Taking a Mental Health Leave From Work in BC

This page reflects our understanding of mental health topics as of 2026. If you are reading this at a later date, some details may no longer be current, so please verify anything important against up to date sources. If you notice anything that needs updating, we would welcome you letting us know.

In BC, employees can take time off work for mental health reasons in much the same way as for a physical illness. Depending on how long you need, options may include paid and unpaid sick days under the Employment Standards Act, short-term or long-term disability benefits through your workplace, and Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits for up to 26 weeks. Longer leaves usually require documentation from a health professional, such as your family doctor. Employers also have a duty under the BC Human Rights Code to accommodate employees with mental health conditions, up to the point of undue hardship. A leave is often most helpful when it includes active treatment and a plan for returning.

When a Leave Might Help

A leave may be worth considering if symptoms of depression, anxiety, burnout, or trauma are making it very hard to concentrate, make decisions, or get through the day, or if work itself is a major source of harm. The page about burnout describes common signs. Sometimes, adjusted duties or reduced hours work better than a full leave, which is worth discussing with your health care provider.

Your Options in BC

Sick Days

Most employees covered by the BC Employment Standards Act are entitled to five paid sick days per year after 90 days of employment, plus additional unpaid days for illness or injury. Some workplaces offer more under their own policies or collective agreements.

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

Many employers provide disability insurance that replaces part of your income during a longer illness. These plans usually require medical documentation and ongoing updates.

EI Sickness Benefits

If you do not have workplace disability coverage, or it does not cover your situation, you may qualify for EI sickness benefits for up to 26 weeks. You will need a medical certificate from a doctor or other approved medical practitioner.

Accommodation

Under the BC Human Rights Code, mental health conditions are protected, and employers must accommodate employees' needs to the point of undue hardship. Accommodations might include a gradual return, flexible hours, or changes to duties.

Steps to Take

1. See your family doctor to discuss your symptoms, documentation, and treatment.
2. Review your benefits and workplace policies, or speak with human resources.
3. Share only what is needed. Employers usually need to know about your limitations and expected time away, not your diagnosis.
4. Keep copies of forms, notes, and correspondence.
5. Start treatment, such as therapy, as early as possible.
6. Plan your return before your leave ends, as described on the page about returning to work after a mental health leave.

Making the Most of a Leave

Rest is important, but recovery usually involves more than time away. Therapy can help you understand what led to the leave, rebuild routines, and develop strategies to prevent a return of symptoms. The page about what rest actually looks like when you are burnt out explains why structured rest matters, and the page about time off vs. therapy explores how they work together.

What It Is Not

Taking a mental health leave is not a sign of weakness, and it is not the same as quitting. It is a legitimate health measure. If the leave relates to a workplace injury, bullying, or a traumatic event at work, WorkSafeBC may also be involved. The page about workplace stress describes related pressures. This page offers general information, not legal advice, so for specific questions about your rights, speak with your union, an employment lawyer, or the Employment Standards Branch.

Getting Support at Pacific Maple Psych Centre

If work stress, burnout, or a mental health condition is affecting your ability to function, therapy can help you recover and plan your next steps.