Keeping Your Children Healthy
This directory page contains listings for local services and programs for the health and development of children in the Lower Columbia region. Our region boasts a variety of services for young families. In this page you’ll find listings to address physical, mental and developmental health services for your child.
If you would like to talk to someone for help in connecting to the services and programs in our region, please call the Family Action Network at 1-855-368-3707 for assistance.
General Health Services & Programs
Kiro Wellness Centre
Services include:
- Public Health Nurse
- Well Baby Clinics (weigh-ins, immunizations etc.)
- Audiology (hearing checks)
- Speech-Language Program for Early Childhood
- Postpartum services
- Prenatal services
- Nutritionist
- Healthy Families Program
- Options for Sexual Health Clinic
Contact Information
Address:
Kiro Wellness Centre
1500 Columbia Avenue Trail, BC
V1R 1J9
Contact: Public Health Nurse
Phone: 250-364-6200
Email: n/a
Website: www.interiorhealth.ca
Trail Area Health & Environment Program
The Trail Area Health & Environment Program (THEP) is a community-led program promoting healthy living and the environment in the Trail, BC area. It offers free programs to keep children, pregnant women and families healthy and safe regarding smelter metals. This includes helpful information on how to reduce lead exposure at home, improve children’s nutrition, help you renovate safely and support your children’s healthy development. We offer in-home visits, free supplies, information, referrals, soil testing and other support, as needed.
Expectant families and families with children under 3 years can receive an in-home visit from our Healthy Homes Program. This includes soil testing, identifying potential sources of lead exposure indoors and outdoors, and free supplies for keeping the dust down in the house and yard. Our staff will discuss the soil testing results and any yard improvement work or soil remediation that may be warranted.
In the baby’s first 12 months, the family can receive a Healthy Families Program in-home visit from an Interior Health Public Health Nurse. The Public Health Nurse will answer parent’s questions about their children’s healthy development and how to prevent lead exposure. The Public Health Nurse can make referrals to other public health and early learning programs.
If the family is planning or doing a home renovation, we would encourage them to use our Home Renovation Support Program. We provide free lead-safety supplies, loan of HEPA-filtered shop vacuums, advice on preventing lead exposure, and can even come on site and help set up the renovation space in the family’s home.
Please contact the Trail Area Health & Environment Program if you live in Trail or Rivervale and:
- you have children under 3 years of age,
- you’re expecting or have just had a baby,
- you are new to the community and have young children or are expecting.
Contact Information
Address:
1319 Bay Avenue
Trail, BC
V1R 4R7
Contact: THEP Community Programs Office
Phone: 250-368-3256
Email: programs@thep.ca
Website: http://thep.ca
Hope Air
Hope Air provides air transportation for medical appointments for those that can’t otherwise afforad transportation. To request a free flight please vist their website and fill out travel request form.
Contact Information
Address:
102 211 Columbia Street
Vancouver, BC
V6A 2R5
Contact: HOPE Air
Phone: 250-368-3256
Email: programs@thep.ca
Website: http://thep.ca
Kootenay Paediatrics
Kootenay Paediatrics has been caring for children and youth in the Kootenay Boundary region since 2015. Patients with medical, complex medical and mental health needs are seen on a consultative basis. Our pediatricians collaborate closely with sub-specialists at BC Children’s Hospital, ensuring patients have access to medical care otherwise unavailable in a rural community.
To better support the specific needs of our patients, we are happy to be part of several specialized clinics. Diabetes, Asthma and Eating Disorders clinics are offered locally and consist of a team of highly trained individuals who provide exceptional care to patients and their families.
Our Grand Forks outreach clinic has resumed. Due to limited space, families may still be asked to travel to Trail for an in-person office visit.
