How to Ask for Help

The Sooner, the Better!

Check out our map of mental health and addiction services/resources in Ottawa!

For some communities and families, mental health is never talked about, and it can feel embarrassing to bring up. It's important to know that 1 in 5 Canadians live with a mental health issue, and that these are not caused by weakness or poor will-power. When we break an arm or have diabetes, we see a health professional. Mental health also needs attention, care, patience, and time. The sooner someone gets help, (through diagnosing and treating mental health problems) the sooner they can start getting better, and lead a full and positive life.


Talking about mental health or mental illness

We like to share good news with those we care about and trust, but many of us find it hard to tell someone when we are not doing so well. This can be especially true for those of us living with mental health challenges or illnesses.

In fact, 42% of Canadians were not sure if they would socialize with a friend who has a mental illness! So we know that starting the conversation can be a little overwhelming and maybe even scary. Having said this, we also know that it is important to reach out for help early, when you are ready. Here are some great tips to get you started or to help support someone when they share something about their mental health with you:

  • It's important to feel you are in a safe place and want to share.
  • Start by choosing someone you really trust. Maybe it's a friend, a family member, or a trusted adult like a teacher or a coach.
  • Ask them if you can share something with them.
  • Tell them how you are feeling.
  • Some people may not respond the way you want them to. Some communities and families never talk about mental health.
  • If the person doesn't respond well, think about who else may be a safe person to share with.
  • You don't have to share everything at once. This may take many conversations.
  • Some people might even be mean to you. This can be especially true if you talk about your struggles on social media. People can be mean there! Make sure you are in a good place and ready before you share or post anything online.

Remember, if you need help but don't know where to go, call a distress centre line as there are ALWAYS professionals who can help you.

Talking to friends about their mental health

So, someone has told you that they are having a hard time and would like to talk. Now what? It's important to remember that nobody has all the answers. It is best to listen, offer support, and find help when needed. These are a few tips to help when someone shares their concerns with you:

  • Use straight-forward, clear, simple language. If you use big words, talk too much, or try to fix things they are going to tune you out.

  • Try to stay calm. Getting angry and emotional in a situation won't be helpful.

  • Try not to judge. Instead, put yourself in their shoes.

  • Listening is the most important part of communicating. Try to reflect their feelings and to be understanding. Using statements like "I see," or "Tell me more about..." show that you are actually listening and the person will feel listened to.

  • Be aware of your body language. Crossed arms or an neutral look on your face might show that you're not interested in what they have to say. Sometimes our body language speaks louder than our words.

  • It's important to continue to show, through your actions, that you care.

What if this creates a fight? Conflict is a natural part of any relationship. If someone's health and safety is at risk, a fight is likely worth the price. For instance, if a friend wants to hurt themselves, it's important to get help. Making sure that you are stable and comfortable enough to help your friend is also very important. For outside help, look below for a whole bunch of resources. You can always contact the Youth Services Bureau's 24/7 Crisis Line for support, counseling and advice at 613-260-2360.

Mental Health and Addiction Services in Ottawa 

 Map Legend

For more mental health and addiction information, please contact 211 or visit www.ementalhealth.ca. 

 

 Community Agencies

Legend: B = Bilingual, E = English, F = French, O = Other languages

 

1. Bereaved Families of Ontario (B)

308-211 Bronson Ave., Ottawa, ON K1R 6H5

Phone: 613-567-4278

Services: Support/Activity Group, Information Resources 

Referral Required: No

Fee: None

Age Range: 3+

 

2. Canadian Hearing Society Ottawa (E)

2197 Riverside Dr., Suite 600, Ottawa, ON, K1H 7X3

Phone: 613-521-0509

Services: Counselling, Family Counselling, Information Resources

Referral Required: No

Fee: None

Age Range: 5+

 

3. Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) (B)

301-1355 Bank St., Ottawa, ON K1H 8K7

Phone: 613-737-7791

Services: Counselling, Support/Activity Group, Assessment, Information Resources, Information Presentation

Referral: To access services, call during regular business hours, and ask to speak to the Information and Referral worker.

Fee: None

Age Range: All ages

 

4. Centre Psychosocial (F)

300-150 Montreal Rd., Ottawa, ON K1L 8H2

Phone: 613-789-2240

Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Family Counselling, Support/Activity Group, Assessment, Information Resources, Information Presentation

Referral Required: No

Fee: None

Age Range: 0-18

 

5. Family Services Ottawa (B)

312 Parkdale Ave., Ottawa, ON K1Y 4X5

Phone: 613-725-3601

Services: Counselling, Family Counselling, Support/Activity Group, Assessment

Referral: Contact main line and ask for Intake worker.

