Group wellness programs
Counsellor in the Classroom, kidshelpphone.ca/get-involved/are-you-an-educator-check-out-counsellor-in-the-classroom
Promotes discussion of mental health and wellness
- educator-led classroom activities for students in grades 4-12
- 45-minute phone or video call between class and KHP counsellor
Brighter Days: An Indigenous Wellness Program, kidshelpphone.ca/get-involved/brighter-days-an-indigenous-wellness-program
Culturally safe and engaging audio and video group sessions on mental health and wellness, including skills development, tools and resources
- pre-session video
- virtual conversation with KHP Indigenous Wellness Specialist
- package includes step-by-step booklet, resource materials and promotional gifts for youth participants
Peer-to-Peer Community, peertopeer.kidshelpphone.ca
Online peer-moderated community support forums for youth and young adults 12-26 years
Telephone, text, and online counselling and support; for telephone counselling in English and French call 1-800-668-6868, also available in over 100 languages including Arabic, Dari, Mandarin, Pashto, Russian, and Ukrainian through interpreters
- telephone, text and online (live chat) counselling and emotional support, and information and referral on a wide range of topics; anonymous and confidential
- chat available through cell phone, laptop, tablet, and desktop computer
- Resources Around Me national searchable online database of community resource listings
Crisis Text Line open to all youth in crisis, available by texting 686868 (see separate listing)
Peer2Peer, (Peer-to-Peer Community), peertopeer.kidshelpphone.ca
Community support online forum for youth 12-26 years to share experiences, offer inspiration and ask questions; available in English and French; confidential
Mental health and addiction information, professional counselling, and referral on a wide range of services on and off campus
Crisis Text Line, text GOOD2TALKON to 686868
Trained volunteer crisis responders provide listening and support; anonymous and confidential
Web Messaging, visit Good2Talk.ca/Ontario
Trained volunteer crisis responders provide confidential support through online chat
Telephone and Text services also accessible online at Good2Talk.ca/Ontario
Kids Help Phone, Peer-to-Peer Community, see separate listing
Partnership of Kids Help Phone, ConnexOntario Health Services Information and Ontario 211 Services (see separate listings), and Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health
Stratford, ON, N4Z 1G8
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Hamilton, ON, L8S 2A5
Provides consultations and assessments around issues of child maltreatment, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect. Services include forensic evaluations, historical and medical assessments, photo reviews, legal opinions, in-depth interviews, reporting, consultations to child protection agencies, police, courts, counselling, psycho-educational, and treatment for you and their families following maltreatment, and education and workshops regarding trauma, parenting, and intervention services.
Hamilton, ON, L8S 2A5
Providing, comprehensive and supportive care for children and adolescents who have experienced sexual assault. Follow-up medical care and counselling for children under the age of 13 is provided through the Child Advocacy and Assessment Program.
Hamilton, ON, L9C 7S7
An emergency 22-bed shelter for women, with or without children, who are experiencing family violence, abuse and/or human trafficking. Offers emergency shelter, a safe environment, meals, and access to support workers.
Hamilton, ON, L9C 7S7
Hamilton, ON, L8R 3N3
The Salvation Army Crisis / Hope Line providing telephone and intervention to individuals experiencing crisis.
Hamilton, ON, L8R 1A7
Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) - program of last resort where no other available private or public resource is available
Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario - On-site early intervention and crisis intervention
- needs assessment
- safety planning
- referrals to community services
- enhanced support for vulnerable victims
- assistance with applications to VQRP+
Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) -- assistance with emergency expenses related to the eligible incident, may include home safety, accommodation, meals, transportation, basic necessities, dependent care costs, counselling, traditional Indigenous health services, cellular phones, vision care, dental care, aids for victims with disabilities, interpretation services, crime scene cleanup, government/medical documents and funeral expenses
- additional assistance for victims of human trafficking includes storage locker, tattoo removal, and treatment at a recovery facility
- no direct reimbursements are made to victims for the supports listed above
- financial support is also available for victims who sustained serious physical injuries during a crime and for parents of homicide victims and spouses of homicide victims
Hamilton, ON, L8R 1A7
A police unit specifically mandated to monitor and assist with investigations involving hate crimes.
