Assistance Service for RCMP

What Is It?

When personal problems affect your home life, you jeopardize your well-being and that of your family. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), in conjunction with Health Canada, offers the VAC Assistance Service program to help you deal with personal problems that affect your quality of life.

Who Is Eligible?

VAC Assistance Service is available, free of charge, to any discharged RCMP member who is a current or potential VAC client. Families of RCMP members may also qualify.

What Kind Of Help?

VAC Assistance Service has been developed to assist you in overcoming many of the problems that can affect your quality of life such as:

• depression
• fatigue
• marital & family problems
• interpersonal conflicts
• gambling addiction
• a difficult transition
• substance abuse
• financial difficulties
• legal matters
• emotional and psychological problems

Who Helps?

VAC Assistance Service can help you access a wide variety of organizations and professionals such as:

• family service agencies
• marriage counsellors
• social services
• substance abuse intervention programs
• medical doctors
• support groups (ex: Alcoholics Anonymous)
• psychologists
• psychotherapists and counsellors
• career counsellors
• community mental health counsellors
• lawyers and legal aid
• financial counsellors
• social workers
• credit counselling bureau
• clergy

How Does It Work?

If you decide to contact VAC Assistance Service, here is how things will proceed:

Identify the Issue - A counsellor will help you, in the strictest confidence, clearly define your issue or problem. If the circumstances are severe, or in cases of immediate danger, the counsellor is trained to proceed with the necessary crisis intervention.

Referral - If necessary, the counsellor will refer you to specialized services in your community. Referrals are made within 7 days. In the case of emergencies, referrals are made within 24 hours.

Follow Through - A personal action plan will be developed to help you resolve your issue. You may also be referred to the nearest VAC District Office for information on other benefits and services.

Who Will Know?

The success of VAC Assistance Service depends on CONFIDENTIALITY. Everything you discuss with the counsellor is confidential. He/she must uphold a professional code that protects your privacy. No one else will know you contacted VAC Assistance Service unless you choose to tell them.

How Much Does It Cost?

It's free. Veterans Affairs Canada pays for the cost of this program.

If you or a family member require services that are more specialized or for an extended period of time, the counsellor will direct you to the appropriate professional help. There may be a cost for these specialized services; however, the counsellor will make every effort to direct you to free or affordable services.

Where Do I Start?

VAC Assistance Service is available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.

24 Hour Toll-Free Line:
1-800-268-7708
TDD 1-800-567-5803 (For the Hearing Impaired)