Fee: Sliding fee scale geared towards family income and the number of dependants living in the home

Age Range: All ages

 

6. Inuuqatigiit-Centre For Inuit Children, Youth and Families (E, O)

Early Years: 224 & 230 McArthur Ave., Vanier, ON, K1L 6P5

Youth Centre: 76 Queen St., Vanier, ON, K1K 1X7

Phone: 613-744-3133 x 232

Services: Counselling, Family Counselling, Support/Activity Group, Assessment

Referral: No

Fee: None

Age Range: 0-13

 

7. LGBTTQ Counselling (B) Centretown Community Health Centre

420 Cooper St., Ottawa, ON K2P 2N6

Phone: 613-233-4443

Services: Counselling, Family Counselling, Information Resources, Information Presentation

Referral: No

Fee: None

Age Range: 12-25

 

8. Hopewell Eating Disorders (E)

404 McArthur St., Ottawa, ON K1K 1G8

Phone: 613-241-3428

Services: Support/Activity Group, Information Resources, Information Presentation

Referral: None

Fee: There are costs for some, but not all, support groups.

Age Range: 13+

 

9. Kind (Formerly PTS) (E)

331 Cooper St., 2nd Floor, Ottawa, ON K2P 0G5

Phone: 613-563-4818

Services: Counselling, Support/Activity Group

Referral: No

Fee: Fees apply for some services (sliding scale based on ability to pay)

Age Range: All ages

 

10. Minwaashin Lodge (E)

100-1155 Lola St., Ottawa, ON K1K 4C1

Phone: 613-741-5590

Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Family Counselling, Support/Activity Group

Referral: No

Fee: None

Age Range: All ages

 

11. Montfort Renaissance (F)

201-338 Montreal Rd., Ottawa, ON K1L 6B3

Phone: 613-742-0988

Services: Counselling, Support/Activity Group

Referral: Call main line and ask for the intake coordinator.

Fee: None

Age Range: 16+

 

12. Operation Come Home (E)

150 Gloucester St., Ottawa, ON K2P 0A6

Phone: 613-230-4663

Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Support /Activity Group, Information Resources, Information Presentation

Referral: No

Fee: None

Age Range: 16+

 

13. Ottawa Chinese Community Service Centre (OCCSC) (E, O)

400 Cooper St., Suite 2000, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2H8

Phone: 613-235-4875

Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Family Counselling, Assessment

Referral: No

Fee: None

Age: All ages

 

14. Ottawa Public Health Information Line (OPHIL) (B, O)

Phone: 613-580-6744

Services: Counselling, Assessment

Referral: No

Fee: No

Age Range: All

 

15. Parent Lifeline of Eastern Ontario (PLEO) (B)

Location changes based on support groups, please call or check website for location information.

Phone: 613-321-3211

Services: Support/Activity Group, Information Resources

Referral Required: No

Fee: None

Age Range: 16+

 

16. Project Upstream (E)

204-100 Craig Henry Dr., Ottawa, ON K2G 5W3

Phone: 613-248-3329

Services: Counselling, Assessment

Referral Required: Contact main line and ask for the Coordinator.

Fee: None

Age Range: 16+ 

 

17. Psychiatric Survivors of Ottawa (E)

211 Bronson Ave., Suite 313/314, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 6H5

Phone: 613-567-4378

Services: Support/Activity Group

Referral: None

Fee: Fees may apply for certain services

Age Range: All ages

 

18. Roberts Smart Centre (B)

1737 Woodward Dr., Suite 104, Ottawa, ON K2C 0P9

Phone: 613-728-1946

Services: Counselling, Assessment

Referral: Contact Intake Coordinator either at 613-728-1946 ext.236 or intake@rsc-crs.com

Fee: None

Age Range: 12-17

 

19. Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa (E)

P.O Box 4441, Stn. E, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B4

Phone: 613-725-2160 | 24hr line: 613-234-2266

Services: Crisis Support, Support/Activity Group, Information Resources

Referral: No 

Fee: None

Range: All ages

 

20. Somali Centre for Family Services (E, O)

1719 Bank St., Suite 200, Ottawa, ON, K1V 7Z4

Phone: 613-526-2075 Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Family Counselling, Assessment

Referral: No

Fee: None

Age: All ages

 

21. Tungasuvvingat Inuit (E, O)

1071 Richmond Rd., Ottawa ON K2B 6R2

Phone: 613-565-5885

Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Family Coullselling, Support/Activity Group, Assessment

Referral: No 

Fee: None

Age Range: All ages

 

