You Don’t Have to Go it Alone — Here are 15 Mental Health Resources Across Ottawa and Canada
It’s no secret that the pandemic has been challenging to emotional wellbeing — according to CAMH, one in five Canadians are reporting high levels of mental distress.
Now more than ever, it’s critical that we build positive mental health habits. This includes things like connecting with our loved ones, exercising and eating well, as well as taking much-needed breaks from the internet.
But you don’t have to go it alone — support is here when you need it, and professionals can help you build the tools you need to improve your mental health.
Below are resources across Ottawa and Canada:
Ottawa Distress Centre: We are your local connection to mental health support and resources, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Crisis: 613-722-6914
Distress: 613-238-3311
Text: 10 AM – 11 PM: 343-306-5550
Canadian Suicide Prevention Service: Support for those with suicidal thought, suicide attempt survivors and those living with suicide loss.
Call: 1-833-456-4566 (24/7)
Text: 4 PM – Midnight to 45645
OPH Mental Health for Workplaces: Various resources to protect the mental health of both the employer and employees.
Ottawa Public Health can be reached:
- Telephone: 613-580-6744
- Teletypewriter: 613-580-9656
- Toll free: 1-866-426-8885
Parenting in Ottawa – Learn more about mental health for you as a parent and for your child or youth
Ottawa Public Health can be reached:
- Telephone: 613-580-6744
- Teletypewriter: 613-580-9656
- Toll free: 1-866-426-8885
- To speak to a Public Health nurse, Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00pm, call 613-PARENTS (613-727-3687) (ATS: 613-580-9656) and choose option 4. Chat option also available.
Youth Services: The 24/7 Crisis Line & Chat services are for children and youth ages 17 and under who are experiencing a crisis, and for parents, guardians, caregivers, friends or service providers who are concerned about a young person in crisis.
24/7 Crisis Line: 613-260-2360
24/7 Click to chat on website
Outside Ottawa toll-free at 1-877-377-7775
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): A nationwide organization that promotes mental health and supports people recovering from mental illness. 416-646-5557
BounceBack Ontario: Managed by CMHA, this skill-building program is designed to help manage mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry, delivered over the phone with a coach or through online videos. 1-866-345-0224 [email protected]
Crisis Line: Operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, this platform serves people in Ottawa and surrounding areas, connecting them with professionally-trained Crisis Line Responders. Call (within Ottawa): 613-722-6914; Call (outside Ottawa): 1-866-996-0991
Wellness Together: Launched in response to COVID-19, this platform is designed to be used on-demand, with services ranging from basic wellness information to one-on-one counseling.
Adults, text WELLNESS to: 741741
Youth, text WELLNESS to: 686868
Frontline Workers, text WELLNESS to: 741741
Indigenous Peoples, call Hope for Wellness at: 1-855-242-3310
Togetherall: A safe online community where people support one another anonymously to improve mental health and wellbeing. Contact via online submissions form linked here.
Have THAT Talk: Run by Ottawa Public Health, this program was developed to raise awareness about the importance of mental health.
Ottawa Public Health can be reached:
- Telephone: 613-580-6744
- Teletypewriter: 613-580-9656
- Toll free: 1-866-426-8885
1 Call 1 Click: Serving Ottawa and other parts of eastern Ontario, this platform helps children, youth and families connect with the right mental health and addiction services and care. 613-260-2360 or 1-877-377-7775 (toll free for Eastern Ontario)
AccessMHA: Serving Ottawa, this platform pairs people with a trained mental health professional, who then connects them to relevant services from a network of partner organizations. Contact AccessMHA online by following the steps linked here.
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: A national organization, CAMH provides tools on its website for dealing with stress, anxiety, grief and more. 613-569-6024
Counselling Connect: Providing quick access to a free phone or video counselling session in English or French, this platform serves children, youth, adults and families in Ottawa and surrounding areas. Connect with a counselor online through this link.