Mental Health Hotlines
Addictions, Mental Health & Crisis Services (HERE247)
Trained staff will provide a supportive conversation and inform you about some support options available, both locally and online. May help you directly schedule appointments with partner agencies.
How to access:
- Explore their website
- Call: 1-844-437-3247 or 519-821-3582 (local).
Crisis Text Line (Canada)
Collaboration between Kids Help Phone and US-based Crisis Text Line. Free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Texters will be connected with a Crisis Responder, who are trained to help bring texters through difficult moments via active listening and collaborative problem solving.
How to access:
- Text “HOME” to 686868
Canada Suicide Prevention Service
Suicide prevention hotline operated by Crisis Services Canada that will help callers develop coping strategies and connect them with local resources.
How to access:
- Explore their website
- Call: 1-833-456-4566 (available 24/7)
- Text: 45645 (available 4PM-12AM)
Good2Talk
Free and confidential support service from professional counsellors for post-secondary students. Includes information and referrals for mental health, addictions, and well-being. Available 24/7.
How to access:
- Explore website
- Call: 1-866-925-5454
- Text: GOOD2TALKON to 686868
National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) Helpline:
Canada’s only toll-free helpline providing information on treatment or support options for people affected (directly or indirectly) by disordered eating and related concerns.
How to access:
- Explore their website
- Call: 1-866-NEDIC-20 (Monday to Thursday from 11AM-7PM, Friday from 11AM-5PM)
- Webchat (Monday to Thursday from 9AM-9PM, Friday from 9AM-5PM)
Naseeha
Mental health helpline for both Muslim and non-Muslim individuals. Provides additional information, counselling, and guidance regarding topics such as mental health, marriage/divorce, bullying, religion, substance use, and many more.
How to Access:
- Explore their website
- Call: 1-866-627-3342 (12PM-12AM)
- Text: 1-866-3342
Hope for Wellness Helpline
Immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention for all Indigenous peoples across Canada. Available 24/7. Hosted by Donna Cona, business and technology consulting company.
How to access:
- Call: 1-855-242-3310
- Webchat
Youthline
Confidential and non-judgemental LGBTQ+ peer support via telephone, text, online chat.
Available Sunday to Friday, 9:00am-4:30pm.
How to access:
- Call: 1-800-268-9688
- Text: 647-694-4275
- Webchat (24/7)
Sexual Assault Support Centre (24-Hour Support Line)
24/7 support line which provides crisis support and intervention. Available to people of all genders who have experienced sexual violence. Also available for loved ones of those who have experienced sexual violence. Language interpretation available for 200+ languages.
How to access:
- Explore their website
- Call: 519-741-8633
Free Counselling Services
Addictions, Mental Health & Crisis Services (HERE247)
Front door to the addictions, mental health, and crisis services provided by 11 agencies across Waterloo Region. Includes information regarding local and online resources regarding topics such as mental health, addictions, crisis, and family support.
How to access:
- Walk-in locations (open 9am-5pm weekdays):
1) 80 Waterloo Ave. (Guelph)
2) 3-9 Wellington St. (Cambridge)
- Explore their website
- Call: 1-844-437-3247 or 519-821-3582 (local).
Wellness Together Canada
Mental health and substance use resource to support Canadians in building a wellness toolkit using various resources. Provides access to free self-guided tools, peer-peer support and coaching, as well as free online counselling services. Launched by the Government of Canada due to the rise in mental distress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
How to access:
- Explore their website and create an account to track your progress
- Text “WELLNESS” to 741741 for Immediate Crisis Support
- Call 1-866-585-0445 to speak with a professional counsellor (24/7)
Front Door (Collaboration between Carizon and Lutherwood)
First point of contact for seeking child and youth mental health supports in Waterloo Region. Will work with clients to develop a plan on how to address their concerns. Also offers Quick Access, a single free and confidential consultation counselling service offered to youth (up to age 17) and their caregivers.