22. Youth Net/Réseau Ado (B)

2304 St-Laurent Blvd., Unit 300B, Ottawa, ON K1G 4J8

Phone: 613-738-3915

Services: Counselling, Support/Activity Group, Information Resources, Information Presentation

Referral: No 

Fee: None

Age Range: 12+

 Community Agencies that Offer Walk-In Counselling

Legend: B=Bilingual, E=English, F=French, O=Other languages

 

1. Counselling and Family Service Ottawa (B)

310 Olmstead St., Ottawa, ON, K1L 7K3

Phone: 613-233-8478

Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Family Counselling, Support/Activity Group, Assessment

Referral: No

Fee: Fees may apply for certain services

Age: All ages

 

2. Counselling and Support Services of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry (B)

26 Montreal Rd., Cornwall, Ontario, K6H 1B1

Phone: 613-932-4610

Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Family Counselling, Support/Activity Group, Assessment

Referral: No

Fee: Fees may apply for certain services

Age: All ages

 

3. Crossroads Children’s Mental Health Centre  (E)

1755 Courtwood Cr., Ottawa, ON K2C 3J2

Phone: 613-723-1623 

Services: Counselling, Family Counselling, Support/Activity Group, Assessment, Information Resources, Information Presentation

Referral: Contact Intake Department at 613-723-1623 ext.248.

Fee: None

Age Range: 0-12

 

4. Family Services Ottawa (B)

312 Parkdale Ave., Ottawa, ON, K1Y 4X5

Phone: 613-725-3601

Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Family Counselling, Assessment

Referral: No

Fee: None

Age: All ages

 

5. Jewish Family Services of Ottawa (B)

2255 Carling Ave., Suite 300, Ottawa, ON, K2B 7Z5

Phone: 613-722-2225 x. 352

Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Family Counselling, Support/Activity Group, Assessment

Referral: No

Fee: Fees may apply for certain services

Age: All ages

 

6. North Renfrew Family Services (E)

117 Banting Dr., Deep River, ON K0J 1P0 (located in the Medical Building)

Phone: 613-584-3358

Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Family Counselling, Assessment

Referral: Referral may be required for certain services

Fee: None

Age: All ages

 

7. Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO) (B)

959 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2X5

Phone: 613-725-5761 ext.322

Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Family Counselling, Support /Activity Group, Assessment, Information Resources 

Referral: None

Fee: Sliding scale, but waived for low-income clientele

Age Range: 13+

 

8. Somerset West Community Health Centre (E)

55 Eccles St., Ottawa, ON K1R 6S3, 30 Rosemount Ave. Ottawa, ON K1Y 1P4

Phone: 613-238-8210

Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Support/Activity Group, Information Resources, Information Presentation

Referral Required: No

Fee: None

Age Range: All ages

 

9. South-East Ottawa Community Health Centre (B)

600-1355 Bank St., Ottawa, ON K1H 8K7

Phone: 613-737-5115

Catchment area: Residents of South-East Ottawa

Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Family Counselling, Assessment, Information Resources Referral Required: No

Fee: None

Age Range: All ages

 

10. Youth Services Bureau (B)

2301 Carling Ave., Ottawa, ON K2B 8K2

Phone: 613-562-3004  

Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Family Counselling, Assessment, Information Resources, Information Presentation

Referral: No 

Fee: None

Age Range: 12+

 

11. Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health (E)

299 Montreal Rd., Ottawa, ON K1L 6B8

Phone: 613-748-0657

Services: Walk In, Counselling, Family Counselling, Support/Activity Group, Assessment, Information Resources

Referral: No

Fee: None

Age Range: All ages

 Community Centres

Legend: B=Bilingual, E=English, F=French

 

1. Carlington Community Health Centre (B)

900 Merivale Rd., Ottawa, ON K1Z 5Z8

Phone: 613-722-4000

Catchment area: Residents of Scott-Hill/Van Lang, Annavale, Bellevue, Debra Dynes

Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Family Counselling, Information Resources

Referral Required: No

Fee: None

Age Range: All ages

 

2. Centretown Community Health Centre (B)

420 Cooper St., Ottawa, ON K2P 2N6

Phone: 613-233-4443

Catchment area: Residents of Old Ottawa South, Glebe, Centertown

Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Family Counselling, Support/Activity Group, Information Resources, Information Presentation Referral Required: No

Fee: No

Age Range: All

 

3. Eastern Ottawa resource Centre (B)

Beacon Hill Shopping Centre, 2339 Ogilvie Rd., Ottawa, ON K1J 8M6

Phone: 613-741-6025

Catchment area: Residents of Blackburn Hamlet, Gloucester, Beacon Hill, Orleans West

