Crisis Support
If your child or youth is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 911 or COAST (905) 972-8338 or visit McMaster Children’s Hospital: Child and Youth Mental Health Emergency Services (CHYMES).
Below is a list of resources that parents/caregivers can provide to their children and youth to receive immediate support when they are struggling with mental health issues:
One Stop Talk
One Stop Talk is a free service which provides immediate access to mental health services, when they’re needed, wherever they’re needed. We provide culturally safe and appropriate support to every corner of the province.
Any child or young person from 0 to 17 years of age can use One Stop Talk and get connected to ongoing supports, if needed. Parents/caregivers are welcome to connect to the service with their child to ensure access.
The One Stop Talk chat is available in English and French. If neither of these is your preferred language, you can also request an interpreter before connecting with our therapists. Please have a friend or family member assist you through the chat until you connect with a therapist who will assist you with interpretation support.
Kids Help Phone
Kids Help Phone is a 24-hour, bilingual and anonymous phone counselling, web counselling ,and referral service for children and youth. The service is completely anonymous and confidential. Whether by phone, mobile app, or through their websites, you can connect with them whenever you want, however you want.
Trans Lifeline
Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366 – Trans Lifeline is a non-profit dedicated to the wellbeing of transgender people. They run a 24/7 hotline staffed by transgender people for transgender people. Trans Lifeline volunteers are ready to respond to whatever support needs members of our community might have.
LGBT Youth Line
LGBT Youth Line: 1-800-268-9688 or Text: 647-694-4275 – LGBT Youth Line is a Queer, Trans, Two-Spirit youth-led organization that affirms and support the experiences of youth 29 years old and under. Get in touch with a peer support volunteer from Sunday to Friday, 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Black Youth Helpline
Black Youth Helpline: 1-833-294-8650 – Available daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., our helpline serves as the point of contact for calls to our professional services from youth, families, school districts, and a variety of youth-serving stakeholders. Service in French and other languages are available upon request.
Hope for Wellness Help Line
Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310 – The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate help to all Indigenous people across Canada. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer counselling and crisis intervention.