crisis supports

I unfortunately do not have capacity to provide crisis support outside of sessions.

My phone and email are checked during regular business hours. You can expect that my response times to messages will vary depending on my availability. In general, my intention is to reply to messages within 1 business day. On occasion like if I am in training or on vacation, my response time might be longer.

Below are some resources you might want to consider in times of crisis. I cannot endorse any of the services because I cannot be sure they will meet your unique needs.

Note: the information can change without notice so please contact the service directly for up-to-date information.

I encourage everyone to enter phone numbers for at least two crisis services into your phone right now so that support is easily accessible to you should a need arise.

If you contact crisis services, I encourage you to contact as many crisis services as necessary until you get the support you need.

In a time of crisis you can access support by calling 911 or going to your nearest hospital emergency room. 

I acknowledge that I decided to list Toronto Police Services as a potential crisis support while recognizing that institutionalized anti-black racism, anti-Indigenous racism, racism, homophobia and transphobia impact the ways police officers engage with people from marginalized communities.

CAMH emergency department at 1051 Queen St West

  • provides 24/7 emergency assessment and treatment for adults (16+) with mental health and substance use issues

CAMH virtual urgent care

https://www.camh.ca/en/your-care/programs-and-services/virtual-urgent-care

  • offers OHIP-covered, confidential, same-day virtual mental health advice to people in Toronto. Complete some quick registration questions, book an appointment time, and then click on your text/email link at the time of your appointment to connect by video on your computer/phone

Mobile Crisis Intervention Teams through Toronto Police Services

  • if you phone 911 for a mental health crisis, you can request that a mental health nurse and specially trained police offer respond to the call, if available
  • in Scarborough and East York region, it is the Scarborough Hospital Mobile Crisis Program, also reachable at 416-495-2891

Distress Centre

  • 24/7 phone support at 416-408-4357
  • chat/text from 2pm-2am at torontodistresscentre.com and 741741

Gerstein Centre

  • 24/7 phone support at 416-929-5200
  • substance use crisis team available 10am-6pm at 416-962-0220

Hope + Me Warm Line 

  • phone support at 1-888-486-8236 available Mon-Fri 930-5
  • they also offer free drop-in groups, workshops and counselling

Good2Talk (for post-secondary students)

  • 24/7 phone support at 1-866-925-5454

Kids Help Phone (up to 20 years old)

  • 24/7 phone support at 1-800-668-6868
  • text support 24/7 at 686868
  • live chat support hours vary but currently are Mon-Sun 7pm-12am
  • check out www.kidshelpphone.ca

Assaulted Women’s Helpline

  • 24/7 phone support at 416-863-0511 or 1-866-863-0511

Toronto Rape Crisis Centre Multicultural Women Against Rape

  • 24/7 phone support at 416-597-8808 or email crisis@trccmwar.ca

Anishnawbe 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Management Service

  • support for Indigenous people in crisis at 1-855-242-3310

Trans Lifeline

  • peer support for any trans person in need, including people struggling with gender identity
  • phone support 24/7 at 1-877-330-6366

Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Care Centre at Women’s College Hospital

  • provides 24/7 services to women, men, trans and intersex people who are victims/survivors of sexual assault and domestic/intimate partner violence. No appointment needed.
  • located at 76 Grenville st, toronto in the Acute Ambulatory Care Unit (AACU) on the first floor in Room 1256