Find resources to help you better understand, cope with and/or support someone with mental health challenges.
Mental health emergencies
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, let an adult know who will stay with you. Consider getting support from the YSB Crisis Line by calling 613-260-2360.
If you require immediate emergency care call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. It's best to access emergency services within your province, as they will be able to connect you to resources and supports within your province that you are eligible for.
A visit to the emergency department is best for dealing with new, urgent mental health issues.
In Ontario or Quebec, call 911 or go to your local hospital emergency room.
When to come and what to expect at an Emergency Department |
CHEO's Emergency Department provides emergency mental health services for children and youth up to 17 years old. For mental health emergencies, please call 911 or visit 401 Smyth Road. There are also Emergency Departments at the Ottawa Hospital, Montfort Hospital and Queensway-Carleton Hospital. In general, children and youth should come to the Emergency Department for mental health-related concerns when:
A visit to the emergency department is best for dealing with new, urgent mental health issues. What the Emergency Department can offer:
What the Emergency Department cannot offer:
What to expect: The ED is a very busy place and we do our best to see children and youth as quickly as possible. We always see children who need urgent care first no matter when they arrive. If there is a change to your child's condition while you are waiting, please let the nurse know. Most children and youth are discharged from the Emergency Department with follow-up recommendations and a plan for care in the community. Many mental health concerns don't require a trip to the emergency department. Here are other available supports:
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Crisis lines and crisis chats
In Ontario |
YSB's 24/7 Crisis Line & Crisis ChatThe 24/7 Crisis Line & Chat services are for children and youth ages 18 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. For residents of Ottawa and Eastern Ontario. Crisis Line
Crisis Chat
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In Quebec |
Tel-Aide Outaouais
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Local counselling and support
In Ontario |
1Call1Click.ca1Call1Click.ca is a new bilingual service designed to match children, youth and families living in Eastern Ontario with the right publicly-funded mental health and addiction services, at the right time. An initiative of the Kids Come First Health Team, 1Call1Click.ca is the first of its kind in Ontario and brings together 33 local providers of child and youth mental health and addiction services.
Check with your local community health centre (CHC) as many offer counselling for residents of that ward/area.You can find a full list of Community Health Centre locations on the Ministry of Health's website.
Single session and drop-in services613-755-2277 Offers virtual and in-person walk-in counselling services at several locations across Ottawa and surrounding areas.
613-789-2240 ext. 0 Walk-in mental health support for youth aged 12-17.
Short, medium and long-term counselling and support groupsCrisis line: 613-260-2360 Non-urgent phone: 613-562-3004 Offers a crisis phone and chat line, as well as a range of mental health services for youth and their families.
Offers short-term (1-3 session) counselling services for all ages.
Hope for Wellness Helpline
Crossroads Children’s Mental Health
Family Services Ottawa
Community groups 2SLGBTQ+ community members
(613) 789-2240 Offers mental health services for children, youth and families.
Counselling for addictions and eating disordersRideauwood Addiction and Family Services
Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre (613) 594-8333
Hopewell Eating Disorder Support Centre (613) 241-3428 Offers eating disorder support groups for individuals aged 17+.
(613) 789-2240 Offers addiction and concurrent disorders support for children and youth aged 9+.
Supports for parents and caregiversParent’s Lifeline of Eastern Ontario (613) 321-3211 or 1-855- 775-7005 Training to help prevent suicide |
In Quebec |
24/7 servicesLe Centre d'Aide 24/7
Info-Social 811
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Competing with screen time and online technology: a workshop for parents with Dr. Neil Gottheil
Hope and healing: working with our nervous systems — with Dr. Marjorie Robb and Emily Locke
The best of The Incredible Years: accommodating for your child's ADHD at home with Anne Kerridge
Parenting your anxious child — with Dr. Carole Gentile
Teaching your kid to self-regulate (it's more than self-control) with Jennifer Boggett
Teens and intense emotions — with Dr. Clairneige Motzoi
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Disclaimer
These resources are for educational purposes only. If you have any questions, ask your health-care provider.