Helpline Hub
It’s okay to need help sometimes! If you notice changes in your thoughts, emotions, or actions that have been going on for more than a few weeks, and they are having a large impact on you, it’s time to consider reaching out for support.
If you need help right away
Reach out to any of these services to speak with a trained counsellor. These free services are available 24/7, any time you need them.
- 1-800-668-6868
- Text CONNECT to 686868 or chat online
Support from professional counsellors and trained volunteers offered in over 100 languages including Plains Cree, Severn Ojibwe, Ukrainian, Russian, Pashto, Dari, Mandarin and Arabic.
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline
- 9-8-8
- Text 9-8-8
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide or in need of help, trained responders are available any time to listen, support you without judgment, and help connect you to resources. Services are offered in English and French.
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line
- 1-855-242-3310
- Chat online
Mental health counselling and crisis support for all Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Counsellors are culturally grounded and provide support in English and French, with phone support available upon request in Cree, Ojibway (Anishinaabemowin), and Inuktitut.
Additional emergency supports may include:
- An adult you trust who is available right now
- The emergency room of your local hospital
- Calling 9-1-1 for an ambulance (you can request a mental health professional be sent who understands your culture)
It can feel overwhelming to reach out for help, especially if it’s your first time. Learn more about what happens when you reach out:
- What happens when you call Kids Help Phone
- What to expect when you call or text 9-8-8
- Frequently asked questions with Hope for Wellness
If you need support, but it’s not an emergency
- Talk to an adult you trust, like your parent/caregiver, an adult relative, teacher, coach, guidance counselor, special education resource teacher, GSA leader, Elder, faith or cultural leader to learn more about support in your school or community.
- Visit a healthcare professional.
- Children’s Mental Health Ontario agencies provide support to children and youth without the need for a physician referral or OHIP card to access services.
- ConnexOntario offers free, confidential support and information about mental health, addictions, and gambling services in Ontario. They can also help you find treatment services near you.
- Kids Help Phone offers free, confidential support with a professional counsellor by phone or online chat. You don’t have to be in crisis to reach out. You can connect any time to talk about how you’re feeling, ask questions, or get help finding next steps that feel right for you.
- Kids Help Phone Resources Around Me is a database that allows you to search for resources in your community like counselling and mental health support, sexual health support, housing support, legal support, and more.
- One Stop Talk provides free, confidential, one-hour sessions with a certified therapist to help you design a plan to move forward. Available for people ages 17 and under.
- Visit a Youth Wellness Hub Ontario (YWHO) location to help free, walk-in mental health and wellness support. Hubs offer a youth-friendly space where people ages 12-25 can connect with counsellors, peer support workers, and other services.
- Youth-VAST offers free, confidential virtual or in-person support for youth ages 12–21 who are facing challenges with vaping or nicotine use, alcohol or substance use, and/or excessive technology use. Youth-VAST helps you build healthy coping skills through one-on-one sessions, group programs, and family education.
If you’re looking for identity-specific mental health supports
Everyone’s experiences are different, and finding support that understands your culture, identity, or lived experience can make a big difference. Below are some services that are designed with specific communities in mind.
Mental health supports for 2S/LGBTQIA+ students
- LGBT YouthLine offers confidential peer support for people ages 29 and under. Help is available through text and chat.
Mental health supports for Black students
- Black Youth Helpline provides various services to young people and their families, with their helpline as a point of contact to professional services. Service in French and other languages available upon request.
- RiseUp by Kids Help Phone (available 24/7) is a mental health support service for African, Caribbean and Black youth and communities through text, phone, and online resources.
Mental health supports for Indigenous students
- Indigenous Friendship Centres are located in a number of communities across Ontario and offer various culturally appropriate health and social services.
- Hope for Wellness Help Line (available 24/7) provides immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples. Support is provided on the phone or online in English and French. Telephone support is also available upon request in Cree, Ojibway (Anishinaabemowin) and Inuktitut.
- Kids Help Phone can connect you with an Indigenous volunteer crisis responder by text or online message by messaging “FIRSTNATIONS” “INUIT” or “METIS” to 686868.
- The Métis Nation of Ontario offers a 24-hour mental health and addictions crisis line with culturally specific mental health and addiction supports for adults, youth, and families in Ontario in both English and French.
How to ask for help
Asking for help seems like a big step, but it isn’t as hard as it seems. Once you have decided to ask and have an idea of who you’ll approach, it’s a matter of finding a few words to start off with. The rest usually falls into place.
Here are some conversation starters:
- “I was wondering if you could help me, if not, could you direct me to someone who can?”
- “Hey, do you know anyone who could help me? Something has been bothering me for a while, and I want to talk to someone about it.
- “I’ve been feeling _ lately, can I talk to you about it?”
- “I have a tough situation… Can I talk to you about it?”
After you ask for help
Reaching out for help takes courage, and it’s an important first step toward feeling better. Here’s what you can expect after you’ve taken that step:
- You might be asked some questions about yourself and how you’ve been feeling.
- It can take time to feel better, and that’s okay!
- The person you reach out to may not be able to “fix” the problem, but they may be able to connect you with someone who can support you better.
- They may need to set up an appointment for you to see someone else that can help you.
If you find the person doesn’t seem to understand or you don’t get the reaction you were hoping for, don’t give up. Keep trying, you’ll find someone who will support you and let you know that you are not alone. Your wellness is important.
Not sure if you need to ask for help?
Here are some questions you can ask yourself to determine whether you are experiencing a difficult moment or day, or if you could use further support from a mental health professional.
- Have things changed in my daily routine, like having trouble sleeping, eating or going to school or work?
- Is how I’m thinking, feeling, or acting different for me? A change from how I used to be?
- Are my thoughts, emotions or actions affecting my everyday life negatively? For example, is my schoolwork slipping or am I missing classes? Am I spending less time with my friends and family?
- Have I been feeling this way for some time, like more than a couple of weeks?
- Am I dealing with my problems in unhealthy ways?
- Am I carrying too much by myself?
If you answer yes to some of these questions, it’s probably time to connect with a supportive and caring person who can help. Reaching out can prevent problems from getting worse.
Still not sure?
You can speak to a caring and supportive adult that you trust, like a teacher, parent/caregiver, relative, principal, coach, faith leader, Elder, or your family doctor. Kids Help Phone and One Stop Talk are resources you can use to speak with a trained counsellor to see if getting more help is a good idea.
Thoughts of suicide
Sometimes our mental health may shift, causing us to feel a sense of hopelessness which may lead to concerning thoughts. Ask for help right away if you are having thoughts of suicide or harming yourself.
There are people ready and willing to help.
You are not alone.