Other Mental Health Resources

Texting 9-8-8 (24/7/365 Suicide Crisis Helpline) - What happens when you text 9-8-8?

You will receive a message - to let you know you are in the right place.
You will be asked a few short questions - Including whether you'd like to text with someone in English or French.
You will connect to a trained responder - If you need to wait for a short time, please stay with them. They will answer your text
The responder will support you without judgment - Whatever you're facing, the responder you connect to will give you space to share your problems, and help you find ways to keep yourself safe.

The Walk-In Counselling Clinic: services at the NROCRC offices will be provided in-person, by phone and video-counselling during regular clinic hours (1:30-8:00 PM on Thursdays). Clients should call NROCRC at 613-596-5626 between the hours of 1:30 - 6 pm ONLY on Thursdays to reserve a spot. Services offered at NROCRC in English and Arabic.
For a complete list of hours, locations, and languages offered at each location, head to: The Walk-In Counselling Clinic (walkincounselling.com)

Counselling Connect provides FREE access to a same-day or next-day phone or video counselling session. This service is for everyone: children, youth, adults and families in Ottawa and the surrounding area. Counselling Connect services are provided by counsellors of diverse backgrounds and experience including Indigenous communities; African, Caribbean and Black communities; other racialized communities; and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Services are available in English, French, Arabic, or Chinese. They also offer various support groups There is no waiting list. Please visit the Counselling Connect website for more information: https://www.counsellingconnect.org/

Unsafe at Home Ottawa is a secure text and online chat service for women who may be living through violence and abuse at home. Our counsellors provide emotional support, practical advice and referrals. Available 7 days a week, from 8:30 am to midnight.

Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region: The Distress Centre is your local connection to mental health support and resources, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Distress: 613-238-3311 | Crisis: 613-722-6914 or 1-866-996-0991 | TEXT 343-306-5550 Chat & Text 10am-11pm

AccessMHA:

AccessMHA makes it easier to help find mental health and/or substance use health/addictions support, services, and care. We eliminate the guesswork and work with you to refer you to the services you need, all while supporting you through the process. After reaching out to us, you will be paired with a trained mental health, substance use health and addictions professional who will connect you to the services you need from a network of partner organizations. Access MHA is for anyone 16+. Get started HERE

Hope for Wellness Helpline: The Hope for Wellness Helpline is available to all Indigenous people across Canada. Experienced and culturally competent counsellors are reachable by telephone and online ‘chat’ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Both telephone and online chat services are available in English and French. Telephone support is also available upon request in Cree, Ojibway (Anishinaabemowin), and Inuktitut. They can be reached at 1-855-242-3310. Access their website HERE

Crisis Line:
Professionally trained Crisis Line Responders are there to answer your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A crisis can include difficulty dealing with stress, overwhelming feelings, symptoms of depression, anxiety or psychosis, suicidal thoughts, or any concerns regarding your mental health or that of your loved ones. They can be reached at:
613.722.6914 (within Ottawa) 1.866.996.0991(Outside Ottawa) Access their website HERE.

Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services:

Rideauwood is a community leader and a specialist in substance use, behavioural addictions and mental health issues. We are deeply committed to creating a compassionate and caring culture where clients feel empowered to make choices that work for them. Rideauwood offers over fifteen programs for clients including youth and young adults, adults, families, parents and support persons. Have a look at their programs HERE.

Ottawa Public Health:

have THAT talk: The have THAT talk series was developed to raise awareness about the importance of mental health in all areas of our lives. Everyone can take action to promote mental health where we live, work and play. Check out videos and activity guides on our website to learn how you can take action to reduce stigma, increase support, and encourage people to get help sooner. have THAT talk - Ottawa Public Health

Otttawa Public Health: Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health Resource List.

Government of Canada: Preventing suicide: When and how to help
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline.
Help is also available through Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) and the Hope for Wellness Help Line (1-855-242-3310). For more information and resources please click HERE.

Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (WOCRC): The Violence Against Women (VAW) program at the WOCRC has been providing support to women and children who live in the Kanata, Goulbourn, West Carleton, Rideau, Nepean, Osgoode and Bay wards. Access to support from Chrysalis House is not restricted to these areas.

We welcome all women from any age, culture, religion, sexual orientation and ability. We offer accessible counselling space, TTY and cultural interpretation.

If you are a woman who is currently living in an abusive relationship or have experienced intimate partner abuse (sexual, physical, emotional or other) in the past, when you are ready, give us a call. Our counsellors will provide safe, free and confidential support for you to make informed decisions about your family’s life. Our role is to provide safety planning, information, resources, referrals and support to help you meet your short- and long-term practical needs.

If you would like to learn more about abuse, or if you are wondering if you are in an abusive situation, please click here for more information.

Our counsellors do not determine for you whether or not you are being abused. Rather, they provide information and resources in order for you to make that decision for yourself. We believe that YOU are the expert in your life. Our services are free and confidential. Financial help with childcare and transportation may be available.

Mood Disorders Ottawa (MDO): MDO is a registered nonprofit, volunteer-run organization

that supports people with mood disorders and their loved ones. Head to the MDO website for a list of their programs and services: Home (mooddisordersottawa.ca)

Amethyst Women’s Addiction Centre: Amethyst offers free alternative addiction services to women-identified and gender-diverse individuals in the Ottawa region and is committed to working with diverse and marginalized folks. Amethyst Women's Addiction Centre - Amethyst Ottawa (amethyst-ottawa.org)