Short Term Assessment Response Treatment (START) - Team

The Short Term Assessment Response Treatment (START) team provides in-community assessments and has three community offices in the Fraser Health region. Our central contact number (1-844-782-7811) will connect you with the START team that serves the area where you live.

Our Services

Our services are focused on the individual needs of the young person and are family centred. When you first call START, you can expect to be asked questions about your concerns to determine whether START can help.

Our services may include:

• In-person or virtual mental health and safety assessment
• Brief treatment that could include individual therapy, group sessions and/or further assessment by a psychiatrist
• Professional consultation
• Family support
• Referral and transition to longer-term community services as required

A mental health crisis does not necessarily require attending the hospital emergency department. Children and teens in crisis often can be effectively supported in the community.

Call START before visiting your hospital’s emergency department (unless immediate medical attention is required).

When to call START

A mental health and substance use crisis is potentially being experienced when there is a rapid onset or change (in the last two - four weeks) of mental health and substance use symptoms, resulting in the youth being unable to participate in their daily activities or relationships. This may include: suicidal thoughts or attempts, self-harming, intense anxiety or depression or high risk of significantly harming others, an inability to stop using substance, continued use despite health issues, increased tolerance (e.g. need to use more to have the same effect), risk taking, overdose(s) or withdrawal symptoms.

Anyone can book an appointment with START, including youth, families, schools, community supports and medical professionals by contacting the START Team at 1-844-START11 (1-844-782-7811).

Urgent support outside of START’s office hours

• Kids help phone: 1-800-668-6868
• Fraser Health Crisis Line: 604-951-8855 / 1-877-820-7444

Other support in the community

• Call 911 when a child or teen requires immediate medical attention or there is a significant threat of serious physical harm to yourself or others.
• Contact Child and Youth Mental Health Services for children or teens with prolonged mental health concerns that do not require immediate help. Find locations and contact information on the Government of BC's webpage.
• Visit Foundrybc.ca to get educated, access self-care tools and find website links on teen mental health. It also provides virtual drop-in counselling for both teens and their caregivers as well as groups.