Services: Counselling, Family Counselling, Information Resources Referral

Required: No

Fee: Yes

Age Range: All

 

4. Hunt Club Riverside Community Services Centre (B)

3320 Paul Anka Dr., Ottawa, ON K1V 0J9

Phone: 613-247-1600

Catchment area: Residents of Hunt Club Riverside Park

Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Family Counselling

Referral Required: No

Fee: No

Age Range: All

 

 

5. Lowertown Community Resource Centre (B)

40 Cobourg St., Ottawa, ON K1N 8Z6

Phone: 613-789-3930

Catchment area: Residents of Lowertown

Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Family Counselling, Support/Activity Group, Assessment, Information Resources

Referral Required: No

Fee: No

Age Range: All

 

6. Nepean, Rideau & Osgoode Community Resource Centre (E)

Merivale Mall, 541-1642 Merivale Rd., Nepean, ON K2G 4A1

Phone: 613-596-5626

Catchment area: Residents of Nepean, Rideau and Osgoode Services: Counselling, Assessment 

Referral Required: No

Fee: No

Age Range: All

 

7. Orléans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre (B) 

240 Centrum Blvd., Orléans, ON K1E 3J4

Phone: 613-830-4357

Catchment area: Residents of Orléans and Cumberland

Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Family Counselling, Support/Activity Group, Information Resources, 

Referral Required: No

Fee: No

Age Range: All

 

8. Rideau-Rockliffe Community Resource Centre (B)

120-225 Donald St., Ottawa, ON K1K 1N1

Phone: 613-745-0073

Catchment area: Residents of North-East Ottawa (area code K1K, K1M, K1G)

Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Family Counselling, Information Resources

Referral Required: No

Fee: No

Age Range: All

 

9. Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre (B)

1365 Richmond Rd., Ottawa, ON K2B 6R7

Phone: 613-820-4922

Catchment area: Residents with area codes: K2A, K2B, K2C, K2G, K2H

Services: System Navigation

Referral Required: No

Fee: No

Age Range: All

 

10. Sandy Hill Community Health Centre (B)

221 Nelson St., Ottawa, ON K1N 1C7

Phone: 613-789-1500

Catchment area: Residents of Sandy Hill

Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Family Counselling, Information Resources

Referral Required: No

Fee: No

Age Range: All

 

11. Somerset West Community Health Centre (E)

55 Eccles St., Ottawa, ON K1R 6S3,

30 Rosemount Ave. Ottawa, ON K1Y 1P4

Phone: 613-238-8210

Catchment area: Residents of West Central Ottawa

Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Support/Activity Group, Information Resources, Information Presentation

Referral Required: No

Fee: No

Age Range: All

 

12. South-East Ottawa Community Health Centre (B)

600-1355 Bank St., Ottawa, ON K1H 8K7

Phone: 613-737-5115

Catchment area: Residents of South-East Ottawa

Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Family Counselling, Assessment, Information Resources

Referral Required: No

Fee: No

Age Range: All

 

13. Vanier Community Service Centre (B)

290 Dupuis St., Vanier, ON K1L 1A2

Phone: 613-744-2892

Catchment area: Residents of Vanier

Services: Counselling, Family Counselling

Referral Required: No

Fee: No

Age Range: All

 

14. Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (B)

2 MacNeil Crt., Ottawa, ON K2L 4H7

Phone: 613-591-3686

Catchment area: Residents of Goulbourn, West Carleton and Kanata

Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Family Counselling, Information Resources, Information Presentation

Referral Required: No

Fee: No

Age Range: All

 Addiction Support

Legend: B=Bilingual, E=English, F=French

 

1. Service Access to Recovery (SAR) (B)

338 Montreal Rd., Ottawa, ON K1L 6B3

Phone: 613-241-5202
Services: Assessment, Information Resources
Referral: No
Fee: No
Age Range: 16+ 

2. Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre (B)

112 Willowlea Rd., Carp, ON K0A 1L0

Phone: 613-594-8333

Services: Counselling, Support/Activity Group, Residential Treatment, Continuing Care, Family Services

Referral: No

Fee: No

Age Range: 13-21

 

3. Maison Fraternité (F)

242 Cantin St., Ottawa, ON K1L 6T2

Phone: 613-741-2523

Services: Counselling, Family Counselling, Support/Activity Group, Assessment, Information Resources

Referral: No

Fee: No

Age Range: All

 

4. Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services (E)