Contact Information
Phone: 778-456-0030
Email: kootenaypeds@gmail.com
Website: https://kootenaypeds.com/
Aboriginal Services & Programs
COINS (Circle of Indigenous Nations Society)
Services include:
- Metis Traditional Parenting
- Drum circles and talking/sharing circles
- Community Drum Making ceremonies
- Case planning and cultural case management
- Liaison with the Ministry of Children and Family Development
- Coordinated service interventions with other service providers
- Referrals and information about other community services programs (both aboriginal and non-aboriginal)
Contact Information
This program is delivered in various locations, please call to book an appointment.
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone: 250-231-4968
Email: coinations@gmail.com
Website: https://www.coinations.net/
West Kootenay and Boundary Aboriginal Early Years Program
A partnership between Circle of Indigenous Nations Society, Kootenay Kids Society, Kootenay Family Place and Boundary and Individual Services Society. Together we provide a wide range of support and services to Aboriginal children ages 0-6 and their families across the region.
Services include:
- Cultural services and support to Early Years programs
- Coordinate and deliver cultural activities in childcare centres
- Collaborate and partner with other Early Years programs to bring cultural opportunities to children 0-6
- Provide referrals and support for Aboriginal families to access other community resources
- Cultural support and training to non-Aboriginal Early Years staff and agencies working with Aboriginal children and families
Contact Information
This program is delivered in various locations, please call to book an appointment.
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone: 250-231-4968
Email: coinations@gmail.com
Aboriginal Infant Program
Aboriginal Infant and Aboriginal Supported Child Development is a Provincial program that is designed to specifically meet the needs of children with special needs. We recognize that inclusion and providing intervention and support in childcare settings during the early stages of development is important.
Families eligible for services can include birth, extended, adopted and foster families. Aboriginal families can be living on or off reserve, working or going to school or need support in any way with their child’s development.
Contact Information
Please call for appointment.
Contact: Aboriginal Supported Child Development Coordinator
Phone: 250-304-8920
Email: crystal.coinations@gmail.com
MÉTIS Nation BC – Kootenays
In additon to the Métis Family Connections program, which is for Métis families with children birth to 8 years. Métis Nations BC offers a wide range of programs, including housing, business and other family related services. You can find more information on thier website at Métis Nation British Columbia (mnbc.ca)
Contact Information
Phone: 250-360-3775
Email: kootenaysouthcc@mnbc.ca
LGBTQ Services
AIDS Network Kootenay Outreach and Support Society (ANKORS)
ANKORS (AIDS Network Kootenay Outreach and Support Society) provides a multitude of services and can be accessed by phone, mail, email or drop-in to one of their offices. ANKORS programs as based on the belief that services are provided in a non-judgmental manner to ensure an individual’s right to anonymity and access. Serving those living with and at the greatest risk for acquiring HIV/AIDS and/or HCV. ANKORS works with persons who have had difficulty obtaining services elsewhere due to social barriers, race, gender identity, substance use, mental illness, race or ethnicity.
Services include:
- Outreach, support and advocacy for persons living with HIV/AIDS, Hep C and their support persons
- Crisis intervention and counseling for positive individuals and their support
Contact Information
Contact: ANKORS Outreach and Support
Phone: 250-505-5506
Email: support@ankors.bc.ca
Website: http://www.ankors.bc.ca
Trail Opt Clinic
Welcoming new and returning clients with no referral. The Opt clinic provides non-judgmental, youth friendly, pro-choice and sex-positive services for all genders, orientations and ages, focusing on reproductive and sexual health.
Services include:
- PAP test (cervical cancer screening)
- Pregnancy testing and options counseling
- Low-cost contraception
- STI care
Contact Information
Kiro Wellness Centre
1500 Columbia Avenue
Trail, BC
Contact: Kiro Wellness Centre
Phone: 250-364-6219
Website: www.optionsforsexualhealth.org/providers/trail-opt-clinic
Dental Health Services & Programs
Interior Health Dental Program
The Interior Health Dental Program focuses services to children 0-6 years of age in various community settings (Health Centres, Child Development Centres, Community Agencies, Friendship Centers, and Schools). Services include risk assessments for dental decay, fluoride varnish clinics, preschool/daycare kits, school surveys, and presentations targeting high-risk groups and vulnerable populations. Dental staff can be reached and appointments made at your local health center.
