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Vancouver Island Crisis Society

About​

Vancouver Island Crisis Society (VICS) provides short-term, non-judgemental crisis support, crisis intervention, information, and resource connections through the Vancouver Island Crisis Line, plus online chat and SMS text options.

Coverage​

VICS serves:

  • Vancouver Island
  • The islands of the Georgia Strait
  • Mainland communities between Powell River and Rivers Inlet

Who it’s for​

  • People of all ages who need crisis support, emotional support, and/or local resource information.

Contact​

  • Crisis Line (24-hour): 1-888-494-3888
  • Crisis Chat (online): via VICS website home page
  • Crisis Text (SMS): 250-800-3806

Hours​

  • Crisis Line: 24/7
  • Crisis Chat: daily 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Pacific Time)
  • Crisis Text: daily 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Pacific Time)

What to expect when you call or text​

  • Crisis Line: short-term, non-judgemental support and help connecting to resources.
  • Crisis Chat / Text: confidential emotional support and resource information. You may be asked for age and gender (for statistics and to help with appropriate resources). Service workers may end a chat/text if abusive language is used.
  • If you’re suicidal or in distress outside chat/text hours, VICS directs you to call 1-888-494-3888 (24/7), or 911 for immediate medical/emergency danger.

Privacy and safety approach​

  • Chat and text conversations are described as confidential; VICS notes that no video communication is used in Crisis Chat.

Sources​

Last compiled/checked: December 23, 2025