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Resources

Recovery is possible but very challenging thus early intervention is critical to prevent further and sustained illness.  Comprehensive treatment, and strong support networks significantly improve outcomes. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, knowing the facts and available resources is a crucial first step. We hope these resources can be helpful. If you know of others please, reach out to us via the project email.

Image by Zoshua Colah

Disclaimer

​This page provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please seek immediate help from a healthcare provider or emergency services. While we include external resources for support, we do not endorse specific programs or services. Some content may be triggering; prioritize your well-being and reach out to a trusted professional if needed.

Getting Help

Getting Help

If you or someone you know is in crisis or need urgent support, reach out immediately.

9-1-1 or 9-8-8: For emergencies or acute mental health crises, call 911 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Don’t hesitate to seek emergency help if someone’s life is at risk.​​​​

National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC)​​​​

NEDIC is Canada’s source for eating disorder education and support. It guides people to trustworthy information and resources relevant to their situation. NEDIC operates the country’s only national toll-free eating disorders helpline and online chat service, providing support, information, and referrals to individuals across Canada affected by eating disorders​​​​

  • Website: nedic.ca

  • Helpline: 1-866-NEDIC-20 (1-866-633-4220) or 416-340-4156 (hours vary by day)

  • Email: nedic@uhn.ca (for non-urgent inquiries)

National Initiative for Eating Disorders (NIED)

NIED is a Canadian non-profit coalition that focuses on education, understanding, and action on eating disorders. “NIED exists to give hope and support to individuals with an eating disorder and their caregivers.” It does this by developing and sharing educational resources, participating in research, and advocating for better support and treatment for Canadians affected by eating disorders. NIED offers webinars, support groups (e.g. for caregivers), and works to influence policy as part of a national eating disorder strategy.

  • Website: nied.ca

  • Email: info@nied.ca (general inquiries; NIED also lists specific contacts for programs on their site)

  • Services: Educational webinars, caregiver resources (e.g. Initial Point of Contact program), advocacy campaigns, and a blog with the latest research and personal stories.

Looking Glass Foundation for Eating Disorders

Looking Glass Foundation is a BC-based organization supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. They offer innovative, accessible programs and services that help reduce isolation and instill hope in recovery. Programs include Bridge the Gap (affordable recovery-focused counselling), Hand in Hand (mentor support), online peer support groups, and the Looking Glass Residence (a 14-bed residential treatment facility for ages 16–24 in a home-like setting). Looking Glass welcomes individuals of all genders and backgrounds at any stage of their recovery journey, providing a community of care and hope.

Embody (Jessie’s Legacy Eating Disorders Prevention)

Embody (formerly Jessie’s Legacy) is a provincial program in BC focused on eating disorder prevention and awareness. It provides tools and resources to address disordered eating, body image issues, mental health, weight stigma, and self-compassion for children and youth. Embody equips parents, caregivers, educators, and health professionals with trusted, evidence-based resources to support young people before they develop an eating disorder. The program offers fact sheets, toolkits, videos, webinars, and the "Love Our Bodies, Love Ourselves" body image campaign, and it spearheads BC’s annual Provincial Eating Disorders Awareness Week (PEDAW).

  • Website: embodybc.com (Resource hub for parents, professionals, youth)

  • Email: embody@familyservices.bc.ca (Program of Family Services of the North Shore)

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General Mental Health Resources

HeretoHelp (BC Partners Mental Health & Substance Use Information)

HeretoHelp is a BC-based project that provides evidence-based information, self-help tools, and links to services for mental health and substance use. Its website features plain-language info sheets, workbooks, personal stories, and screening self-tests to help individuals manage mental health or substance use challenges. HeretoHelp was created by a group of seven non-profit agencies (the BC Partners) working together to ensure people have access to quality information on mental health, mental illness, and addiction issues. Topics covered range from depression, anxiety, and eating disorders to substance use, bipolar disorder, and more. The site also hosts the Visions Journal magazine and links to support services in BC.

  • Website: heretohelp.bc.ca

  • Email: bcpartners@heretohelp.bc.ca (for information or resource questions)

  • Key Features: Fact sheets in multiple languages, mental health screening quizzes, Q&A section, resource library, and referral information.

  • BC Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789 (no area code needed, 24/7 emotional support and resource referral)...this provincial phone line is frequently referenced on HeretoHelp

Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre

The BC Children’s Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre helps families across the province navigate the youth mental health system, find resources, and connect with peer support to promote wellness. It is a free, provincial information and resource hub for children, youth and their caregivers, as well as professionals. Kelty provides mental health and substance use information, offers parent peer support workers (who can speak with families by phone, email, or in-person), and helps families find services in BC. The centre’s website includes a vast library of resources (videos, podcasts, websites, book lists), information on a range of mental health conditions (including eating disorders), and tools like the Ask Kelty Q&A and Kelty’s Help Finder.

