Introduction to Canadian Mental Health Resources for the Documentary Organization of Canada

I hope DOC members find this mental health therapy and counselling database useful. It was culled over a period of approximately six weeks and was derived from several rounds of research.

The first involved searching MH resource databases from the following: Health Canada’s websites and sub links, pertaining to nation-wide publicly available counselling, and more urgent crisis-oriented sources and hot lines both national and by province and territory. Each of these links was checked to ensure they were “live” and helpful or fruitful. However, things change (as I discovered!) so please note that this, as with all database information, is dynamic.

I then checked territory and provinces individually for their publicly available “free” services from non-urgent counselling to crisis and addictions counselling. Many of these are short term or crisis oriented, with promises of linking potential clients up to longer term resources, which may or may not have wait lists. These also include schools and university’s with top level supervised long term therapy at reduced rates (where available).

I cross checked the above with the Canadian Mental Health Association’s lists (which are similar but not always, with those offered by Health Canada). I reviewed and included the newly created, film & tv minded- AFC Helps, the Set Protect group (which is not free, but not market rates either); culled from the very useful database offered by Women In the Director’s Chair, and referenced the new initiative that is documentary focussed only: Film in Mind, which offers a limited number of subsidized spots for documentary filmmakers/producers. I’ve also offered up private counsellors/therapists who are documentary-informed at a deep level (they were/are filmmakers/producers/consultants) and are trained counsellors or therapists.

Finally, a question or two through ChatGPT was useful in finding a few more niche resources (that had to be checked). Interestingly enough, the AI search offered up a number of old and defunct links. So beware! Take that for what it’s worth.
Wishing you all good health and creatively prosperous endeavours.

Barri Cohen (she/her)
Researcher on Behalf of DOC

Counsellor & Producer/Filmmaker
Emeritus DOC Member

FREE COUNSELLING RESOURCES:

• https://afchelps.ca/ & https://afchelps.ca/mental-wellness-2/counselling-pilot/
  • AFC supports arts, performance, and film professionals and has launched a subsidized counseling pilot program. The program operates intermittently, depending on funding, and is currently available only to residents of Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario. Plans are underway to expand to Quebec in the future.
  • As of fall 2024, enrollment is full. Stay tuned for updates on the next application phase. For more details or to book when available, visit their « Navigator » link on the right.
  • Duration & Type: Short-term, solutions-focused counseling, with a maximum of 8 sessions offered weekly or bi-weekly. Designed to address depression, anxiety, life transitions, and stress.
• https://afchelps.ca/resources/ navigator/ : Navigator is a free, personalized, confidential assistance service that connects arts and entertainment industry workers to mental health resources, programs, and supports. To access Navigator, you can make an appointment through their online booking system. They say you are guaranteed a one-on-one phone consultation with a highly qualified specialist.
  • Navigator can help you: find resources and supports best suited to your individual situation get an assessment from a doctor or medical professional find a counsellor or someone to talk to find a support group or peer support resources Navigator does not provide: crisis support (if you are in crisis and need help right away, please call 911 or go to your local hospital) medical diagnosis or prescribe medication one-on-one counselling in-person service.
  • ELIGIBLITY: You must meet certain professional and financial eligibility requirements to qualify (i.e. no insurance, no TSFA or savings that could be used for therapy, be primarily in the arts or a filmmaker, and making your living in this field).
• AFC: SUPPORT GROUP. DESIGNATED SHARING TIME: https://afchelps.ca/resource/peer-support/dst/
  • This is a zoom based, ‘virtual drop in’ support group for people who work in Canada’s entertainment industry. One is not obligated to come to every session. It is not for crisis management.
  • This is a sharing time space where one meets new people who also work in and understand the entertainment industry; It allows one to explore and process thoughts, emotions and experiences in a safe, welcoming environment; Share ideas about how you or other people you know remain creative during challenging times.
• Hope for Wellness Help Line: Offers counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada.
  • To talk to a counsellor, call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310, 24/7
• Bounce Back: is a free skill-building program from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Working with workbooks and a trained coach to guide you and encourage you to reflect, BounceBack® can help you build skills to improve your mental health. There is a drop down menu organized by province and territory.
• RECOVERY COLLEGE: is a free skill-building program from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Working with workbooks and a trained coach to guide you and encourage you to reflect, BounceBack® can help you build skills to improve your mental health.
• Not Myself Today: Team based approach designed to educate and support healthy workplaces.
• Kuu-us Crisis Line Society Services: Provides crisis support for Indigenous peoples of all ages across Canada. Services include youth, adult, and elder crisis lines. Available 24/7.
  • Adult Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717
  • Youth Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717
  • Elder Crisis Line: 1-877-977-0777
• National Association of Friendship Centers: Many Indigenous Friendship Centres across Canada offer free or low-cost mental health services, including counseling, peer support, and group therapy. They often provide holistic care combining traditional Indigenous practices with modern therapeutic methods.

