Admissions & Referrals

Admission to BC's provincial specialized mental health programs is by physician referral only. As part of the Provincial Health Services Authority, the agencies that make up BC Mental Health and Addiction Services serve patients from throughout the province. Therefore referrals come from many different facilities and agencies within the regional Health Authorities.

The referring facility/agency is requested to refer the patient to a specific program or service, and to submit all necessary documentation. The Intake Team for that program, which generally consists of a physician and other care providers, will make the decision regarding appropriateness for admission.
 
Each program/service has specific admission criteria. Detailed criteria are available via each program's web section – just follow the links under Programs & Services. (Note: admission to the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital is not determined by the usual physician referral process, but by court orders.)

Click here to download the current Referral for Admission form to Riverview Hospital programs.