Services available include:
- Lift the Lip/Fluoride Varnish Program for children 12-47 months of age. This free program provides preventive education and fluoride varnish applications for children within this age that meet the eligibility requirements.
- Dental Resource Kit for Young Children is available to all licensed daycares/preschools/kindergartens targeted for children 3-5 years of age. It contains story book, videos, activities, and parent take-homes.
Appointments only. Eligibility 0-6 years of age.
Contact Information
Address:
Kiro Wellness Centre
1500 Columbia Avenue
Trail, BC
V1R 1J9
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone: 250-364-6211
Email: Mandy.McGill@interiorhealth.ca
Website: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/FindUs/_layouts/FindUs/info.aspx?type=Service&loc=&svc=Dental%20Health%20Services
Healthy Kids Program
Helps low income families with the costs of basic dental care. Eligible clients include dependent children under 19 years of age who receive Medical Services Plan premium assistance through the Ministry of Health.
Families who have been approved for MSP premium assistance will be signed up with the program.
Contact Information
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone: 1-604-683-7151 (Ministry of Health)
Phone 2: 1-866-866-0800
Website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/premiums
Government of BC – Dental and Orthodontic Services
Emergency dental services for the relief of pain are provided to all recipients of income assistance, disability assistance, and hardship assistance. Dentures are provided to recipients who meet specific eligibility criteria.
Basic dental services, such as restorations, extractions, and preventative services are provided to recipients of income assistance and disability assistance who are eligible for general health supplements. Basic dental services are also provided to children in receipt of BC Employment and Assistance.
Orthodontic services may be available to children in receipt of income assistance or disability assistance and adults with the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation who have severe maxio-facial dental deformities.
Contact Information
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone: 1-800-663-7867
Website: Dental & Orthodontic Services – Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)
Save A Smile
Supports children in need of urgent dental care.
Contact Information
Address:
Kiro Wellness Centre
1500 Columbia Avenue
Trail, BC
V1R 1J9
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone: 250-364-6211
Email: Mandy.McGill@interiorhealth.ca
Website: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/FindUs/_layouts/FindUs/info.aspx?type=Service&loc=&svc=Dental%20Health%20Services
Early Childhood Development Services & Programs
Infant Development Program
For children from birth to 3 years old the Infant Development Program provides family-centered service that is parent-led and works with family strengths and priorities. Services are usually delivered in the child’s home. With the family’s permission, the consultant may work with other professionals in the community to offer necessary services for the child and his or her caregivers.
Referrals can come from any source, including parent, physician, public health nurse or community professional.
Participation is voluntary and free of charge.
Services include:
- Home Visits
- Information on typical and atypical child growth and development
- Child development assessment(s)
- Access to information to enhance parenting skills
- Support to promote secure attachment relationships
- Access to other community resources and supports
- Coordination of services or supporting a family member in this role
- Information on and access to parent/child programs
- Toy and resource lending library (books, videos, CD’s)
Referral Form: KFP Programs Referral Form (online)
Contact Information
Address:
Kootenay Family Place
767 11th Avenue
Castlegar, BC
V1N 1J7
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone: 778-460-5097
Email: idp@kootenayfamilyplace.org
Website: http://kootenayfamilyplace.org/programs/early-intervention/west-kootenay-infant-development-program
Resources and Support for Children with Disabilities
Supported Child Development
For children up to age 12 with additional needs, the Supported child Development Program provides extra support to families. The program is funded through the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
Referrals may come from any source, including parent, physician, public health nurse or community professional.
Participation is voluntary and free of charge.
