B.C. directs physicians to notify parents if child shows up with mental health, drug use issues

published on December 5, 2025 by Akshay Kulkarni in CBC News

The B.C. government is issuing new guidance for physicians when it comes to treating youth with overlapping cases of mental health and substance use challenges, clarifying the use of involuntary care in the process.

In a guidance document issued Friday, the province directs physicians to notify parents, and potentially involuntarily detain youth if they’re unable or unwilling to seek care themselves.

It follows updated guidance of involuntary care for adults with severe cases of mental health and substance use disorders, issued earlier this year by Dr. Daniel Vigo, the province’s chief adviser for psychiatry, toxic drugs and concurrent disorders.

At a press conference on Friday, Vigo, Premier David Eby and other officials were joined by parents who have lost their children to drug overdoses…