312 Parkdale Ave., Ottawa, ON K1Y 4X5

Phone: 613-724-4881

Services: Counselling, Family Counselling, Support/Activity Group, Assessment, Information Resources, Information Presentation

Referral: No

Fee: No

Age Range: 13+

 

5. Amethyst Women's Addiction Centre (B)

488 Wilbrod St., Ottawa, ON K1N 6M8

Phone: 613-563-0363 

Services: Counselling, Family Counselling, Support/Activity Group, Assessment, Information Resources, Information Presentation 

Referral: No

Fee: No

Age Range:18+ 

6. Serenity Renewal for Families

202-2255 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa, ON K1G 4K3

Phone: 613-523-5143

Services: Counselling, Family Counselling, Support/Activity Group, Assessment

Referral: No
Fee: Fees apply for some services (sliding scale based on ability to pay)

Age Range: All

 Hospitals

Legend: B=Bilingual, E=English, F=French

 

1. Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) (B)

401 Smyth Rd., Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1

Phone: 613-737-7600 | Mental Health Intake: 613-737-2496

Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Family Counselling, Assessment, Information Resources, Information Presentation

Referral: Physician or healthcare professional referral required for all counselling programs.

Fee: No

Age Range: 0-18

 

2. Montfort Hospital (B)

713 Montreal Rd., Ottawa, ON K1K 0T2

Phone: 613-746-4621

Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Assessment, Information Resources

Referral: Physician or healthcare professional referral required for all counselling programs.

Fee: No

Age Range: 16+

http://hopitalmontfort.com/accueil.cfm

 

3. The Ottawa Hospital (B)

Civic Campus: 1053 Carling Ave., Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 4E9

General Campus: 501 Smyth Rd., Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6

Riverside Campus: 1967 Riverside Dr., Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 7W9

Phone: 613-798-5555

Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Support/Activity Group, Assessment

Referral: May be required for certain services

Fee: No

Age Range:  16+

https://www.ottawahospital.on.ca/

 

4. The Royal (B)

1145 Carling Ave., Ottawa, ON K1Z 7K4

Phone: 613-722-6521

Services: Counselling, Assessment, Information Resources, Information Presentation

Referral: Physician or healthcare professional referral required for all counselling programs. To contact mental health intake services, call: 613-737-2496

Fee: No

Age Range: 16+

http://www.theroyal.ca/

Online Support

 

The Big White Wall

The Big White Wall is an online peer support and self-management tool for anyone who is at least 16 years of age and experiencing symptoms of mild to moderate depression and anxiety. Clients can connect with others who are experiencing similar issues and share what’s on their mind while gaining support and advice. The service is free for Ontario residents with a valid health card either through self or health care provider referral. The site is monitored 24/7 by trained counsellors who make sure the community is supportive and safe.

 Bounce Back

BounceBack is a free skill-building program that helps people 15 years of age and older to manage symptoms of mild to moderate depression and anxiety. It is an educational, motivational, guided self-help program using telephone coaching and workbooks. The program involves three to six telephone coaching sessions to help clients develop new skills to manage stress, mood, depression and anxiety. Telephone coaching and workbooks are available in multiple languages. This service is also free for Ontario residents who have a valid health card number. Again, either participants can self-refer to the program, or their health care provider can refer them.

BounceBack also offers videos with practical tips on managing mood, sleeping better, building confidence, increasing activity, problem solving, and healthy living. The videos are available in English, French, Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, Arabic, and Farsi. Anyone can view the videos by visiting bouncebackvideo.ca using the coupon code bbtodayon.

 

 

Need support immediately?

These crisis lines operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Someone will always answer your call.

Distress Centre Ottawa and Region 24/7

Phone: 613-238-3311
Services: Crisis Support, Information Resources
Referral: No
Fee: No
Bilingual

Kids Help Phone 24/7

Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Services: Crisis Support, Information Resources
Referral: No
Fee: No
Bilingual

Mental Health Crisis Line 24/7

Phone: 613-722-6914 | Outside Ottawa: 1-866-966-0991
Services: Crisis Support, Information Resources
Referral: No
Fee: No
Age Range: 16+
Bilingual

Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre Crisis Line 24/7

Phone: 613-562-2333 | 24hr line: 613-562-2333
Services: Crisis Support, Counselling, Information Resources
Referral: No
Fee: No
English
Youth Services Bureau - 24/7 Crisis Line
Phone: 613-260-2360, Outside Ottawa: 1-877-377-7775
Services: Crisis Support, Information Resources
Referral: No
Fee: No
Bilingual
Phone: 1-866-277-3553 Services: Crisis Support, Information Resources Referral: No Fee: No Age Range: All Web: centredaide247.com

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