Residents of Kamloops experiencing mental-health or substance-use crises now have access to an innovative, compassionate mobile crisis response team designed to provide timely, empathetic support and connect individuals to vital services.
The Crisis Response, Community-Led (CRCL) team officially launched publicly this week after a soft launch earlier in February. The team is a partnership between the Canadian Mental Health Association BC Division and the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society, the latter delivering the service locally.
“This is a really exciting development for Kamloops,” said Josie Osborne, BC’s Minister of Health, during an interview with Radio NL. “CRCL pairs mental health counsellors and clinical workers with people who have lived experience of mental health challenges. Together, they meet people in crisis with care and compassion — providing support that can truly make a difference.”
The mobile CRCL team serves anyone aged 13 and older experiencing crises such as suicidal thoughts, self-harm, panic, anxiety, or distressing behaviors. The team offers trauma-informed, culturally safe support and works to de-escalate situations, ensure immediate safety, and connect clients with long-term resources.
A key benefit of CRCL is its ability to reduce the demand on police and emergency departments. “Since January 2023, CRCL teams across B.C. have responded to over 10,000 calls, with 99% of those resolved without police involvement,” Osborne noted. “This allows law enforcement to focus on crime prevention and public safety, while crisis responders provide the specialized care people need.”
Currently, the Kamloops CRCL operates from noon to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday, staffed by nine full-time employees and casual workers. Plans are underway to expand the service’s hours to evenings and weekends as the team grows. “Over time, they’re going to be expanding out adding to their team so that they can expand their hours,” said Osborne. “They have two teams, sort of a day and a night or a kind of an early afternoon and a late afternoon, I guess. These teams respond to phone calls that come in, they go out to the person in crisis, and they’re right there on the ground with them listening and helping in any way that they can.”
Amanda McGillvray, a CRCL worker in Kamloops, described the program’s impact: “CRCL humanizes mental health by meeting people as human beings first, not just as cases in crisis. Those moments of trust, respect, and kindness stay with you.”
The Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society’s executive director, Cal Albright, emphasized the importance of culturally inclusive care. “We are honoured to provide this much-needed crisis program to everyone in Kamloops — whether you’re homeless, a university student, or anywhere in between.”
CRCL was first established in 2021 in North and West Vancouver and has since expanded to Victoria, New Westminster, Prince George, Comox Valley, and now Kamloops. The program forms part of B.C.’s Safer Communities Action Plan, aiming to build safe, healthy communities through enhanced mental health and substance use supports.
Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health and Addictions Amna Shah added, “Feeling supported and safe during a crisis can make all the difference. Kamloops residents can now access compassionate responders ready to listen and guide them to care.”
As Kamloops’ CRCL continues to grow, it embodies a model of crisis care focused on dignity, empathy, and community connection — a vital lifeline for people navigating some of their most vulnerable moments.
