Access and Assessment Centre (AAC)

The Access and Assessment Centre (AAC) helps individuals and families access mental health and substance use services in Vancouver. The AAC is located in the Joseph & Rosalie Segal & Family Health Centre at Vancouver General Hospital. Services include referral intake, on-site assessment, crisis intervention, and short-term treatment. 

The goal is to match a person’s needs to the right services and resources at the right time. We strive to provide low-barrier access to client-centred care and support.

Access and intake process

Call or walk in to initiate your care through the AAC. Intake will begin with a screening and assessment conducted by an AAC clinician (nurse, social worker or MHSU clinician). The clinician will then determine the appropriate care pathway in collaboration with the client and caregivers. This applies to any client contacting AAC as a walk-in or by phone. Most people do not see a psychiatrist on their first visit to the clinic unless the client requires urgent intervention and is likely in need of hospitalization. The wait times for walk-in clients can be highly variable and unpredictable.

Translation services are available at AAC as needed. Translators are available either in person, virtually, or by phone.

Eligibility

Vancouver residents aged 17 and over experiencing non-life threatening mental health and substance use issues.

Contact information and hours

Walk-in: 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. 7 days a week
Phone availability: 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 365 days a year
Phone: (604) 675-3700
Fax: (604) 675-3705
Address: Joseph & Rosalie Segal Family Health Centre 803 West 12th Avenue, Level 1

We are honoured at the Access and Assessment Centre to provide an accessible, integrated, interdisciplinary coordinated continuum of care as a single point of service access for adults in Vancouver. As psychiatrists, we conduct comprehensive assessments utilizing non-urgent, urgent and emergency inventions with the aims of early service provision and fostering stability in the community. We are a group of experienced physicians with a keen desire to help others and various interest areas and specialty backgrounds. 

Services can be provided by phone, in the office, virtually or by outreach.

• Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) assessments.
• Referral to Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) MHSU services.
• Information and support to access VCH Addictions Services.
• Admissions to Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) inpatient psychiatry.
• Crisis intervention and support.

Family support

Any family, caregiver, or concerned other can call AAC to report concerns, provide information and request services for a person requiring mental health intervention. Family, caregivers or concerned others can also receive information, education and support. AAC can inform and collaborate with family and caregivers within the limitations of maintaining client confidentiality. 

• prescription refills
• counselling or referral to counselling services
• ADHD assessments
• referral to private psychiatrists as this must be provided through a family physician
• medical notes for work or school (can be provided by a family physician)
• housing applications
• disability applications
• court-ordered assessments
• second opinion