Hamilton, ON, L8L 2X2
Provides specialized healthcare for adolescents, women, transgender persons, and men who have experienced sexual assault and/or domestic violence. Reporting to the police is the decision of the survivor. Hospital staff will not report to the police without the permission of the survivor.
Hamilton, ON, L8N 4A6
Provides care by clinicians and psychiatrists who assess and treat patients with acute mental health problems who have presented to the emergency department. Works in partnership with other inpatient and outpatient mental health services to assist individuals in finding the right level of care.
A crisis response program serving the needs of individuals in the community who are experiencing a crisis and need support but do not require a hospital stay, or are transitioning from psychiatric hospitalization back to the community. Offers short-term bed stay, in-person counselling, and telephone counselling. Collect calls are accepted.
Burlington, ON, L7S 0A2
A community outreach program, serving residents of Halton
- also known as "Hospital without Walls" - brings mental health services to patients in the community on a long-term basis and with flexible levels of intensity
- a mobile interdisciplinary clinical team that provides round-the-clock clinical treatment, rehabilitative, and support services to individuals with a severe and persistent mental illness
- teams consist of nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, case managers and peer support workers
- works with clients to support them in their journey to recovery and to integrate comprehensive services into their everyday lives
Services provided include:
- comprehensive case management with a rehabilitation focus
- crisis assessment and intervention
- symptom assessment and management
- administration and monitoring of medication
- activities of daily living
- social and leisure skills development
- supportive counselling
- education
- consultation
- support to caregivers
Hamilton, ON, L8L 2Y3
Outreach workers connect clients experiencing chronic or episodic homelessness to immediate support, including shelter, food, and income support, and engage with those experiencing longer-term homelessness, providing assistance to rapid re-housing and housing first support.
In partnership with the City of Hamilton Public Health Unit.
Burlington, ON, L7S 0A2
The regional sexual assault and domestic violence care centre of Halton
- team is made up of Registered Nurses (RN), Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) and physicians who provide care on an emergency basis
- RN's work with paediatricians when caring for children
- a registered social worker is also available
- offers choice of care
- services can be provided with or without police involvement
Services include:
- acute care for an assault has occurred within the last 12 days including crisis intervention and emotional support, documentation of assault and injuries, safety planning, and referrals to community agencies for further support
- non-acute care for an assault has occurred more than 12 days ago
- follow-up care
- sexual assault
- domestic abuse
An early intervention program that provides group supports for children and youth who have witnessed violence, by offering opportunities to share their feelings regarding the abuse and violence they have witnessed in a creative and supportive environment.
The specifics of the course vary slightly by organization. Contact each site for specific details.
Emergency crisis line and response team to assist individuals who have serious mental health issues and who are in crisis. Also supports caregivers in the management of acute mental health concerns and crisis.
Intake can be initiated by individuals directly or through their family members and caregivers. Referrals are accepted from community agencies and professionals.
If anyone is at immediate risk of serious harm, CALL 911 instead. This includes medical distress or injuries, violence/use of weapons, or any immediate threat to someone's physical safety.
Provides online early-stage emotional support
- chat answered by trained volunteers
Hamilton, ON, L8L 5V7
Offers text message and web chat support for women experiencing abuse and homelessness. Provides confidential emotional support, practical advice, safety planning, and referrals to other local services.
Hamilton, ON, L8L 3A2
The Family Support program provides support, information, early intervention, and referral to other services for parents with youth ages 12 to 17 who are experiencing parenting challenges or parent/child conflicts. This is a strength-based, family-centered service offered in individual and group formats. This program is delivered on- and off-site throughout Hamilton, Burlington, and area.
Funded by the United Way of Halton & Hamilton.
Hamilton, ON, L8V 5C2
Provides specialized healthcare for adolescents, women, transgender persons, and men who have experienced sexual assault and/or domestic violence. Reporting to the police is the decision of the survivor. Hospital staff will not report to the police without the permission of the survivor.
