10 Free Mental Health Resources in Canada

The mental health system in Canada is—let's say—complex. If you find yourself in a position where you or your loved one is struggling, would you know where to turn, who to call, or where to go? If you don't, you're not alone. The good news is that there are thousands of programs available country-wide that can help you on your path to recovery. To help get you started, we partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association Toronto to compile a list of free mental health resources. These services connect you with mental health professionals directly, through text, call, e-mail and live chat.

What would you add to the list? Let us know and we will create an ongoing resource for anyone struggling with their mental health.

*If you are in crisis, please call 911.

1. Wellness Together Canada

Wellness Together Canada is a free mental health and substance use website to support people across Canada and Canadians living abroad, with: immediate text support, information and videos on common mental health issues, mental wellness programs you can do on your own and with coaching, monitored communities of support and individual phone, video, and text counselling. Learn more: 1-866-585-0445

WHO IT IS FOR: All Canadians

2. Together All

Together All is a free, safe, online peer-to-peer mental health community that is accessible 24/7 to help those experiencing anxiety, depression and other common mental health issues. Commissioned by over 250 organizations globally, Together All is an online service that provides access to millions with anxiety, depression and other common mental health issues through online peer-to-peer support.

WHO IT IS FOR: All Ontarians aged 16+

3. BounceBack Ontario

BounceBack Ontario is a free skill-building program managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Ontario. It is designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered over the phone with a coach and through online videos, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness.

WHO IT IS FOR: All Ontarians aged 15+

4. Crisis Services Canada

Crisis Services Canada is a 24/7 national network of distress, crisis and suicide prevention line services. This service is available across Canada via toll-free phone, or text in English. Our toll-free phone service is also available in French. This means anyone in Canada that is thinking about, is or has been affected by suicide, can reach out across a variety of media, and feel supported 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1.833.456.4566 Text 45645

WHO IT IS FOR: All Canadians

5. LGBT Youthline Ontario

LGBT Youthline Ontario is an Ontario-wide peer-support for lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender, transsexual, two-spirited, queer and questioning young people through text and live chat with peer support volunteers. Their services are available from Sunday to Friday from 4:00 PM - 9:30 PM. Text 647-694-4275 Live Chat www.youthline.ca/

Email askus@youthline.ca

WHO IT IS FOR: LGBTTQQ2SI individuals across Ontario

6. Distress Centres of Greater Toronto

Distress Centres of Greater Toronto offer free, 24/7 support to individuals in crisis and/or experiencing emotional distress. Services are available via hotline, online chat and text. They are Canada’s oldest volunteer delivered crisis, emotional support and suicide prevention + intervention + postvention service agency.