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It's normal for situations like COVID-19 to affect your mental health. Everyone will experience these events in their own way. It is completely natural to feel stress and concern during these times and so it is important to practice positive coping strategies.
Below is a listing of Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health Resources available to you.
If you are in crisis, please contact the Mental Health Crisis Line (24 hours a day/7 days a week) at 613-722-6914 or if outside Ottawa toll-free at 1-866-996-0991.
For residents who would like to access French-only crisis support, please contact TAO Tel-Aide – 613-741-6433 or if outside Ottawa toll free at 1-800-567-9699.
If you (or your child) are experiencing thoughts of suicide or harming yourself, please call 9-1-1.
Neighbourhood Wellness Hubs
Drop-in to talk to public health staff about wellness, supports and resources.
African, Caribbean and Black Wellness Resource Centre (1021 Cyrville Rd. Unit #9, Gloucester)
Wednesdays (October 19, Nov 2, 16 and 30, Dec 14)
noon to 3 pm
Albion-Heatherington Recreation Centre (1560 Heatherington Rd.)
Wednesdays (October 19, Nov 2, 16 and 30, Dec 14)
1 to 4 pm
Bellevue Community Centre (1475 Caldwell Ave.)
Thursdays (October 20, Nov 3, 17, Dec 1 and 15)
noon to 3 pm
Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre (815 St. Laurent Blvd.)
Wednesdays (October 19, Nov 2, 16 and 30, Dec 14)
1 to 4 pm
Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre (1365 Richmond Rd.)
Wednesdays (October 26, Nov 9 and 23, Dec 7 and 21)
1 to 4 pm
Ottawa Public Health
Offering wellness tips; assistance to book short-term counselling through Counselling Connect; connection to mental and substance use health services through AccessMHA and 1call1click
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Employment and Social Services
Providing access to social assistance programs including financial assistance, housing, employment services, referrals.
Not Available
Available
Not Available
Available
Available
Need help? Don't know where to start? Start here.
AccessMHA
One of the biggest challenges for people seeking mental health, substance use health, and addictions services is knowing where to go. That’s why health care partners, community service providers, and people with lived/living experience have worked together to create.
AccessMHA, a simple new single point of entry to eastern Ontario’s system of care for mental health and addictions.
1call1click.ca
1Call1Click.ca is a simple way for children, youth and families to access the right mental health and addiction care, at the right time.
Our partners provide care for every level of need. We match you with a partner that is best for your specific needs.
1Call1Click.ca also helps navigate the system for children, youth and families, struggling with complex mental health and addiction needs - guiding, problem-solving and managing ongoing care.
Counselling Connect
CounsellingConnect.org - Counselling Connect provides quick access to a free phone or video counselling session, available in English, French and Arabic. You choose a convenient date and time. This service is for everyone: children, youth, adults and families in Ottawa and the surrounding area. There is no waiting list.
Walk-in Counselling Clinics
Walk-in Counselling Clinics - 613-755-2277 or walkincounselling.com. No referral is required for the Walk-In Counselling Clinic. You will be assisted, with no appointment, on a first-come, first-serve basis during the Walk-In Counselling Clinic hours. The Walk-in Counselling Clinic offers free in person sessions as well as video or phone counselling services in English, French, Arabic, Spanish, Somali, Cantonese and Mandarin at a variety of different locations.
Royal's Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic
For people looking for help with their alcohol and/or opioid problems. We have introduced this new RAAM digital front door to make it easy for you to access the RAAM clinic team and our services.
Clinic is open 8:00AM to 4:00PM Monday to Friday excluding statutory holidays
If you need assistance or information, please call 613-722-6521 ext 6508.
Get help now - Telephone, text and chat mental health crisis services
It is normal that situations like COVID-19 can affect your mental health and it’s completely ok to ask for help. If you need support, please connect with:
Telephone, text and chat mental health crisis services
1call1click.ca - 1Call1Click.ca is a simple way for children, youth and families to access the right mental health and addiction care, at the right time.
Our partners provide care for every level of need. We match you with a partner that is best for your specific needs.
1Call1Click.ca also helps navigate the system for children, youth and families, struggling with complex mental health and addiction needs - guiding, problem-solving and managing ongoing care.
