You're Not Alone: 24/7 Crisis Support Resources in Canada
Emergency Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Helplines:
Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance) Phone: 911 For immediate intervention in situations involving life-threatening medical emergencies, imminent harm, or serious crises.
Suicide Crisis Helpline (Canada - 988): Phone: 988 Available 24/7 for anyone in Canada experiencing thoughts of suicide, mental health distress, or emotional crisis. Dialing 988 connects you directly to trained crisis responders for immediate, confidential support.
Crisis Services Canada Phone: 1-833-456-4566 Text: 45645 Available 24/7 for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, offering support for suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, and immediate mental health intervention.
Kids Help Phone Phone: 1-800-668-6868 Text: Text CONNECT to 686868 Available 24/7, providing immediate crisis support for youth under 20 in Canada. Texting service is available for those who feel they cannot speak.
Suicide Prevention Canada (Lifeline Canada Foundation) Phone: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) A national helpline for urgent suicide prevention and emotional distress intervention.
The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth) Phone: 1-866-488-7386 Text: Text START to 678678 A 24/7 helpline providing crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth in Canada.
Domestic Violence & Abuse Crisis Support:
Canadian Domestic Violence Helpline (National) Phone: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Available for those in immediate danger from domestic violence or intimate partner violence. Provides a confidential line for urgent support and intervention.
Ontario Women's Abuse Helpline Phone: 1-877-977-0007 A 24/7 helpline providing confidential support and crisis intervention for women experiencing domestic violence.
BC Society Against Violence Against Women Phone: 1-800-799-7233 Provides immediate support for victims of domestic violence in British Columbia.
Specialized Crisis Lines for Substance Abuse & Addiction:
National Alcohol and Drug Helpline (Canada) Phone: 1-800-565-8603 Available 24/7 for individuals seeking immediate help or intervention for alcohol or drug abuse. Confidential crisis counseling for individuals and families affected by substance use.
Ontario Addiction Helpline Phone: 1-800-565-8603 A 24/7 helpline offering immediate support for individuals in crisis due to substance use, including addiction intervention services.
Crisis Intervention for Children & Adolescents:
Child Abuse Hotline (Canada) Phone: 1-800-422-4453 Available 24/7 for immediate intervention in cases of child abuse, neglect, or when a child is in imminent danger.
Ontario Child and Youth Crisis Helpline Phone: 1-800-668-6868 Provides immediate mental health and crisis intervention support to children and youth in Ontario. Available 24/7.
Kids Help Phone (for Youth) Phone: 1-800-668-6868 Text: Text CONNECT to 686868 Immediate support for young people in crisis, available 24/7. Ideal for youth dealing with depression, anxiety, bullying, or other urgent mental health concerns.
LGBTQIA+ Crisis Support:
The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth) Phone: 1-866-488-7386 Text: Text START to 678678 A 24/7 helpline providing crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth in Canada.
Pride Toronto Helpline Phone: 1-416-599-5077 Immediate crisis support and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals in Toronto, including counseling and urgent assistance.
The 519 (Toronto) Phone: 1-416-392-6874 A helpline offering crisis intervention services and emergency support to LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in urgent situations of emotional or physical danger.
General Emergency Numbers & Immediate Intervention Services:
Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance) Phone: 911 For immediate intervention in situations involving life-threatening medical emergencies, imminent harm, or serious crises.
Non-Emergency Social Services & Mental Health (Canada) Phone: 211 24/7 access to non-emergency mental health support, local services, and social resources. A great option for those who need immediate assistance but do not require emergency medical intervention.
Non-Emergency Mental Health Crisis Helpline (Ontario) Phone: 1-866-531-2600 For individuals experiencing a mental health crisis in Ontario who require urgent support but are not in immediate danger. Provides referrals to community-based services and supports.
Immediate Support for Eating Disorders:
National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) Phone: 1-866-633-4220 Offers immediate intervention services and referrals for individuals experiencing crises related to eating disorders, including emotional distress and safety concerns.
Specialized Support for Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts:
Self-Injury Helpline (Canada) Phone: 1-800-366-8288 Immediate support for individuals struggling with self-harm or having thoughts of self-injury. Provides urgent intervention and support.
Suicide Crisis Helpline (Canada - 988): Phone: 988 Available 24/7 for anyone in Canada experiencing thoughts of suicide, mental health distress, or emotional crisis. Dialing 988 connects you directly to trained crisis responders for immediate, confidential support.
Emergency Tips for Individuals in Crisis:
Stay Calm and Reach Out: If someone is in immediate crisis, encourage them to contact a crisis line or emergency service. Urgent intervention can be a lifesaver in preventing further harm.
Texting as an Option: If speaking on the phone feels too difficult, texting services like Crisis Text Line and Kids Help Phone offer immediate support via text.
Know When to Call 911: If a person is in immediate physical danger, unconscious, or threatening to harm themselves or others, call 911 for an emergency response. Stay with the Person: If safe to do so, stay with the individual in crisis until help arrives, offering reassurance and comfort.