Resources and Support Across Canada
Canada offers a wide range of mental health resources and specialized support. Beyond the familiar services, there are numerous niche resources that many Canadians may not know about, catering to specific needs and demographics. This article provides a list of Canadian national resources that every person should know to support themselves and their loved ones.
Canada-Wide Services
Help with substance use
The Government of Canada recommends using this directory to find drug rehab, detox, counseling, or any other form of rehab in Canada. Whether you or a loved one needs support, this directory can be a valuable resource. They offer connections to substance use resources across Canada.
Help for families with loved ones battling addiction
Sometimes the best way to support someone who is struggling with addiction is to support their families. Families for Addiction Recovery (FAR Canada) is a volunteer-run charity organization comprised of individuals with lived experience in addiction. They provide support and guidance to families navigating the challenges of addiction. FAR also advocates for increased funding for addiction and mental health treatment, improved education for healthcare providers, and a public health approach to drug issues, prioritizing treatment over criminalization.
Gambling support
Gambling addiction presents unique challenges and requires specialized treatment approaches. Problem gambling can cause severe personal and social consequences, including depression, suicide, financial ruin, family breakdown, domestic abuse, and criminal activity. The Canadian Safety Council provides a list of provincial resources for people with gambling problems and their families.
Eating disorder support
The National Eating Disorder Information Centre connects Canadians and their families affected by eating disorders to essential resources and support. NEDIC offers a toll-free helpline, live chat, and information on referrals, helping both individuals with eating disorders and their loved ones.
Help with bullying
Bullying is a serious issue in Canada, linked to increased risks of suicide and mental health problems. Bullying Canada is a valuable resource for bullied children, bullies, parents, teachers, coaches, and bus drivers (i.e. anyone who works with youth) offering guidance to address this pervasive issue.
Mental health support for seniors and their family
Caring for aging relatives can be challenging. However, there are resources available to support both families and seniors. The Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health offers valuable information and a directory to help you find the right support.
Victim and survivor support & justice
The Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime can guide you in the right direction. Victims/survivors, their friends, and families can connect with trained CRCVC staff members through our texting and live chat services. Support through text, phone call and chat is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM EST, in English, French, Italian, Romanian, Hindi, and Urdu.
Suicide and crisis prevention
988 is Canada's new three-digit number for suicide prevention and mental health crisis support. You can call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis responder 24/7 if you need advice or are in a crisis.
Help for children and youth
Kids Help Phone is a national, bilingual, and confidential service that provides professional counseling, information, and referral services for young people. It offers support on a wide range of issues, including mental health, bullying, family conflict, and substance use. You can reach Kids Help Phone by calling 1-800-668-6868 or texting 686868.
Sexual health and pregnancy
The Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights is a global organization dedicated to promoting health, well-being, and sexual and reproductive rights. ACSHR provides direct support, referrals, and information, partners with organizations to drive social change, and advocates for progressive policies on abortion access, stigma-free healthcare, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and comprehensive sex education.
Indigenous support services
Hope for Wellness is a 24/7 crisis line and online chat service specifically designed to support the mental wellness of Indigenous peoples across Canada. It provides immediate help and crisis intervention, offering a confidential space for Indigenous people The service is available in multiple languages, including Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut, and is staffed by culturally competent counselors who understand the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities.
Human trafficking support
The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking offers a national hotline and support services for victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking. CCEHT also provides resources and training for law enforcement and service providers to combat this serious crime.
Support for veterans, RCMP, and their families
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) provides programs and services to support veterans, former RCMP members, and their families. This includes disability pensions, healthcare, income support, education and training, rehabilitation services, and homelessness programs. VAC also supports families of fallen soldiers by providing death benefits and grief and bereavement counseling.
