Business Details
Your Trusted Mental Health Support in Victoria, BC
Icmha has dedicated itself to transforming mental healthcare through client-centered, strengths-based approaches. Our organization serves adults aged 19 and over, offering tailored support in peer counseling, employment, education, housing, and senior-specific services. With programs like the Bridge Center and Licensed Care, we prioritize individualized recovery paths that empower clients to achieve personal goals. Our team includes professionals with lived experience of mental health conditions, ensuring authentic understanding of client needs. We actively participate in public awareness campaigns, system navigation, and cross-organizational advocacy to improve mental health service accessibility. Through partnerships across British Columbia, we amplify diverse voices in mental healthcare while maintaining rigorous ethical standards.Our commitment to community-driven solutions is reflected in 31 years of direct service experience shared by our peer support workers. We specialize in addressing co-occurring mental health and cognitive challenges, providing specialized support frameworks for vulnerable populations. Our advocacy extends to policy-level improvements, working with stakeholders to enhance service delivery systems. As a registered charity, we maintain transparent operations while focusing on measurable outcomes that demonstrate our impact. Our Victoria-based headquarters operates Monday through Friday, offering structured programs aligned with client availability.
Services
Peer Support
Supported Employment
Supported Education
Grow Seniors Support
Housing Support
Bridge Center
Licensed Care
Highlights and features
- We offer client-centered programs developed with 31 years of lived mental health experience
- Our peer support workers have direct personal experience with mental health conditions
- We provide personalized recovery support for employment, housing, and education goals
- Specialized senior support addresses mental health alongside cognitive challenges
- We advocate for systemic improvements in British Columbia's mental healthcare system
What people say
Life-changing support
Compassionate staff
Personalized recovery plans
Safe community space
Effective employment help
Services
Peer Support
Our peer support program connects individuals with trained professionals who have lived experience of mental health conditions. This unique approach creates authentic understanding and relatable guidance for participants seeking recovery. Services include one-on-one counseling, group sessions, and crisis prevention strategies tailored to individual needs.
Supported Employment
This employment program helps adults with mental health challenges achieve their career goals through personalized job placement and workplace accommodations. We offer resume development, interview preparation, and ongoing employer collaboration to ensure successful employment outcomes. Our approach emphasizes skill-building and confidence development for long-term career sustainability.
Housing Support
Our housing support services provide stable living solutions for individuals facing mental health challenges. The program includes independent living skills training, rental assistance, and case management to maintain housing stability. We work with community partners to ensure safe, affordable housing options across British Columbia.
Seniors Support
Specialized support for seniors addresses mental health needs alongside cognitive challenges like dementia. Services include memory care strategies, social engagement programs, and caregiver support systems. Our approach maintains dignity while improving quality of life for older adults in community settings.
Bridge Center
The Bridge Center serves as a central access point for mental health resources and social connection. Offering daily programs, educational workshops, and recreational activities, it creates a welcoming space for recovery-focused interactions. The center facilitates peer networking and connects participants with specialized services across our organization.
People
Chris Forester
Executive Director
Chris Forester leads ICMHA's strategic direction and program development with extensive mental health sector experience. He oversees advocacy efforts and organizational partnerships while maintaining focus on client-centered service delivery. His leadership emphasizes community integration and systemic improvements in mental healthcare access.
Paula Greene
Director of Programs
Paula Greene manages program implementation and coordinates the Bridge Center's operations. With deep expertise in mental health service delivery, she develops innovative support frameworks that combine professional expertise with lived experience perspectives. She actively participates in public education initiatives about mental health recovery.
Paula Furtado
Director of Housing
Paula Furtado specializes in housing solutions for individuals with mental health challenges. She develops sustainable housing models and oversees residential support programs that promote independent living. Her work focuses on breaking the cycle of homelessness through comprehensive support systems.
Angela Manuel
Director of Finance & IT
Angela Manuel manages financial operations and technology infrastructure at ICMHA. She ensures fiscal responsibility while implementing digital solutions that enhance service delivery. Her expertise in nonprofit financial management supports the organization's growth and operational efficiency.
Janice Nelson
Director of Human Resources
Janice Nelson leads HR operations with focus on staff development and organizational culture. She implements training programs that combine professional skills with lived experience perspectives. Her leadership fosters a supportive work environment that aligns with ICMHA's recovery-oriented mission.
Questions
What mental health programs does ICMHA offer?
We provide peer support, housing assistance, employment services, educational support, and senior-specific programs through our Bridge Center and Licensed Care initiatives.
How can I access ICMHA's services?
Contact our Victoria office during business hours to connect with an intake coordinator who will help determine the most appropriate program for your needs.
Does ICMHA accept donations?
Yes, we welcome donations through our website, mail, or securities transfers. All contributions directly support mental health services in British Columbia communities.
Are services available province-wide?
While based in Victoria, our programs and partnerships serve communities across British Columbia through networked support systems and outreach initiatives.
What makes ICMHA different from other providers?
Our unique combination of lived experience staff, client-centered approach, and comprehensive service network creates personalized recovery pathways that address multiple life domains.
Reviews (1)
Robin H.-W.
Dec 01, 2018
Report
Uptown is noisy and crowded with very few places to sit and just relax. The parking is dangerous it is so confusing. There's almost no directories and even when you do find one they are still very confusing as to where you go to get what you want. Most of the stores are clothing stores that are just repeats of each other. The only draw Uptown has is PetSmart on the upper level.