Provides the following services to support children, families, and child care providers:
- Individual planning for child’s development
- Training and information for families and care providers
- Resources (books, toys and specialized equipment)
- Referrals to other services such as therapists or specialists
- Where necessary and possible, additional staffing to ensure that children may participate fully in community early learning programs
Referral Form:
KFP Programs Referral Form (online)
Contact Information
Address:
Kootenay Family Place
767 11th Avenue
Castlegar, BC
V1N 1J7
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone: 778-460-5095
Email: supcc@kootenayfamilyplace.org
Website: https://kootenayfamilyplace.org/childrens-services/supported-child-development/
Kootenay Family Place Early Intervention Services
Kootenay Family Place offers therapy for families with children who require specialized assistance. Therapy services at Kootenay Family Place Early Intervention ServicesKootenay Family Place aim to enhance the skills of children so that they can actively participate in areas such as play, learning and self care. Therapists work under a family centered care model that recognizes parents know their child best and it is through the family that a child’s needs are met.
Therapy Programs are child centered. The location of treatment depends on the setting that best meets the child’s needs. A child may be seen at home, in the KFP Therapy room, preschool or where appropriate.
Services available to Lower Columbia region families are Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy.
The Physiotherapy Program is funded by the Ministry for Children and Family Development to work with all children with gross motor and mobility issues up to the age of five years. A child may be eligible for services if they exhibit delays in reaching gross motor milestones, have issues with walking or balance, or if parents have concerns regarding the physical health of their child. Other common referral reasons are: Infant torticollis, plagiocephaly and flat feet.
The Occupational Therapy Program is funded by the Ministry for Children and Family Development to work with children from birth through to entry into Kindergarten who display a delay or risk of delay in the following areas:
- Sensory Processing
- Self Help Skills (eating, dressing, play, social interaction, grooming, learning)
- Fine Motor Skills
- Gross Motor Skills
- Visual Motor and Perceptual Skills
- Ocular Motor Skills
Speech & Language Pathology program (SLP) for children 0-5 years. The Pediatric SLPs work with children and their families on a wide variety of communication skills.
- Articulation
- Stuttering
- Expressive Language
- Receptive Language
- Social communication and Autism
- Feeding
- Assistive and Augmentative Communication
- Cleft lip and palate
Referral Form:
KFP Programs Referral Form (PDF)
Contact Information
Address:
Kootenay Family Place
767 11th Avenue
Castlegar, BC
V1N 1J7
Phone number 250-365-8448
Physiotherapy Program Contact
Contact: Physiotherapist
Phone: 778-460-5106
Email: physio@kootenayfamilyplace.org
Website: https://kootenayfamilyplace.org/childrens-services/therapy/
Occupational Therapy Program Contact
Contact: Occupational Therapist
Phone: 778-460-5107
Email: ot@kootenayfamilyplace.org
Website: https://kootenayfamilyplace.org/childrens-services/therapy/
Speech and Language Therapy Program Contact
Contact: SLP Therapist
Phone: 778-460-5098
Email: speech@kootenayfamilyplace.org
Website: https://kootenayfamilyplace.org/childrens-services/therapy/
OCAI – Okanagan Centre for Autism Intervention (local Trail office)
We provide individualized Early Intensive Behavior Intervention (EIBI) programming for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and support for children over 6 years old diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Services include:
- Initial Assessment for programming
- Development of Individualized Early Intensive Behavior Intervention
- Development of individualized behavior intervention plan (Ages 6 and up)
- Monitor and evaluate child’s progress
- Develop and implement Positive Behavior Support plans
- Parent workshops
- Sibling workshops
- Social Skills groups
Contact Information
Okanagan Centre for Autism Intervention
Phone: 250-801-0820
Email: autismservices@shaw.ca
Contact: Behavior Consultant
Phone(1): 250-231-6749
Phone (2): 250-505-9080
Website: www.ocai.ca
Speech and Language Program
Provides therapies for the prevention, identification, assessment and treatment of communication difficulties for children from birth to school entry. Interior Health speech language pathologists help with issues such as stuttering, voice, or hearing problems, pronunciation, language comprehension and use and social communication.