REDUCED FEE/SLIDING SCALE/DOC INFORMED:

• Affordable Therapy Network: National database of low cost and sliding scale mental health counseling.
• Set Protect: EAP Provider: A self-guided Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering a discounted rate for DOC members. The service requires a minimum commitment of 3 months, with monthly payment options available. Packages are customizable — check the DOC Member Benefits page for more information about DOC X Set Protect Partnership.
  • Cost: $30/month for health and well-being consultations.
  • Included Services:
    • Up to 14 yearly telehealth sessions for individual mental health counseling and therapy.
    • Specialized support, including addiction counseling, health and life coaching, and trauma support.
    • Group and workshop support options available.
  • Future Offerings:
    • On-set counseling services (coming soon).
    • An individual database of services is expected to launch by the end of 2024.
• Film in Mind: Film In Mind offers individual and group Film Supervision sessions tailored specifically for documentary filmmakers, including directors, producers, and editors. NOTE: APPLICATIONS FOR THE YEAR FOR 50 SPACES ARE NOW CLOSED. CHECK AGAIN WHEN APPLICATIONS OPEN UP AGAIN.
  • These sessions provide support throughout the filmmaking process, addressing key areas such as:
    • Ethical decisions and dilemmas in storytelling and filmmaking
    • Navigating complex relationships and power dynamics with commissioners, participants, and team members
    • Duty of care, including emotional support and protection for filmmakers, crew, participants, and audiences
    • Recognizing and managing the personal impact of telling traumatic or tragic stories
  • This specialized guidance helps filmmakers navigate the challenges of their craft with care and consideration
• Barri Cohen (she/her) B.A., M.A. Counsellor/filmmaker : Sliding scale counselling available to filmmakers, writers & artists who are uninsured. Psychodynamic and solutions focused counselling.
• Marina Serrao (she/her/elle): Marino has experience as a producer, and is a trained therapist in proviate practice, in Montreal.   She sees filmmakers through both Film in mind, and in her practice.  There is a sliding scale for all filmmakers.
  • To Book / Pour fixer un rendez-vous
  • TRA, Thérapeute en relation d’aide®, par l’ANDC
  • Thérapie pour adulte/enfant/adolescent
  • TRA, Relational Therapist®, by ANDC
  • Therapy for adults/children and teenagers
  • Membre de/Member of RITMA + CITRAC + CCPA-ACCP
  • Psychology Today Profile
  • Film in Mind Therapist
    • Tel: (514) 618 9698
    • https://vimeo.com/groupecram
• Therapy for Black Girls: Offers a directory of therapists across Canada who provide affordable or sliding scale options specifically tailored to Black women.
• Naseeha Mental Health: culturally sensitive online therapy for Muslim Canadians. Fee for service, but low cost is available.
• Therapy Tribe: Database of online therapists available on a sliding scale basis across Canada. Select by province.
  • Contact: 1-866-627-3342
    

FREE COUNSELLING RESOURCES:

