thought about who we want around us while we weather this.

Today we end with something practical: where to actually get help if you need it. Because mental health support in BC is more accessible than most people realize — and there is no reason to be sitting in distress when resources exist.

A Shameless Plug (and I Mean It)

I would not be doing my job — or being a particularly good wife — if I didn't mention that my husband, Jordan Penner, is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with twenty years of experience. He specializes in working with realtors and teaches resilience specifically for people in this industry.

He is practical, kind, genuinely good at listening, and affordable. If you have extended benefits, his services may cost you nothing out of pocket.

You can reach Jordan at 604-202-9887 or at Jordanpenner.com.

Start Here: Extended Benefits

If you have extended health benefits — or if your partner does — there's a good chance therapy is already covered. Many extended benefit plans include a set number of sessions with a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) per year, and some cover a significant portion of the cost. Before assuming you can't afford help, check your plan or your partner's plan. A unionized spouse, for example, often comes with surprisingly robust mental health coverage.

Fraser Health: Free Counselling Through Your Health Authority

Fraser Health offers free mental health counselling to residents in the region. You don't need a referral from a doctor — you can self-refer directly to the mental health services in your municipality and request support, including individual counselling sessions, therapeutic groups, and psychiatric support.  There are programs set up for urgent crisis support for self or family, addictions treatment, medication assessments, all fast, private, and covered under MSP.

Jordan spent years as an intake coordinator for Delta Mental Health, connecting people to exactly these services. The system exists, it works, and it is available to you.

To find the mental health office nearest you, visit fraserhealth.ca or call 1-877-935-7070.

SFU's Continuing Studies Psychology Clinic

Simon Fraser University offers free counselling through its psychology clinic, open to community members. Think of it like a hairdressing school — the therapists are completing their practicum under the supervision of experienced, highly qualified clinicians. You get real, substantive support. They get the hours they need. Everyone benefits.

No referral is required. You can fill out an intake form directly on the SFU website.

Other Options Worth Knowing

HelpStartsHere (BC Government): The provincial government's mental health portal lets you search for free and low-cost services by location. Visit helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca or call 310-6789 (no area code needed) to speak with someone about what's available near you.

BC Bounce Back – is a free skill-building program for depression, anxiety, and stress. Online and with phone coaching to develop tools and support for mental health concerns.  Visit: BouncebackBC.ca

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Vancouver-Fraser: Offers free workshops, support groups, and educational sessions on mental wellness. A good option if one-on-one counselling feels like too much right now and you want to start somewhere smaller.

Affordable Therapy Network: An online directory of lower-cost therapists across BC, including student interns. Find it at affordabletherapynetwork.com.

Crisis Line: If you're in acute distress and need to speak with someone immediately, the Crisis Centre operates a 24/7 line at 1-800-784-2433. Free, confidential, and available any time.

The Point

Mental health support is not out of reach. It is not only for people in crisis. It is not a last resort.

It is a resource — one that exists in your community, often for free, and is available to you right now if you need it.

In Summary

This week we've talked about acknowledging pain, finding meaning, spending less, and surrounding yourself with the right people. Getting support when you need it is part of the same conversation. It is not a sign that you couldn't handle it. It is a sign that you understand how this works.

You cannot pour from an empty cup. And there are people whose entire job is to help you fill it back up.

Thank you for following along this week. If any part of this series resonated with you, share it with someone in your network who might need it. And if you have questions or want to connect, I'm at lizpennerwrites.com.

Co-Authored by

Jordan Penner, MAA, RCC

Jordan Penner, MA, is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with twenty years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate mental health challenges. His career spans work in provincial mental health integration programs, behavioural intervention with children and families, substance abuse recovery, and clinical intake coordination. He holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Trinity Western University and is trained in CBT, DBT, EMDR, Narrative Therapy, and Solution-Focused approaches. Jordan practices in Surrey, Langley, and Delta, BC, with a particular focus on resilience and working with people in high-pressure industries. 

Site: https://jordanpenner.com

Book Session: https://jordanpenner.janeapp.com