Therapy for the Trades | Mental Health Support in the Construction Industry

Accessible  therapy for individuals in the trades in British Columbia, focusing on mental health and substance use within the construction industry.

There’s a growing mental health crisis happening on job sites across British Columbia, and it’s not getting nearly the attention it deserves. Far beyond burnout or high stress at the workplace, our team of therapists here at Vitality Collective is seeing a growing epidemic of trades workers struggling, often silently,  while keeping our province running.

The construction and trades industry faces suicide rates more than three times higher than the national average. The workers behind the buildings, roads, and infrastructure in our province — those who shape our cities and keep our communities moving — are being pushed past their limit, with very few places to turn for help. And that’s exactly why Vitality Collective is committed to offering accessible support through therapy for trades and construction workers in Kelowna, the Okanagan Valley, Vancouver, and across BC.

Why mental health support matters in the trades and construction industry

At Vitality Collective, our therapists often work with construction workers in BC who experience untreated mental health challenges, chronic pain, substance dependence, and suicidal thoughts. And while there are a lot of systemic issues at play, like long hours, physical injuries, seasonal instability, and financial stress, the reality is that each individual’s needs are deeply personal.

We work with roofers who can’t sleep because of back pain. Electricians who rely on alcohol to manage anxiety. General contractors who feel completely alone while managing tight timelines and high expectations. These are personal stories, but they’re far more common than most people realize.

Too often, the people in this industry are expected to be unshakable. To tough it out, get the job done, and never ask for help. That silence and constant pressure can take a toll. Therapy offers a safe, confidential space to talk about what’s really going on, and start figuring out how to cope in a healthier way.

Common mental health challenges for construction workers in Kelowna

Every person is different, but there are some recurring patterns that show up again and again among those working in the trades. Chronic pain is a big one. When your job depends on your physical body, and that body is in constant pain, it affects everything. Pain impacts mood, sleep, energy levels, and relationships. It also makes substance use more tempting, especially when you’re trying to power through the workday without proper recovery time.

Many workers also struggle with stress and pressure tied to finances or job site demands. If you’re the provider in your household, or the one your crew relies on to show up day after day, it can feel impossible to let your guard down. People in the trades often report feeling isolated, angry, disconnected from their families, or totally burnt out, and yet they keep going because stopping doesn’t feel like an option.

Therapy can help by giving you space to work through those feelings, develop tools to cope, and take care of yourself without feeling like you’re letting anyone down, whether that be your team or your family. For any type of obstacle you find yourself dealing with, like managing anxiety, talking about substance use, or just having somewhere to vent without being judged, in therapy, the focus is on supporting you so that you’re able to function and feel better. 

What to expect in therapy for trades workers in BC

We know that it can feel a little strange coming in for your first therapy session if you’ve never tried it before, but let us be the first to assure you that your therapy sessions at Vitality Collective will be entirely dependent on you: how you’re feeling, what you’re up for talking about, and moving at a pace that feels right for you. When you come in for a therapy session, it’s really just a conversation that’s focused on what you’re dealing with right now. You might talk through stress, pain, relationships, or habits that feel hard to change. Your therapist may use approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you get a handle on negative thought loops, or somatic work if your body’s carrying a lot of tension. Some sessions might feel more like problem-solving, while others might be about unpacking things you’ve been holding in. In your sessions, your therapist will help you get some clarity, so you can feel a little more steady in your day-to-day.

Accessible therapy for trades and construction workers in British Columbia

At Vitality Collective, we offer therapy that fits your lifestyle and your needs. We have both in-person and  virtual sessions, with flexible scheduling that respects how unpredictable and demanding your work can be. Whether you’re in Kelowna, the Okanagan Valley, Vancouver, or on the road for work somewhere else in BC, you can connect with a therapist who understands the unique challenges of your industry.

We don’t expect you to come in knowing what to say or how to say it. We’re here to listen, support, and help you build tools that actually make sense in your world. You can talk about stress, pain, alcohol, fear, frustration—whatever’s been weighing on you. Nothing is too small or too heavy to bring into the room.

Nearly one in three  Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) members have insurance coverage but don’t know how to access their benefits. That’s where we step in. Our client care coordinators can confirm your coverage, explain your options, and even handle direct billing on your behalf, so navigating insurance never becomes a barrier to getting support.

To make that first step a little easier, we’re currently offering 10 percent off your first five sessions. And you don’t need a referral. Simply text our team at 1-855-425-4310 and we’ll help you with the rest.

Additional mental health and substance use resources for construction workers

We’re also proud to stand alongside other organizations doing important work in this space. The BC Building Trades has created a strong resource hub for members dealing with mental health, addiction, or recovery-related needs. We encourage tradespeople across the province to explore what’s available through their union or employer programs.

The Homebuilders Association Vancouver (HAVAN) also offers mental health resources for people in residential construction, and Business in Vancouver has published thoughtful reporting on substance use challenges in the trades. These stories are important, but more importantly, they reflect what many workers already know: the system isn’t built to support your mental health — but that doesn’t mean you’re on your own.

Therapy for trades workers in BC

First and foremost, you don’t need to be in crisis to go to therapy. If you’ve been struggling with stress, pain, or sleep issues, this can be a good signal that starting therapy can support you early on. 

And for those who find themselves dealing with deeper obstacles such as suicidal thoughts, substance use, or feeling alone, your therapist at Vitality Collective can help you navigate your way through. You don’t need to have the right words. You just need a space that’s yours, where you can talk honestly about what it’s like to be you. 

At Vitality Collective, we believe therapy should be accessible, judgment-free, and genuinely helpful. That’s what we offer, and we’re here for you when you’re ready. 

If you’re ready to take that first step, you can book online now and receive 10 per cent off your first five sessions. To get started, fill out our New Client Inquiry Form or text Vitality Collective at 1-855-425-4310.