• BC MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS: This link provides many navigation portals to finding inpatient, out patient, drug and substance abuse management and harm reduction and recovery programs. We cannot assess wait lasts or times.
• Health link – to search for counselling at Community Health Centres: Many community HC’s throughout the province provide free counselling.
• CMHA’s Bounce Back BC Program: BB Is a free skill-building program designed to help adults and youth 13+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered online or over the phone with a coach, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness.
• Free & low cost portal to locations of counselling: Province and even nation wide links to free or low cost counselling: Access a variety of mental health services, including low or no-cost community counselling programs. There may be waitlists to access counselling services. If you need to speak to someone now, call a crisis line for short-term support.
• Women’s Health Collective: To provide critical mental health support to all who self-identify as women, non-binary, and gender non-conforming.
  • 15 session limit of free counselling, either in person, phone or virtual. First one is interviewed to determine eligibility and to get on the wait list (there’s always a wait list). If one need more than 15 sessions, they can rejoin the wait list after a 2 month interval.
• Simon Fraser Surrey Community Counselling Clinic: SFU Surrey Community Counselling is staffed by a dedicated team of Counsellor-educators and trainees from the SFU Master’s Program in Counselling Psychology. They offer free individual and group counselling to adults, seniors, youth and school-aged children who live in Surrey and the Lower Mainland.
• Peer Support groups and programs: The peer support program provides an opportunity for one to connect with a peer support worker for three to 12 months. A peer support worker can meet with you on a regular basis to access deeper resources in the community.
• First Nations Health Authority: Offering resources for culturally safe and trauma informed counselling, support, and resources.

REDUCED FEE/SLIDING SCALE/DOC INFORMED:

• University of British Columbia’s community clinic: Low cost and sliding scale counselling services for individuals, children and families.

• UBC Psychology Clinic; Vancouver Campus: The UBC Psychology Clinic is an outpatient mental health and state-of-the-art training clinic for adults and children. Our team of professionals are dedicated to excellence in the assessment, treatment, research and training of clinical psychology. Contact:
  • Douglas T. Kenny Building; 2136 West Mall, Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z4
  • Tel 604 822 3005 | Fax 604 822 6923
  • Website clinic.psych.ubc.ca | Email clinic@psych.ubc.ca
• Affordable Therapy Network: Sources low and sliding scale costed therapy across Canada.

FREE COUNSELLING RESOURCES:

• Government of Yukon: Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services; Territorial website with information on mental health and substance use supports and services
  • Call 867-456-3838 or 1-866-456-3838 (toll free). Phone line available Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
• Mental wellness and substance use services: Counselling outreach: To take the first step, call 867-456-3838 Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Note: Some of the counselling referrals may be on sliding scales
• SART Yukon: offers a range of contact information and links to community based services. Though geared by region and by those in need of support for SA, it does offer a range of counselling information for other challenges, vis a vis MH wellness and substance abuse and harm reduction.

REDUCED FEE/SLIDING SCALE/DOC INFORMED:

• Yukon Counselling and Psychotherapy: Services for non-insured clients are available.

FREE COUNSELLING RESOURCES:

• The Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line is a 24 hour, 7 day a week, 365 days a year, confidential service that provides support, information and referrals to Albertans experiencing mental health concerns.
  • Call: 1-877-303-2642 (toll free within Alberta) for mental health advice. You can also dial 811 and follow the prompts to speak to the Addiction and Mental Health team. The line is staffed by a multidisciplinary team comprised of nurses, psychiatric nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, and psychologists.
  • Service Providers May Include
    • Occupational therapists, psychiatric nurses, psychologists, registered nurses (RNs), social workers
• COUNSELLING ALBERTA Call 1-833-827-4230 (toll-free)
• Indian Residential School Survivors & Family, IRSSS – 1-866-925-4419.
• Indigenous Support Line
• Native Counselling Services of Alberta: From court support work, to family reconciliation, RSS support, to wellness and healing, this services covers a range of valuable programs that are free.
• Emotions Therapy Calgary: Thus s a one stop shop resource data base for a range of free to low cost therapy and counselling services. Search the database for locations
• CMHA Alberta Division: CMHA Alberta: The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in Alberta offers various free programs, including peer support and counseling.