How to access:
- Explore their website
- Call: 519-749-2932 (Monday to Friday, 8:30AM-4:30PM) to book an appointment
Sexual Assault Support Centre
Organization offering free services and supports to people and their families who have experienced sexual violence. Provides counselling (individual/group), advocacy and education initiatives, as well as support while navigating court, police, and medical processes. Individual counselling offered to people of all genders, age 16+ who have been sexually assaulted at any point in their lives. Group virtual workshops offered to people of all genders
How to access:
- Explore their website
- Call: 519-571-0121 ext. 804 for individual counselling info
- Call: 519-571-0121 ext. 114 for group workshops info
- Webchat (Online Chat Support)
- Complete Intake Form for Individual Counselling
Paid Services
KW Counselling Services
Multi-service agency providing individual, family, group, and outreach supports to the community. Offers a variety of counselling services for individuals, groups, and couples. Services can focus on topics such as personal/job stress, relationships, substances, anger management parenting, financial challenges, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, intimate partner violence, multiculturalism, and adjusting to life in Canada. Fees are based on income level and will be determined at the intake of the Intake Interview.
How to access:
- Explore their website
- Call 519-884-0000 for Quick Access Counselling
Carizon
Specializes in children's mental health, youth engagement and development, family violence, individual and family counselling, credit counselling, settlement supports, and collective wellness.
How to access:
- Explore their website
- Call 519-743-6333 for more information
- Call 519-743-6333 ext. 1 for Quick Access Counselling (only on Tuesdays from 12-6pm)
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Homewood Health Centre
One of Canada’s largest facilities for the medical treatment of mental health and addiction disorders. Includes a variety of specialized programs with multidisciplinary treatment approaches, including (but not limited to) addictions, trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders. Requires a referral from a family physician. Costs vary per service and duration of stay.
How to access:
- Explore their website
- Call 866-932-0037 for general inquiries
- With your family physician, complete and submit the referral form and patient information form
- If you do not have a family physician, call 866-932-0037 ext. 32551 to reach their admitting department
Online/Educational Resources
AbilitiCBT
Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) program accessible from any device. This program can help users understand and change their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours with the support of an online therapist assigned to them.
How to access:
- Explore their website and sign up for an account to get started
BounceBack Ontario
Free skill-building program based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and designed to help people manage their mood, anxiety, and stress. Includes coaching over the phone and the use of online videos and tools.
How to access:
- Explore their website
- Call if you have any questions (1-866-345-0224)
MindBeacon
Free for all Ontarians, MindBeacon provides a guided cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) program which users can experience at their own pace. Various specialized programs available, including those tailored towards stress, depression, anxiety, substance use, and more. Users will be connected with a personalized therapist who will help guide their journey and progress.
How to access:
- Explore their website and sign up to get started with an initial assessment
mindyourmind
Resources to promote wellness, reduce stigma regarding mental health, and improve access to local services. Provides educational resources and tools regarding mental illness, self-care, positive, and more! Co-created by youth with the understanding that they are their own experts.
How to access:
- Explore their website
- Visit their social media:
1) Instagram
2) Facebook
3) Twitter
MyGrief
Free online resources to help people navigate the process of grief at their own pace. This includes several interactive modules, with access to online support from professionals.
How to access:
- Explore their website to view their modules
- Ask a professional through the Canadian Virtual Hospice
Anxiety Canada
Organization spreading awareness for anxiety as well as supporting access to resources and supports. Provides information and practical strategies for managing anxiety in various age groups.
This organization has also developed MindShift CBT - a free iOS and Android app to help people navigate their anxiety.
How to access:
- Explore their website to view their resources
- Download the MindShift CBT app in the App Store or Google Play
Substance Use and Addictions
Canada’s Low-risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines
These guidelines were developed by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction to promote safe alcohol consumption habits.
How to access: click HERE for the guidelines
CAMH Substance Use Guidelines
This CAMH site offers an array of guidelines and publications regarding substance use. Resources can be filtered by audience, topic, type, etc.
How to access: click HERE for the guidelines
Canada’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines
These guidelines were developed by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction to promote safer consumption of recreational cannabis use. They provide 10 specific recommendations for those using cannabis to reduce their risk of long-term negative effects.
How to access: click HERE for the guidelines