This is a general overview of Crisis & Distress resources, serving Halton region
- In an emergency call 9-1-1 for police, fire and/or ambulance
- for emergency shelters in Halton and surrounding area, see listing BTN4778
General Crisis & Distress
YOUTH (17 yrs & younger)
ROCK (Reach Out Centre for Kids)
- 905-878-9785
- for children and youth in crisis, and caregivers/community members
- see listing, BTN4032
ADULTS (16 yrs & older)
COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team)
- 1-877-825-9011
- telephone support and mobile intervention program for those who are in crisis and have a mental health concern
- see listing, MHH0509
ALL AGES
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline
- call or text 9-8-8, or 1-833-456-4566
- national telephone and text suicide prevention and support
- see listing, MET7492
Distress Centre Halton
- Oakville: 905-849-4541
- Burlington: 905-681-1488
- North Halton: 905-877-1211
- Hamilton: 905-561-5800
- see listing, MHH0488
Addiction & Gambling
ConnexOntario
- 1-866-531-2600 or text CONNEX to 247247
- online chat
- access to addiction, mental health and problem gambling services
- see listing, LON6230
Caregivers
Ontario Caregiver Organization
- Toll free helpline 1-833-416-2273 (CARE)
- supports Ontario's caregivers by being the one point of contact for information about existing services and supports
- online chat
- peer and community support groups
- see listing, MET8105
Children and Youth Mental Health
One Stop Talk (available Mon-Fri 12 noon-8 pm & Sat 12 noon-4 pm)
- 1-855-416-8255
- connect directly with a counsellor through online chat, video and voice
- offers children, youth (under 18 yrs) and their families immediate access to free mental health support through single session counselling and ensures direct referral to additional service when needed
- services are provided through an integrated network of infant, child and youth mental health agencies across Ontario
- see listing, MET1991
Kids Help Phone
- 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
- online chat
- bilingual help-line provides free counselling, information and referral on anonymous basis to children and youth
- ages 5-30
- see listing, MET6983
Good2Talk (post-secondary school students)
- Counselling Line: 1-866-925-5454
- Crisis Text Line: text GOOD2TALKON to 686868
- provides information and referrals about services and supports for mental health, addictions and well-being on and off campus or speak anonymously with a professional counsellor
- see listing, MET2344
Naseeha (available daily, 12 noon-3 am)
- Helpline and Text line: 1-866-627-3342
- Muslim youth helpline serving Muslim and non-Muslim youth across North America
- a safe zone for youths and individuals to talk and get the help they need
- provides workshops, web therapy sessions, and phone & texting mental health support
- see listing, PEL1127
Youthspace.ca (available daily 9 pm-12 midnight)
- Text line: 778-783-0177
- Online crisis and emotional support chat service for youth
- chat online or via text message
- conversations limited to 60 minutes
- see listing, IMP0305
First Responders
Boots on the Ground
- Toll free 1-833-677-2668
- peer support for first responders
- services offered to retired and serving police officers, firefighters, EMS, corrections officers, and nurses across the province
- able to provide in person peer support as needed
- see listing, OAK0181
Indigenous peoples
Hope for Wellness Helpline
- 1-855-242-3310
- online chat
- a mental health helpline, telephone or online chat, for Indigenous peoples
- provides immediate, culturally relevant crisis counselling support
- refers callers to additional supports if needed
- see listing, IMP0326
TALK4HEALING
- Helpline and Text line: 1-855-554-4325 (1-855-554-HEAL)
- online chat
- 24/7 help, support and resources for Indigenous women, by Indigenous women, all across Ontario
- services in 14 Indigenous languages
- see listing, IMP0327
Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line
- 1-866-925-4419
- immediate and culturally appropriate counselling supports to former students who are experiencing distress
- see website
2SLGBTQ+
LGBT YouthLine (available Sun to Fri, 4 pm-9:30 pm)
- Text 647-694-4275
- email: [email protected]
- online chat
- peer support by email, text and online chat
- information and referral
- anonymous and confidential
- Youth Line blog
- referral database of LGBTQ+ youth services
- see listing, MET7095
Trans Lifeline (available Mon-Fri 1 pm-9 pm)
- Toll free 1-877-330-6366
- a hot-line that is staffed by transgender people for transgender people in crisis
- based out of the USA
- see listing, IMP0092
Interligne
- Phone or Text 1-888-505-1010