REDUCED FEE/SLIDING SCALE/DOC INFORMED:

• Calgary Counselling Centre: Brief course of counselling is offered, and no one is turned away because of financial hardship.
• Momentum Counselling (Edmonton based): Sliding scale counselling. Same day consultation for one time, solutions focussed counselling. Ongoing brief counselling is also available.
• Jewish Family Services of Calgary

FREE COUNSELLING RESOURCES:

• The NWT Community Counselling Program provides support to individuals and families with a variety of concerns including mental wellness, addictions recovery and family violence. It is available free-of-charge to every NWT resident, in every region of the NWT.
• Health and Social Services – to locate services by region.

FREE COUNSELLING RESOURCES:

• Free Mental Health Walk-In Services Across Saskatchewan: Walk-in mental health counselling services are expanding to communities across the province, thanks to a $1.2 million investment from the Government of Saskatchewan.
  • Free counselling services will be available through Family Service Saskatchewan (FSSask) member agencies for anyone looking for help with a range of issues, including stress, depression, anxiety, family conflict and urgent mental health needs. NOTE: SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE FOR A PDF LINK TO THE FREE WALK IN SERVICES.
• Family Service Saskatchewan’s Rapid Access Counselling Program: or 211 Saskatchewan: Both links will take one to the same service with the same mission statement and purpose: We offer quick access to brief mental health services for individuals, couples and families. We can help with concerns such as anxiety, depression, addictions, suicidal ideation, stress, relationship conflict, separation and divorce, domestic violence and parenting. Our services are prioritized for individuals who do not have access to workplace benefits, who live on a fixed or low income, and who would otherwise most often experience long waits for publicly funded services.
• Online – self directed and free Cognitive Behavioral Therapy resource: Their goal is to provide effective online clinical treatment programs to individuals experiencing mental health difficulties, with a primary focus on depression and anxiety as these are prevalent, disabling, and under-treated conditions.
  • Note: CBT is not for everyone. It can feel programmatic, and « homework » driven which may not fit everyone’s particular need.
• Catholic Family Services (Saskatoon and Regina): Provides counseling on a sliding scale for individuals, couples, and families.

FREE COUNSELLING RESOURCES:

• Klinic Community Health: Provides free, confidential counseling and crisis support.
  • Free drop in counselling available at their main office site in Winnipeg: This is first come first serve, and it is ONE TIME only; (Hopefully they can help clients find more sustainable, and affordable counselling support in the community).
• Art Beat Studio: Mental Health Healing through art.
  • This is a unique not-for-profit environment, offering free artist residencies with a mental health – healing focus. Their mission: Artbeat Studio is a program which is mental health consumer initiated, peer-supported, and recovery-oriented. This community-based studio accommodates artists whose mental health, social connection, and income make it difficult for them to individually acquire a workspace to advance their artistic technique safely and securely.

REDUCED FEE/SLIDING SCALE/DOC INFORMED:

• Winnipeg based: Aurora Family Therapy Centre.
  • Offers a wide range of counselling from individual to family and couples. Due to generous grants from sponsors (eg United Way), they have subsidized therapy, and can offer a sliding scale $13 to $78 for a 50 minute session, depending on income and the number of people living on that income.

FREE COUNSELLING RESOURCES:

• ONTARIO TELEMEDICINE:
  • This portal provides links to various therapy providers of « iCBT » *internet based CBT. Scroll down to enroll to connect with a provider.
• ConnexOntario: Chat and referral service than ongoing therapy or counselling.
  • ConnexOntario is a free and confidential service offering support through phone, chat, text, and email for people in Ontario. It provides information about mental Trained professionals listen with compassion, share information about the mental health, gambling and addictions system, and recommend or refer you to programs and services to meet your needs.
• 211 Ontario: 211 is a portal that via the internet or live chat, can connect Ontarions to community based supports across the province, most of which are free.
• Indigenous Women’s MH: Support offered through the Anishinabe Women’s Crisis Home and Family Healing Agency.
• Ontario Structured Psychotherapy: This portal directs you to various community and hospital based free, short term counselling programs. You have to self refer and there may be wait lists.
• Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) Program: Toronto based from CAMH offers this short term psychotherapy (CBT based programme). There is a wait list, unclear how long, but one can self refer through this portal. Answer a few questions and complete the self-referral form. Your GP can also fill out the form to submit a referral on your behalf.
• Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) Program: Another location for instance, is Penetanguishene, ON