Services include:
- Helping families to plan approaches that work with family priorities & obligations
- Offering training for families and other caregivers to help children learn improved ways to talk
- Connecting families to other supports
- Checking children’s speech and language progress on an ongoing basis
- Children from birth to preschool-age can be referred by parents or health care professionals with parents’ consent. Families with children who are about to enter kindergarten should contact the school district for service.
Contact Information
Address:
Kiro Wellness Centre
1500 Columbia Avenue
Trail, BC
V1R 1J9
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone: 250-364-6213
Website: Interior Health SLP
Children and Youth with Special Needs
Children and Youth with Special Needs services are voluntary to parents raising a child with a Special Need. A division of the Ministry of Community and Family Development (MCFD), Children & Youth with Special Needs Social Workers are a family’s connection to the Autism Funding Branch, the At Home Program, and other Family Support Services.
CYSN helps families work through the unique challenges associated with parenting a Special Needs Child and offer family-centered services that will best meet the needs of the child.
Contact Information
Address:
Ministry of Children and Family Development
278 – 1051 Farwell Street
Trail, BC
V1R 4S9
Contact: CYSN Social Worker, Kootenay Boundary
Phone: 250-364-0540
Kootenay SLP
Movin’ Mountains therapy services are located in Trail BC. All services listed are private, fee for use. At Movin’ Mountains we believe that play-based therapies help kids succeed and support their needs. We all learn best and retain new information when we are experiencing a positive emotion. Your child will love to come to sessions and won’t even realize all the work that their brains and bodies are doing to grow. Whether at Movin’ Mountains, your home or in the community, all therapies are tailored to your family’s goals. At Movin’ Mountains we offer many services for adults as well. These include physiotherapy, occupational therapy and clinical counselling. We are committed to meeting needs in our community, and providing services that are difficult to access or are not otherwise offered in our community. We are excited to empower you move your own mountains, and return to the activities of life that you enjoy.
Services include:
- Paediatric/Adult Clinical Counseling
- Paediatric/Adult Occupational Therapy
- Paediatric/Adult Physiotherapy
- Paediatric/Adult Speech & Language Therapy
- Group Programs
- Workshops
Contact Information
Address
1159 Pine Ave. Trail, British Columbia
Contact:
Phone: 778-456-0020
Email: info@movinmountainstherapy.com
Website: http://movinmountainstherapy.com
Family Support Institute of BC
The Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) is a provincial not for profit society committed to supporting families who have a family member with a disability.
FSI is unique in Canada and the only grass roots family-to-family organization with a broad volunteer base.
FSI’s supports and services are FREE to any family.
Contact Information
Contact: Stephanie Lem
Phone: 1-800-441-5403
Email:
Website: https://familysupportbc.com
Mental Health Resources for Children and Families
Kelty Mental Health
Peer support from FamilySmart Parent Peer Support workers – learn more about peer support at the Kelty Centre.
Information and resources on a wide range of mental health and substance use challenges affecting children and youth, as well as how to support your child’s mental-wellbeing.
Help navigating the mental health and substance use system.
Options for support, treatment and networks in BC.
Resources for individuals of any age with an eating disorder or a disordered eating concern.
Free educational events and webinars for parents and caregivers, and school professionals.
Learn more about what the Kelty Centre offers, as well as our background and partners, here
Contact Information
Address:
Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre
BC Children’s Hospital
Healthy Minds Centre, Entrance #85
Room P3-302, 3rd Floor, 4500 Oak Street
Vancouver, BC, V6H 3N1
Contact:
Phone: 1-800-665-1822
Email: keltycentre@cw.bc.ca
Website: keltymentalhealth.ca
Family Smart BC
We committed ourselves over 20 years ago to child and youth mental health and our commitment has only grown over time. Exceptional care and caring is what children, youth and families deserve and it’s what we stay committed to.We help children and young people by helping their family and other caring adults.We know children and young people do better when the adults who care about
them are supported.
