Community Mental Health Supports
Written by Dr. Oksana Gravets, Psy.D., C.Psych.
1. Immediate Safety and Crisis Support
If there is an immediate danger to you or another person, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline — Call or text 9-8-8, 24 hours a day, anywhere in Canada, if you are thinking about suicide or worried about someone you know. Visit 9-8-8 online
ConnexOntario — Free, confidential information and navigation for mental health, addiction, and problem gambling services in Ontario: 1-866-531-2600. Visit ConnexOntario | Call 1-866-531-2600
211 Ontario — Dial 2-1-1 or 1-877-330-3213 for information about community, social, health, and government services. Visit 211 Ontario | Call 1-877-330-3213
Outpatient psychology practices do not provide emergency response. If you are unsure whether the situation is urgent, it is appropriate to seek immediate assessment.
2. Ontario Mental Health and Addiction Services
Ontario’s Find Mental Health Support page — A provincial starting point for crisis, community, addiction, youth, and psychotherapy services. View Ontario mental health supports
Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program — Free cognitive behavioural therapy services for eligible adults experiencing depression, anxiety-related concerns, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, posttraumatic stress, or significant stress. Learn about Ontario Structured Psychotherapy
ConnexOntario — Navigation to publicly funded and community-based mental health, addiction, and gambling services across the province. Visit ConnexOntario
Health811 — Call 811 or use the online service for health information and guidance from registered nurses and other professionals. Visit Health811
3. First Responders and Public-Safety Personnel
Boots on the Ground — Confidential peer support for first responders across Ontario: 1-833-677-2668. Visit Boots on the Ground | Call 1-833-677-2668
PSPNET — Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy and resources designed for current and former public safety personnel and their families. Visit PSPNET
Ontario mental health resources for first responders and public-safety personnel — Provincial directory of prevention, peer, clinical, and workplace resources. View Ontario first responder resources
4. Military Members, Veterans and Their Families
Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Service — Confidential psychological support, available 24/7 to Veterans, former RCMP members, family members, and caregivers: 1-800-268-7708. View VAC mental health supports | Call 1-800-268-7708
Operational Stress Injury Clinics — Specialized assessment, treatment, and support for eligible CAF members, Veterans, current and former RCMP members, and some family members. Find an OSI clinic
Operational Stress Injury Social Support — Peer support for CAF members, Veterans, and families affected by operational stress injuries. Learn about OSISS
5. Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Supports
Assaulted Women’s Helpline — Crisis counselling, information, and referrals across Ontario: 1-866-863-0511; TTY 1-866-863-7868. Visit the Assaulted Women’s Helpline | Call 1-866-863-0511 | Call 1-866-863-7868
Talk4Healing — Culturally grounded, confidential support for Indigenous women across Ontario: 1-855-554-HEAL (4325). Visit Talk4Healing | Call 1-855-554-HEAL (4325)
Ontario’s supports for survivors of violence — Provincial information about shelters, sexual assault centres, legal supports, and community services. View Ontario survivor supports
If using a phone or computer may place you at risk, consider using a safer device and clearing browsing or call history only when it is safe to do so.
6. Free and Lower-Cost Mental Health Programs
Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program — Free, structured CBT-based services for eligible adults. Learn about Ontario Structured Psychotherapy
BounceBack Ontario — Free skill-building support for adults and youth 15+ experiencing mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress, or worry: 1-866-345-0224. Visit BounceBack Ontario | Call 1-866-345-0224
Family health teams, community health centres, and hospital outpatient programs — Availability and eligibility vary; 211 Ontario and ConnexOntario can help locate local options. Visit ConnexOntario | Visit 211 Ontario
University psychology training clinics — Some offer assessment or therapy at reduced fees under supervision; availability and eligibility vary.
7. Community and Identity-Specific Services
Hope for Wellness Helpline — Immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention for Indigenous people across Canada: 1-855-242-3310 and online chat. Visit Hope for Wellness | Call 1-855-242-3310
Talk4Healing — Indigenous women can access culturally grounded support by phone, text, or chat. Visit Talk4Healing
Across Boundaries — Mental health and addiction services for racialized communities in the Greater Toronto Area. Visit Across Boundaries
LGBT YouthLine — Peer support for 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Ontario; current service hours and contact options are listed on its website. Visit LGBT YouthLine
211 Ontario — Search by location, language, identity, accessibility need, and type of service. Visit 211 Ontario
8. Trusted Self-Guided Programs, Tools and Apps
BounceBack Ontario — Guided self-help materials and coaching for eligible participants. Visit BounceBack Ontario
MyGrief.ca — Free Canadian online learning for people living with grief and those supporting them. Visit MyGrief.ca
PTSD Coach Canada — Education and symptom-management tools from Veterans Affairs Canada; it does not replace professional care. Learn about PTSD Coach Canada
OSI Connect — Learning and self-management resources for people affected by operational stress injuries and their families. Learn about OSI Connect
Privacy policies, data practices, eligibility, and platform availability can change. Review current information before entering personal health information into any website or app.
9. Important Emergency and Information Notice
This directory is educational and does not replace emergency services, medical advice, psychological assessment, or individualized treatment. Inclusion does not constitute endorsement, and availability, eligibility, hours, and telephone numbers may change. Confirm details directly with each organization before relying on a service.
For immediate danger, call 911 or attend the nearest emergency department. For suicide crisis support in Canada, call or text 9-8-8.
For non-urgent, individualized care, you can also review Dr. Gravets’s virtual psychological services. This private practice does not provide emergency or crisis intervention.
A note about this resource
This directory is educational and is not a substitute for emergency services, medical advice, or individualized mental health care. Service details can change; confirm current information directly with the organization.