REDUCED FEE/SLIDING SCALE/DOC INFORMED:

• TICP Community Clinic: Toronto based, but may serve throughout Ontario virtually: Reduced fee services with a psychodynamic and relational psychotherapist through the Toronto Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis.
  • High quality care by pre-licensed practitioners up to twice weekly, under the supervision of senior psychologists and psychotherapists. Sliding scale as low as $25/per session.
• Toronto institute for Relational Psychotherapy: The Toronto Institute for Relational Psychotherapy provides a list of therapists who may offer services at a low cost. See the website and/or contact a TIRP student or recent graduate directly.
• York University Psychology Clinic (YUPC): Toronto based – York University’s psychology dept’s clinic has nearly 100 spots available for sliding scale psychotherapy. The list of services will indicate whether there’s a wait list.
• Hard Feelings: Based in Toronto on Church st., Hard Feelings offers affordable counseling with rates between $50 and $80 per session. They also provide an online directory of therapists offering sliding scale services.
• Stella’s Place: A community-based organization in Toronto providing free mental health services to young adults (ages 16-29).

FREE COUNSELLING RESOURCES:

• Local CLSC – public health services: Public Health Services (CLSCs): Quebec’s Local Community Service Centres (CLSCs) offer a variety of free healthcare and social services, including mental health counseling and psychological support. Some CLSCs have social workers, psychologists, or other mental health professionals on staff.
  • Availability: Services are free with a valid Quebec health card (RAMQ).
  • How to Access: Contact your local CLSC to inquire about their mental health services. You can find your nearest CLSC using the Quebec government’s health portal here or here.
• RELIEF group therapy & self management workshops: Relief (Revivre) provides free support groups for individuals living with anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They also offer workshops and resources on managing mental health issues.
  • PHONE: 1-866-738-4873
• Montreal Therapy Centre: Free counselling & sliding scale
  • Phone: 514-244-1290
• Interligne: A free, confidential support line and counseling service for LGBTQ+ individuals.
  • Available via phone, chat, and text: 1-888-505-1010
• Quebec Allies in Mental Health: Free support groups, counseling, and educational workshops for friends, family & caregivers of those living with mental illness, and those under 30 themselves struggling with their MH. Services are offered both online and in person.
  • Support Groups: Call: 514-486-1448.

REDUCED FEE/SLIDING SCALE/DOC INFORMED:

• Montreal Therapy Centre: While many of their services are offered on a sliding scale, they also provide free counseling for certain individuals based on financial need. Services include individual, couple, and family therapy, as well as group therapy.
  • Phone: 514-244-1290.
• Argyle Institute (Montreal): Provides individual, family, and couples counselling on a sliding scale. May have a long wait list.
• AMI: Full list of sliding scale, low cost clinics offering counselling & therapy.
  • Invaluable resource list of many therapy services throughout Montreal, online and in person. Some links navigate to resources throughout Quebec.
• McGill Psychoeducational and Counselling Clinic: The McGill Psychoeducational and Counselling Clinic is a teaching and training unit of the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology within McGill’s Faculty of Education. Through training, the clinic provides low-cost psychological services to people seeking psychoeducational assessments or counselling.

FREE COUNSELLING RESOURCES:

• CMHA New Brunswick: Provides free mental health programs and peer support. On the link are programs and supports by region.
• JUST US: Just Us provides Master level interns under guidance, provide free counselling services. It’s a not for profit, opened in 2022 by a social worker, to provide barrier free services. No one is turned away.
• Walk-In Counselling: Walk in counselling, same day, short term, free.

