BC Children’s Hospital offers a comprehensive mental health program for children and youth experiencing severe emotional distress or serious psychiatric symptoms. Our services cover a range of needs from emergency care to inpatient programs and specialized services, including the off-campus eating disorder treatment provided through the Looking Glass Residence. Services are fully covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) for residents of British Columbia and the Yukon.
For children and youth not admitted to the hospital, our outpatient specialty clinics address a wide array of mental health conditions, with treatment provided during weekday daytime hours. Subspecialty areas include Mood and Anxiety, Neuropsychiatry, Gender, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Eating Disorders, and more.
We also have psychologists involved in assessment across a variety of teams including Child Protection Team, Sunnyhill Health Centre, Generation Health Clinic, and Neonatal Follow-up Clinic.
Our inpatient mental health services provide specialized care for children and adolescents within the following units:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Emergency Unit
- Child Psychiatry Unit
- Adolescent Psychiatry Unit
- Eating Disorders Unit
We also have psychologists available across multiple inpatient medical settings, including:
- Medical, surgical, and intensive care units
- Acute Rehab Unit
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
The Psychology Department at BC Children’s Hospital offers diverse training programs in clinical psychology, including practicum placements, internships/residencies, and post-doctoral fellowships. Training occurs on-site at BC Children’s Hospital or Sunny Hill Health Centre, providing rich learning opportunities in an academic medical setting.
Our practicum program was named "Best Practicum Site" by the University of British Columbia in 2017 and 2021. Practicum positions begin in September of each year, and last 10-12 months, with flexibility to extend for additional summer clinical experience. Candidates should have completed a master's degree in a CPA-accredited program (Canadian Psychological Association), have supervised experience with children and youth, and have completed a Child Assessment course.
- General Practicum Positions: These roles are tailored to trainee interests, offering experience in both mental health and pediatric psychology. Practicum students gain exposure to clinical assessment, intervention, and a variety of teaching rounds, seminars, and workshops within the hospital.
- Our residency program provides extensive training in psychological assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation, supporting children and families with challenges such as pain management, disability, and the stresses of illness. Accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association, the program was re-accredited in 2017/2018 for six years.
- We offer clinical and research-focused post-doctoral fellowships through the Psychology Department and the Healthy Minds programs, depending on funding availability.
Positions require either a master’s or doctoral degree in Psychology and registration with the College of Psychologists of British Columbia. We also prefer candidates with experience in pediatric or health care settings, particularly for positions involving mental health.
Most Psychology roles operate Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some evening work for group programs. Inpatient services run 24/7 for crisis and emergency care.
Our Psychologists work with a diverse patient base, from infants and children to adolescents and their families, helping them navigate complex medical and mental health journeys.
