We understand that sometimes your situation seems overwhelming and you need immediate help. Toronto has a wide range of supports available for you. The most important resources are listed below.
For Immediate Help
- Go to your nearest emergency room or call 911
- Call Kids Help Phone for advice in English and French: text “CONNECT” to 686868 or call 1-800-668-6868 or go to kidshelpphone.ca for live chat counselling (up to age 20).
- Contact the Toronto Distress Centre for Online Messaging (torontodistresscentre.com) OR Text Services Text 741741 (2 pm – 2am) (13+ years) OR call 1-416-408-HELP
- Call Good2Talk (16-30 yrs) for advice in English and French at 1-866-925-5454
- Contact your family doctor
- Reach out to a trusted adult (parent/caregiver/teacher etc.) or a friend
For Parents and Guardians
If you are a parent or legal guardian concerned about your child, call the Youthdale Crisis Support team at 416-363-9990 and get access to support
Mental Health Support
- Call the Gerstein Centre (16 years +) at 416-929-5200 for mental health crisis support
- Call the Anishnawbe 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Management Service for Aboriginal clients at 416-891-8606
Support for Rape Victims
- Call the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre – 416-597-8808 OR Assaulted Women’s Helpline 416-863-0511 or toll free 1-866-863-0511
Emergency Shelter
- The City of Toronto operates a central service for emergency shelter. Call the Emergency Shelter Central Intake at 416-338-4766 or Toll Free 1-877-338-3398
What’s Up Walk-In Clinics
What’s Up Walk-In Clinics are located throughout the city and offer single session mental health counselling for children, youth and families (0-25 years). Walk-In Clinics help with things like anxiety, depression, sleeping or eating problems, bullying, sexual identity, managing anger, feeling alone…or anything else that’s on your mind.
Counselling sessions are available by phone & video for children, youth and young adults up to age 29.
Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm, Saturday 10 am to 4pm.
Call Mental Health TO at 1 -866-585-MHTO (6486) to be connected to a counsellor.
General Information on Getting Help
- You can reach Help Ahead, the centralized phone line to access child, youth and family mental health and well-being resources in Toronto, at 1-866-585-6486
- ConnexOntario provides province-wide information and referral services for those with mental health or addiction challenges.
- Mental health helpline: 1-866-531-2600
- Drug and Alcohol Helpline: 1-800-565-8603
- Ontario Problem Gambling helpline 1-888-230-350
- Call 211 in Toronto for general information about social services in Toronto