REDUCED FEE/SLIDING SCALE/DOC INFORMED:

• Family Enrichment & Counselling: This is a Fredericton based not for profit service. They only have a limited number of sliding scale spaces in their family therapy program.
  • Phone: 506-458-8211 ext. 250

FREE COUNSELLING RESOURCES:

• Togetherall: Togetherall is virtual community moderated by counsellors, for therapeutic support. It offers a platform of connection and resources that is free to all Nova Scotians over the age of 16.
  • Free virtual therapy service for Nova Scotians.
• Family Services Nova Scotia: This site offers brief, free, solutions focussed counselling on the phone. Exploring Family Services, you will find a number of free support groups for parenting challenges, and for emotional dysregulation.
  • All Genders helplines.
• Couch of Hope: Counselling service specifically for people who have no private insurance or out of pocket resources.
  • Intake information:
    • E-mail: intake@couchofhope.com
    • Call or Text: (902) 707-4414

REDUCED FEE/SLIDING SCALE/DOC INFORMED:

• Affordable Therapy Network: A directory of therapists offering sliding scale or low cost counselling throughout NS.

FREE COUNSELLING RESOURCES:

• The Latern’s Ruah Counselling Centre: Ruah Counselling Centre in St. John’s a non-profit community counselling agency, provides individual, couple and family counselling, as well as psycho-educational groups, workshops and presentations to those 16 years of age and older. In person and virtual. Low cost or free for those who qualify
  • Complete the Request for Services form or call 709-579-0168 to complete by phone.
  • Email: info@ruahcounselling.ca
• Door Ways: DoorWays is a single session, walk-in counselling service:
  • Available to youth and adults without an appointment or referral
  • A health care professional will meet with you and discuss your concerns on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • DoorWays provides information and support focused on your need.
  • Call 811 and a Healthline nurse will provide you with a location near you. Website with local counsellors is here: https://mha.easternhealth.ca/doorways/
• Online & phone supports.
  • Breathing Room ™: BreathingRoom™ is a free online program, designed for youth and young adults who want to learn new ways to manage stress, depression or anxiety. The Breathing Room can be used by yourself or supported by an online coach, counsellor or teacher who checks in with you each week.

FREE COUNSELLING RESOURCES:

• Strongest Families Institute’s « ICAN » PROGRAMME: Free educational, CBT based program for anxiety & depression. It uses modules with workbooks, and telephone support and coaching.
• Health PEI: A directory for further supports for a wide range of communities, from LGBTQ2+, BIPOC and Indigenous.
• BIPOC united for Strength, Home & Relationship: Support and advocacy, and a good resource for finding other services for BIPOC Islanders.
• Bridge the Gapp: Free counselling offered through Family Services PEI — a not-for-profit charitable organization, committed to offering services to all Islanders regardless of their ability to pay. They offer therapeutic counselling to individuals, couples, families and groups, credit counselling services, and workplace wellness training.
  • Telephone 902-892-2441

REDUCED FEE/SLIDING SCALE/DOC INFORMED:

• Family Service PEI. Therapeutic Counselling Service: The therapeutic counselling service helps people deal with a full range of life events – from coping with daily pressures, to overcoming abuse, to dealing with mental health issues. They provide individual, family & couples counselling.
  • Due to being a not-for-profit, fees for a one hour session is $100. However, fee subsidies are available for persons can’t afford this. Subsidies depend on household’s income and number of dependents, and their own level of funding at any one time.

• The Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service (ADIRS): Operated by United Way (BC). Drug and alcohol treatment, detox, self-help and counselling options 24 hour services.
  • Provides free, confidential, multilingual, information and referral regarding community resources for people in BC dealing with substance use and addiction issues. Resource navigators provide information about detox, counselling, treatment programs, recovery homes, and support groups. Also covers education and prevention resources, and other concerns such as harm reduction and fetal alcohol and drug effects. Telephone assistance is available 24/7, 365 days a year. Funded by Ministry of Health (MOH).
  • Contact
    • Lower Mainland (24-hour): 604-660-9382
    • Elsewhere in BC (24-hour): 1-800-663-1441
    • Email: 211-help@uwbc.ca
• Recovery services and treatment support: This is a resource link to a range of BC based grant funded and fee for service TREATMENT, RECOVERY & HARM REDUCTION programs & supports. Services range from. out patient to residential treatment programs.
• BC Based suicide & crisis hot lines:
  • Interior BC
  • Interior Crisis Line Network – 1-888-353-2273;
  • KUU-US (Indigenous) Crisis Line – 1-800-588-8717
  • Métis Crisis Line – 1-833-638-4722
• Mental Health and Substance Use Program: The Mental Health and Substance Use Program provides a wide range of programs and services to assist persons and their family experiencing difficulties with mental health and/or substance use. Services vary from short-term assessment and treatment to long-term programs for those with serious and persistent mental illness and/or substance abuse problems. BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS) provides specialized treatment to people with the most severe and complex mental health and substance use disorders in British Columbia.
• BC BASED INDIGENOUS LED SERVICES: First Nations Health Authority