Contact Information
Address:
PO Box 91697,
West Vancouver, BC V7V 3P3
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone: 1-855-877-8004
Email: info@familysmart.ca
Website: https://familysmart.ca/
Child and Youth Mental Health Services
CYMH works with children, youth up to 19 years old and their families. Some of the key mental health issues addressed by CYMH include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, other mood disorders, some problematic and risk behaviours, infant mental health, self-harm behaviour and suicidality.
Families can self-refer to these services.
A walk-in intake clinic is held each week on Thursdays from 1pm-3pm.
Contact Information
Address:
Ministry of Children and Family Development
278 – 1051 Farwell Street
Trail, BC
V1R 4S9
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone: 250-364-0540
Website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/data-monitoring-quality-assurance/find-service-for-children-teens-families/sda-trail
Kootenay Boundary Map for Child/Youth Mental Health Services
KB Searchlight is an initiative of the Kootenay Boundary Action Team, coordinated locally by Kootenay Boundary Division of Family Practice and hosted by partner agency, Kootenay Family Place. Other action team members include families, doctors, mental health counsellors, school administrators, health authority staff, community agencies and more. Whether your child is dealing with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance use, or suicidal thoughts, we can help link you to the right services in your community.
Contact Information
Mental Health Services for Children and Youth (PDF)
Download Mental Health Services for Children and Youth PDF.
Contact Information
Address
1159 Pine Ave. Trail, British Columbia
Contact:
Phone: 778-456-0020
Email: info@movinmountainstherapy.com
Website: http://movinmountainstherapy.com
Kootenay Clinical Counselling
help clients address and overcome life issues related to: anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), autism (ASD), suicidal thoughts and actions, substance use and addictions, men’s issues, career planning, relationship issues (couples counselling is not provided at this time), existential crisis, gender identity and formation, interpersonal and family issues (parent training and support), grief and loss, abuse, and trauma. I am a member of open path which provide affordable counselling options to accommodate those in financial need. You can apply and view my profile on that site here.
Kooteany Clinical Counselling accepts Autism Funding.
Therapies Used:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Solution Focused Therapy (SFT)
- Narrative Therapy
- Attachment Theory
- Trauma-Informed Therapy
- Ecotherapy
Contact Information
Contact: Kootenay Counselling
Phone: 250-362-5035
2038 Washington Ave, Rossland BC
Email: info@kootenaycounselling.ca
Website: www.kootenaycounselling.ca
BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services
The Provincial Assessment Centre (PAC) provides multidisciplinary mental health services for people with a developmental disability, and a concurrent mental health concern or behaviour issue.
Eligibility criteria
The potential client must be 14 years of age or older and:
- Have a dual diagnosis of a developmental disability, psychiatric and/or behaviour issue
- Be assigned to a Community Living BC (CLBC) facilitator or analyst, or in the case of youth, a Ministry of Child and Family Services staff member
- Be followed by CLBC, or be CLBC-eligible in the case of youth
In addition:
- Caregivers and support networks agree with the referral
- A personal support plan is in place
- They are medically stable at the time of admission
- There is a plan for the individual to successfully return to their home and community
- Everyone involved in the potential client’s care understands that PAC offers short term assessments (two weeks to three months). The program does not offer long term assessment
Community Living BC facilitators or analysts may refer clients to the program. For youth, referrals can come from Ministry of Children and Family Development staff.
Website: https://www.bcmhsus.ca/health-professionals/make-referral/provincial-assessment-centre-referrals
Please contact the Provincial Assessment Centre before you fill out the referral package.
Contact Information
Phone: 604-660-0228 ext. 336525 or
Email: PACReferrals@phsa.ca