- confidential information and support service for individuals concerned with sexual orientation and gender identity issues
- service offered through telephone, text, chat, and email
- Acts of Homophobia Registry
- see listing, IMP0133
Veterans
Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Service
- Toll free 1-800-268-7708
- TTY 1-800-567-5803
- psychological support for veterans, former RCMP members, their families and caregivers
- see website
VETS (Veterans Emergency Transition Services) Canada
- 1-888-228-3871
- for Canadian veterans who are in crisis, at risk of becoming homeless or are homeless and their family members
- see listing, IMP0122
Sexual Assault and Domestic/Family Violence
YOUTH
Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting (see full listing, BTN0483)
For children in need of care/protection, report to either:
- Halton Children's Aid Society at 905-333-4441 or toll free 1-866-607-5437
- Halton Regional Police Service, Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Bureau at (non-emergency) 905-825-4747 ext 8970
ADULTS
Halton Womens Place
- South Halton: 905-332-7892
- North Halton: 905-878-8555
- 24 hour crisis lines and shelter for abused women and their dependent children, emergency transportation to shelter available
- see listing, BTN2544
SAVIS (Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services)
- 24 hour crisis line: 905-875-1555
- free individual counselling for ages 16 and up
- support services for friends and family members
- advocacy, support and accompaniment to Nina's Place, the police station and court
- see listing, OAK2741
Femaide
- 1-877-336-2433 (1-877-FEMAIDE)
- provincial crisis line and confidential services for Francophone women who are victims or survivors of any form of violence or are in distress
- crisis intervention, support and referral to community agencies
- see listing, MET4619
Assaulted Women's Helpline
- 1-866-863-0511 or text #SAFE (#7233) on your Bell, Rogers, Fido or Telus mobile phone
- telephone crisis counselling, emotional support, information and referrals to emergency shelters, legal information and community services
- ages 16 and up
- see listing, MET5691
Seniors Safety Line
- 1-866-299-1011
- 24 hour crisis and support line for seniors in Ontario who have experienced any type of abuse or neglect
- see listing, MET5690
Other three-digit (N11) helplines serving Halton
- 811 - Health Care Information & Service Navigation Assistance (Health Connect Ontario)
- 711 - Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS, relay service, IP-relay)
- 611 - Telephone Service Provider
- 511 - Provincial Road Conditions & Tow Truck Services, in restricted Tow Zones (Ontario 511)
- 411 - Commercial & Residential Directory Assistance (YellowPages)
- 311 - Regional Services Intake & Information, Public & Family Health Information Line (Access Halton)
- 211 - Community Information, Resource & Service Navigation (Ontario 211)
For a larger list of resources available, visit General Crisis Intervention Hotlines or Distress Phone Lines
Major Services:
- 24 hour crisis lines for abused women
- HWP Chat provides online support, Mon-Sun 24 hrs, from a training Violence Against Women Counsellor
- safe shelter accommodation, food, and basic personal items for a maximum of 8 weeks for abused women and their dependent children
- individual and/or supportive group counselling at the shelter
- community agency information and referral when necessary
- court support for interim custody and restraining orders
- children's services
- emergency transportation to shelter, if necessary
- depart planning
- SafePet Program
- advocacy and public education around ending violence against women
- transitional support program
- accepts donations of goods for those in the shelter and those moving from the shelter to permanent housing (see list of needs here)
Family Court Support Worker Program
Facilitates a victim's understanding of and passage through the familly court system.
Support provided includes:
- information on the family court process
- assistance in preparing for family court proceedings (documenting history of abuse, accessing Legal Aid)
- debriefing with clients following family court appearances
- referral to specialized services and supports in the community
- safety planning
- court accompaniment to proceedings when appropriate
Schools programs
- EngageMENt 'male ally' program is a conversation-based 8-week program led by a male facilitator that guides male students through discussion around popular and sports culture, through a gender lens, and discusses what 'healthy masculinity' means, wrapping up by planning an experiential or service learning initiative (participants may receive up to 15 volunteer hours toward their Community Involvement requirement)