• Local distress & support line: Yukoners. Phone 1-844-533-3030 for support.
• E Mental Health Crisis contact information for children, youth and adults.
• Sexualized Assault Response Team (SART): A wealth of contact information and links to MH and wellness supports for those struggling with urgent crises and less urgent challenges.

• Hope for Wellness Help Line
  • Offers counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada.
  • To talk to a counsellor, call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310, 24/7
• Mental Wellness and Addictions Recovery: No charge high quality addiction treatment facilities.
  • Department of Health and Social Services
    • P.O. Box 1320; Yellowknife, NT X1A 2L9
    • Phone: 867-767-9061
    • Email: mha@gov.nt.ca
• Residential Addictions Treatment Program: Treatment Facilities include the following:
  • Fresh Start Recovery
  • Aventa Centre of Excellence for Women with Addictions
  • Renascent
  • Sunrise Healing Lodge Society
  • Edgewood

• Alberta health Services Addiction Helpline: Alberta wide health services for addictions & MH.
  • Phone: 1-866-332-2322
• Alberta Health Services Mental Health line: Offers free mental health services, including counseling and crisis support.
  • Phone: 1-877-303-2642
• Distress Centre Calgary: Distress Centre Calgary: Provides free 24/7 crisis support, including phone counseling and online chat.

• CRISIS HOT LINES: 24/7 multi resource based crisis hot line portal offering support for a wide range of crises, from SA, to Child Abuse, addictions, and MH crises.
• Free Mental Health Walk-In Services Across Saskatchewan: Free counselling services will be available through Family Service Saskatchewan (FSSask) member agencies for anyone looking for help with a range of issues, including stress, depression, anxiety, family conflict and urgent mental health needs. NOTE: SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE FOR A PDF LINK TO THE FREE WALK IN SERVICES.
  • Walk-in mental health counselling services are expanding to communities across the province, thanks to a $1.2 million investment from the Government of Saskatchewan.
• Mental Health and Addictions: Resources are organized by region. Some services are offered in inpatient settings such as mental health inpatient units in general hospitals, detox centres and addiction treatment centres.
• Counselling Connect Saskatchewan: Crisis and counselling services operated by the Sask Health Authority; it is a Family Service Saskatchewan’s Rapid Access Counselling Program which in turn operates through several partner agencies.

• Manitoba Suicide Prevention & Support Line (24/7)
  • Phone: 1-877-435-7170
• MB Farm, Rural & Northern Support Services
  • Phone: 1-866-367-3276
• Sexual Assault Crisis Line (24/7)
  • Phone: (204) 786-8631 or 1-888-292-7565
• Human Trafficking Hotline (24/7)
  • Phone: 1-844-333-2211
• Klinic Community Health
• Klinic Crisis Line (24/7)
  • Phone: (204) 786-8686
  • Toll free: 1-888-322-3019
• Sexual Assault Crisis Program: Offered through Klinic Community Health. Klinic Community Health (Klinic) has expanded its services to ensure a continuum of wraparound community care for survivors of sexual assault and/or intimate partner violence