  • Website: keltymentalhealth.ca

  • Toll-Free: 1-800-665-1822 (Monday–Friday, 9:30am–5:00pm)

  • Local Phone: 604-875-2084 (Vancouver)

  • Email: keltycentre@cw.bc.ca

  • Services: Information and resources on child/youth mental health and eating disorders, peer support for parents, help with system navigation (no referral needed; families and professionals can contact Kelty for guidance)

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Youth and Student Resources

Foundry BC (Integrated Youth Health Services)

Foundry is a province-wide network of integrated health and wellness services for young people ages 12–24 in British Columbia. Foundry centers provide five core services under one roof: mental health care, substance use services, primary physical health care, social services, and youth and family peer supports. This one-stop model means youth can access counselling, medical care, groups, and supports without having to navigate multiple systems. There are 17 local Foundry centres across BC, and youth anywhere in the province can also access services virtually through the Foundry BC app and online tools. Foundry’s approach is to make it as easy as possible for young people to find help, whether by walking into a centre, connecting online, or using peer support...no referral or appointment needed.

  • Website: foundrybc.ca (online resources and service locator)

  • Foundry Virtual Services: Access via the Foundry BC app or call 1-833-308-6379 to book virtual counseling and peer support.

  • Services: Drop-in and by-appointment counseling, primary care (doctor or nurse), social services (employment, housing support), peer support, youth groups and workshops, and family support.

Here2Talk (BC Post-Secondary Student Helpline)

Here2Talk is a free, confidential 24/7 counselling and referral service for all post-secondary students in British Columbia. Through Here2Talk, any student currently registered in a BC college, university, or institute (in Canada or abroad) can connect with a trained counselor by phone, online chat, or mobile app at any time. The service is provided in multiple languages and can help students address issues such as stress, anxiety, loneliness, relationships, or any mental health challenge...no issue is too big or too small. Here2Talk is funded by the BC government to ensure students have access to immediate support around the clock, complementing on-campus counseling resources.

  • Website/App: here2talk.ca (online chat and resources; mobile app available on iOS/Android)

  • Phone (24/7): 1-877-857-3397 (toll-free within Canada); +1 604-642-5212 (if calling from outside Canada)

  • Languages: English plus Mandarin, Punjabi, French, and others via qualified counselors or translation.

  • Note: There is no session limit...students can use Here2Talk as often as needed, and no appointment is required.

UBC Student Health and Wellness (Counselling Services)

UBC provides on-campus health and wellness services to support students’ mental health at both its Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. At UBC Vancouver, Counselling Services is the first point of contact for student mental health concerns – students can book a same-day “Wellness Advising” session where a counselor will assess their needs, provide support, and connect them to appropriate care or resources. Services include individual counseling (single-session or short-term model), group therapy programs, workshops, and referrals to campus or community resources.

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At UBC Okanagan, the Health & Wellness Centre (UNC 337) offers counseling, mental health nursing, and doctor services for students. The center provides free confidential counselling with professionals to help with anything from stress and anxiety to crisis support. UBCO students can call or visit to make an appointment; same-day drop-in times are often available. Both campuses also offer online self-help tools, peer support programs, and after-hours support through services like Here2Talk.

  • Website (UBC Vancouver): students.ubc.ca/health – information on mental health services, how to book counselling, and self-help resources.

  • Counselling Appointment (UBC Vancouver): Call 604-822-3811 for same-day Wellness Advising or counseling sessions. Located at UBC Counselling Services (Brock Hall).

  • Website (UBC Okanagan): students.ok.ubc.ca/health-wellness – details on Health & Wellness services in Kelowna.

  • Health & Wellness Centre (UBCO) Contact: 250-807-9270 (Kelowna) for appointments with counselors or doctors; located in University Centre 337.

  • Additional Support: UBC students also have access to 24/7 support via Here2Talk, and faculty/staff have an Employee Assistance Program for mental health (EFAP).

Third Space Charity – Supportive Counselling (Kelowna)

Third Space (Third Space Life Charity) is a Kelowna-based non-profit that provides low-barrier counselling to young adults and students in the Okanagan community. Third Space offers a safe, inclusive space (in-person or online) for individuals 18 to 29 years old to process thoughts and feelings with the help of trained counselors. Every counseling session is either free or pay-what-you-can, ensuring cost isn’t a barrier to getting support. The unique model of Third Space also serves as a training program – graduate-level counselling interns (supervised by registered clinical counselors) deliver the services, meaning clients receive high-quality support while “the counsellors of tomorrow” gain experience. Common issues addressed include anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, and relationship challenges. By combining youth-focused therapy and clinical training, Third Space Charity increases mental health accessibility in the Central Okanagan.

  • Website: thirdspacecanada.org (Third Space Charity)

  • Counselling Intake: Interested clients (age 18–29 in Central Okanagan) can apply for supportive counselling via an online form on the website. No referral needed.

