After years of discussion among gay men in Vancouver about the need for a gay men's health organization, Health Initiative for Men opened in the heart of Vancouver's gay village in 2008.
In 2009, HIM entered a formal contract with the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority to deliver health promotion services to gay men.
We remain at the forefront of gay men's health issues, collaborating on important research projects, and offering primary and sexual health care. Through the tireless work of our volunteers, we're able to deliver programs for a diverse range of men, from sex workers to yoga aficionados.
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Services Offered
Counselling/Support Life can be tough, and a little perspective and support can help. We offer professional counselling for gay men in the Lower Mainland. Our counselling and coaching sessions help you work through problems, challenges, and changes in a confidential setting. Our counsellors have worked with men like you to tackle substance use problems, coming out, racism, body image, aging, sex, and more.
HIM provides up to 8 counselling sessions and 6 coaching sessions. You can return to the program after 6 months.
Fees and Payment
Coaching sessions are free (though we gladly accept donations). For professional counselling sessions, all we ask is that, per session, you make a minimum donation of your hourly wage.
This is a registered charity.
Services Offered To: Adults Couples
Special Groups: Bilingual LGBTQ
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono
If You Call, Please Let Us Know How it Went:
Were You Able to Make an Appointment?
One quick last question. Who was seeking counseling today?
Do you know the reason they are not accepting clients?
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.