• Distress lines. Operated by various agencies. Open 24 hours a day (unless otherwise indicated): These are all crisis lines that can link clients up to other supports. The goal is stabilization and support.
  • 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 9-8-8
  • Toronto Distress Centres: 416 408-4357 or 408-HELP
  • Gerstein Centre: 416 929-5200
  • Spectra Helpline: 416 920-0497 or 905 459-7777 for Brampton and Mississauga residents
  • TTY: 905 278-4890; Languages: English, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, Portuguese
  • Assaulted Women’s Helpline: 416 863-0511; Toll-free: 1 866 863-0511
  • Kids Help Phone: 1 800 668-6868; Languages: English and French
  • Community Crisis Line Scarborough and Rouge Hospital: 416 495-2891 for 24/7 telephone crisis support.
  • Service borders: south to the lake, north to Steeles Avenue, east to Port Union Road, and west to Victoria Park
  • Durham Crisis and Mental Health Line: 905 666-0483
  • Distress Centre Halton: For Residents of the Halton Region (Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton, and Oakville). Oakville: 905-849-4541; Burlington: 905-681-1488; Milton/Halton Hills: 905-877-1211
• Distress and Crisis Ontario: Distress centres offer 24/7 support and referrals at no cost to a caller experiencing distress or in active crisis including suicidal ideation. Centres sometimes have specialties such as 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly services, Indigenous support programs, support services for youth, telephone call-out programs for seniors and other vulnerable populations such as in the developmental sector or university population.

• Info-Social 811: Provides free access to psychosocial support and mental health services 24/7.
  • Phone: 811 OR click on website for more information.
• Tel-Aide: Free, confidential phone support available 24/7 in Québec.
  • Phone: 514-935-1101
• Regroupement des services d’intervention de crise du Québec: Provides free crisis intervention services for individuals experiencing severe emotional distress. They offer counseling, crisis accommodation, and telephone support. Free 24/7 crisis line.
  • Contact: 514-483-3033
• Suicide Action Montreal: Free, confidential counseling and crisis intervention for individuals dealing with suicidal thoughts or those affected by suicide. They offer immediate support by phone and also provide follow-up counseling.
  • Phone: 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553)

• Community Health Centre: Free, confidential mental health and addictions support at every Community Health Centre and Iqaluit Mental Health. Psychologists and other mental health professionals are available through TeleHealth. Referrals and Medical Travel are provided when services are not locally available. Interpretation is available for Inuktitut, Inuinnaqtun and French.
  • For appointments and on-call emergencies Iqaluit Mental Health (867) 975-5999 Qikiqtani General Hospital, Emergencies, (867) 975-8600
• HEALING BY TALKING: A free telephone counselling service provided by the GN’s Department of Health.
  • Call 1-888-648-0070;
  • Email healing@gov.nu.ca
• Kamatsiaqtut Help Line: Provides free crisis counseling for Nunavut and northern Québec residents.
  • Phone: 1-800-265-3333

• CHIMO Helpline: Although primarily a helpline, they provide referrals to affordable and sliding scale mental health services.
  • Offers 24/7 free, confidential crisis counseling over the phone.
    • Phone: 1-800-667-5005
• Gov of NB: addiction. MH service portal: Central hub for accessing crisis and addiction services, treatments and programs.

• Gov of NS one-on-one supportive counselling: One free session – People can book appointments directly by calling 1-833-691-2282 seven days a week between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m., or online.
• Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team
  • 902-429-8167
  • 1-888-429-8167 (Toll Free), and the provincial line: 1-888-429-8167 [toll-free]
• Mental Health And Addictions help: This provides various links to location based services and resources for MH & addictions supports.
• Crisis line: 211 Is a free, confidential information and referral service that can connect you to thousands of programs and services offered by local community groups, nonprofits and government departments across Nova Scotia, 24/7.
  • 1-888-429-8167; or call 211
• Intake for addictions & MH counselling: 1855-922 -1122

• Crisis lines
• Help Over the Phone
  • NL Health Line 811

• Island Helpline: Free, confidential 24/7 crisis support.
  • Phone: 1-800-218-2885
• Open Access Counselling: Walk in counselling sessions are available across the province for urgent MH and addiction support. This website link directs you to the locations and contact information.
• Immediate assistance: Mental Health and Addictions
  • Phone Line: 1-833-553-6983.