  • Location: 1708 Dolphin Ave #104, Kelowna, BC

  • Phone: 250-800-0720 (Main office)

  • Email: info@thirdspacecanada.org

  • Hours: Mon–Fri, by appointment. Services offered both in-person in Kelowna and virtually (to reach those in remote areas of the Okanagan if needed).

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Recovery & Self-Help Tools

The following downloadable tools can support individuals in their recovery journey. They may be used alongside guidance from a healthcare provider or treatment team.

Hunger and Fullness Scale

A mindful eating tool that helps individuals practice listening to their hunger and fullness cues. This scale can be used to rate hunger and fullness on daily food logs, supporting a healthier relationship with eating.

Recovery Directed Eating (RDE) Card

Developed by the Center for Change, this resource includes a 0-10 hunger/fullness scale and an overview of the Recovery Directed Eating levels: Highly Structured Meals, Self-Plating/Family Style, and Intuitive Eating. Each level builds skills such as trusting the dietitian, learning body trust, and eating mindfully.

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Clinical & Practice Guidelines

These Canadian practice guidelines summarize the latest evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of eating disorders in children and adolescents. They were developed by experts across Canada and are available in both English and French for youth, caregivers, and clinicians.

To explore all documents and updates, visit the Canadian Practice Guidelines website.

English Versions:

French Versions:

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For Healthcare Providers & Clinicians

The following resources are designed to support clinicians, healthcare providers, and treatment teams in delivering evidence-based, weight-inclusive, and compassionate care to individuals affected by eating disorders.

A Guide to the Community Management of Paediatric Eating Disorders (Canadian Paediatric Society)

This position statement from the Canadian Paediatric Society supports community-based healthcare providers in recognizing, diagnosing, and treating eating disorders in children and adolescents. It is an especially useful reference from a diagnosis and investigations standpoint, with practical tables covering screening questions, a focused eating disorder history, initial laboratory workup, degrees of malnutrition, potential medical complications, and criteria for hospitalization. It also reviews the core principles of family-based treatment and offers guidance on nutrition, activity, and supporting families through recovery, pairing well with the treatment-focused Canadian Practice Guidelines featured above.

FREEDcan (Early Intervention for Eating Disorders)

FREEDcan is a Canadian early intervention model for eating disorders, led by the CHEO Research Institute and adapted for community treatment and primary care settings that serve young people ages 8 to 25. The model emphasizes routine screening and rapid connection to care for youth in the early stages of an eating disorder, and is currently being piloted at sites across the country, including in Ontario, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, and BC/Yukon. For healthcare trainees, clinicians, and other staff in youth-serving settings, the website offers free virtual training (Level 1: Become Eating Disorder Informed and Level 2: Screening, Assessment, and Initial Response), drop-in coaching sessions, and a For Professionals section with practice tools, guides, and the research behind the model. Resource pages for youth and families are also available.

Eating Disorder Language Guide for Healthcare Providers

Originally developed for Manitoba healthcare providers, this practical guide offers suggestions for implementing weight-inclusive language when talking about weight, disease management, and behaviour changes with patients. It includes a helpful "Instead of…/Try this!" framework covering six key guidelines: avoiding comments on appearance, challenging assumptions based on body size, addressing medical conditions the same way for people of all sizes, avoiding generic diet advice, recognizing that eating disorders cannot be diagnosed by appearance, and screening for eating disorders before prescribing weight loss medications.

Safe Exercise at Every Stage 2 (SEES-2)

A clinical guideline for treating and managing maladaptive movement in eating disorder treatment, authored by Danika Quesnel and Marita Cooper. SEES-2 provides clinicians with an evidence-based framework for addressing exercise-related behaviours across the stages of eating disorder recovery.

Safe Exercise at Every Stage: Youth (SEES-Y)

A companion guideline specifically focused on managing activity in youth with an eating disorder, authored by Marita Cooper, Danika Quesnel, and Maria Fernandez-del-Valle. SEES-Y addresses the unique considerations of physical activity in younger populations during eating disorder treatment.

GLP-1 Agonist Medications: Informed Consent Resource

Created by Medical Students for Size Inclusivity (MSSI), this resource provides comprehensive information about GLP-1 receptor agonist medications (such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro) to support full informed consent. It addresses common claims about these medications, discusses side effects and research limitations, and highlights the importance of screening for eating disorders before prescribing weight loss medications. The resource also outlines alternative, evidence-based approaches to improving health that do not focus on weight loss.

Image by Zoshua Colah
Funding and Support

Funding Acknowledgment

This work was supported by a UBC Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund (TLEF) Innovation Grant. We extend our sincere gratitude to the UBC Vancouver students, whose direct investment of a portion of their tuition makes this unique initiative possible. Established in 1991, the TLEF empowers projects that enhance the learning experience, fueling the creation of new resources and teaching methods to improve education for future healthcare professionals.

 

To learn more about the TLEF and its impact, please visit the official TLEF website.

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