​VANFIRE Wellness

Need Help After a Call? Start Here

If you're feeling overwhelmed, numb, or not yourself after a heavy call — you're not alone. The brain and body react to stress in real ways. Sometimes it fades. Sometimes it sticks. If it's sticking, it's time to do something about it.

Talking to a mental health professional can help. This isn’t about being broken. It’s about having someone in your corner so you don’t have to carry this stuff alone.

Here’s how to get started.

1. Check Your Coverage

First, figure out what your extended health benefits cover:

• What’s your yearly coverage for mental health?
  

• Does it include registered clinical counsellors, psychologists, or social workers?
  

• If you’re not sure, ask someone on your Wellness Team for help.
  

Vancouver Local 18 Firefighters – Click here for benefits info


2. Figure Out What You Need Help With
Take a minute to think about what’s bothering you most:

• Trauma
  

• Grief
  

• Anger
  

• Relationships
  

• Anxiety
  

• Sleep problems
  

• Burnout
  

• Or something else
  

Knowing this helps you find someone who actually specializes in that area.

3. Ask Around
Talk to someone you trust. A friend, a colleague, a peer. Ask if they’ve seen someone good.

Check in with the CISM or Peer Support Team — they’re always hearing feedback and can recommend people who’ve helped other firefighters.

4. Do Some Quick Research

Make a short list of two or three names. Look them up.

What do they specialize in?

Do they work with first responders?

What’s their style or approach?

You don’t need to overthink it. Just get a feel for who they are.

5. Make the Call

Book a short phone call with one or two of them.

Tell them what’s going on.

See how they respond.

Ask yourself: do I feel like they get it? Do I feel like I could talk to them?

If it feels off, it’s not a fail — just try someone else. The right fit matters.

6. Keep the Momentum

Once you find someone and book a session, don’t wait too long between appointments. Follow through. If something feels off after a few sessions, speak up or switch it up.

Therapy isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about steady work. But it works.

Book your Next Appointment before you close your current appointment out. 


BC First Responder Health Directory
This directory is a great place to start if you’re looking for a counsellor who actually gets it. Every clinician listed has taken the First Responder Occupational Awareness Program, which walks them through the pressures and challenges of the fire service — things like trauma exposure, shift schedules, hypervigilance, and the culture we live in.
It doesn’t guarantee a perfect match, but it gives you a solid head start. You don’t have to waste time explaining the job before getting to your actual issue.
If you’re shopping for a new counsellor, this is one of the best jumping-off points.

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Connection to Care
This is a free and confidential phone support line available to municipal workers in BC. It connects you with trained mental health professionals who’ve also completed the Firefighter Occupational Awareness Program, so they already understand the job and the weight it carries.
This isn’t a crisis line. You don’t have to be struggling hard to call. Use it for advice, clarity, or just to talk things through when something’s been eating at you. You can reach out about stress, life events, or anything that feels heavy. There’s no wrong reason to call.

Who Does What

Psychiatrists – Doctors who can diagnose and prescribe medication

Family Doctors – Can rule out physical causes or give referrals

Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC), Psychologists, and Social Workers – Provide talk-based therapy and emotional support

Be careful with people using vague terms like “coach,” “therapist,” or “healer” without credentials. If they’re not registered with a recognized body or can’t be billed through your benefits.

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If You're in Crisis

If this is more than a rough patch, if you’re feeling hopeless or thinking about ending your life, talk to someone. Right now.

988 – Suicide and Crisis Helpline (open 24/7)

Crisis Centre BC

There’s no shame in reaching out. You’re not weak. You’re just human. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.