Reprinted from the Involuntary Treatment: Tensions and choices issue of Visions Journal, 2025, 21 (2), p. 44
Independent Rights Advice Service
Independent Rights Advice Service (IRAS) provides information and help to people receiving involuntary care under the Mental Health Act. Rights advisors explain your rights as a patient and explain the Review Board process, help you request a review of your involuntary status and detention or a second medical opinion, and help you access a lawyer or other legal support (including legal aid, if you need it). IRAS is available to patients detained in a facility as well as patients on extended leave. Patients may have a friend or family member with them during the rights advice meeting if they wish to do so.
To learn more about accessing IRAS for yourself, a loved one, or a patient:
- Visit irasbc.ca
- Print information about IRAS and legal rights (available in several languages) at irasbc.ca/printable-materials
To learn more about your rights under the Mental Health Act, see Your Rights under BC's Mental Health Act: What you can do if you're certified as an involuntary patient from IRAS: heretohelp.bc.ca/infosheet/your-rights-under-bcs-mental-health-act
Legal representation and advice
Community Legal Assistance Society
Representation for people who have an upcoming Mental Health Review Board hearing under the Mental Health Act or Criminal Code Review Board hearing. Visit clasbc.net/get-legal-help/mental-health-law or call 604-685-3425 (1-888-685-6222 toll-free) to learn more.
Legal Aid Mental Health Assistance Line
Information about legal matters related to mental health law and representation for those who qualify. Find your local legal aid location at legalaid.bc.ca/contact/locations or call 604-235-1338 in Greater Vancouver or 1-844-235-1338 in the rest of BC (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm and Wednesday from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm).
BC First Nations Justice Council
Culturally appropriate information, advice, support, and representation for Indigenous people. Find an Indigenous Justice Centre in your area at bcfnjc.com/resource-map or call 1-877-602-4858 (toll-free).
Child and Youth Legal Centre
scyofbc.org/child-youth-legal-centre
Free legal support for young people to age 19 dealing with a legal matter. Call 778-657-5544 or 1-877-462-0037 (toll-free) or email cylc@scyofbc.org.
Health Justice
Find information about seeking legal advice or representation for people currently detained under the Mental Health Act and information for people or supporters who have had a negative experience with the Mental Health Act at healthjustice.ca/legal-and-complaint-resources.
Legal representation and advice
- Representative for Children and Youth | Detained: Rights of children and youth under the Mental Health Act: rcybc.ca/reports-and-publications/detained.
- Office of the Ombudsperson | 2022 Investigative Update: Committed to Change: bcombudsperson.ca/investigative_report/2022-investigative-update-committed-to-change.