AccessMHA is for anyone who is 16 years of age or older, living in eastern Ontario, and looking for mental health and/or substance use/addiction services. If you need help and support, and are not sure where to go, reach out to us and we will connect you to the service you need.
Breaking Free Online (BFO) is a confidential online platform to help support wellness around substance use. Breaking Free Online is offering their services to anyone who is 16 and older with a substance use disorder who is not able to access their regular support. BFO will give them continuous access to personalized behavioural support online. To access this service, use the code ottawaph21 or your Ontario postal code to sign up.
Community Addictions Peer Support Association (CAPSA) - CAPSA, a not-for profit corporation, works to reduce stigma and discrimination towards people with substance use disorders, by leading education, training, advocacy and community engagement projects. Through this work, peer support initiatives and by providing opportunities to integrate into the broader community, CAPSA strives to empower individuals impacted by substance use disorder. CAPSA supports all pathways to increased health and endeavour to collaborate with other organizations that provide services for those seeking help.
Counselling Connect - Adult, older adult, youth young adult and family substance use, gambling and gaming
Families for Addiction Recovery: Free Peer Support Services
FAR volunteers are trained in the Invitation to Change Approach which is a combination of Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
Capacity to provide services in French is limited.
Gambling - If you choose to gamble, the Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines can help you to reduce your risk of experiencing harms.
LESA (Centretown Community Health Centre) Addictions Treatment for Older Adults: Substance Use and Problem Gambling counselling sessions have been moved to telephone sessions. To book an appointment or learn more about this program please call 613-233-4443 x 2109.
Montfort Renaissance’s Service Access to Recovery (SAR) is Ottawa’s bilingual centralized access to all Ontario Health funded agencies providing addiction / concurrent disorder treatment. It is a starting point for people 16 years and older who are concerned about their substance use and want to understand, discuss and access treatment options.
To be evaluated and referred directly to treatment, call 613-241-5202. Due to COVID-19 assessments are temporarily done over the phone and treatment options are more limited than usual, but new virtual support options are available.
Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services - Wondering about substance use health, behavioural addictions or mental health issues? You're not alone. We're right here. Call 613-724-4881.
The “Find Your Way Community Resource Guide” provides both practitioners and service recipients contact information for organizations such as drug treatment centres, crisis lines, shelters, locations to pick up safer injection and inhalation supplies, as well as information on other community agencies.
Harm reduction services, such as Ottawa Public Health's Site Needle and Syringe Program, help reduce harm to people who use drugs and also protect our community. This is done by distributing supplies (such as needles) for safer drug use, teaching about safer drug use, and referring people to other health and social services. For more information please visit, Harm Reduction Services in Ottawa.
For people looking for help with their alcohol and/or opioid problems. We have introduced this new RAAM digital front door to make it easy for you to access the RAAM clinic team and our services. theroyal.accessraam.ca
Clinic is open 8:00AM to 4:00PM Monday to Friday excluding statutory holidays
If you need assistance or information, please call 613-722-6521 ext 6508.
Sandy Hill Community Health Centre provides confidential and supportive counselling services for individuals, families and adolescents seeking help for addictions (including problem gambling), mental health issues or concurrent disorders.
The LRADGs outline best practices for setting drink limits and when not to drink alcohol. The brochure provides tips for safer drinking and defines a standard drink.
Reproduced with permission from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction.
Posters, as shown on the right, were developed for the Blunt Fact campaign targeting the general population. This poster describes that inhaling cannabis smoke can harm your lungs. The recommendation is to choose other ways to use. For more information, a link to the Ottawa Public Health's (OPH) Cannabis Website is provided with the bilingual logo at the bottom.
Posters, as shown on the right, were developed for the Blunt Fact campaign targeting the general population. This poster describes that using cannabis as a teen can change the way the brain grows and how it works. The recommendation is to help them reach their full potential: Talk early, often and openly about cannabis. For more information, a link to the Ottawa Public Health's (OPH) Cannabis Website is provided with the bilingual logo at the bottom.
Posters, as shown on the right, were developed for the Blunt Fact campaign targeting the general population. This poster describes that kids can get into anything. The recommendation is to keep cannabis products in the original packaging and in a locked place that is out of reach. For more information, a link to the Ottawa Public Health's (OPH) Cannabis Website is provided with the bilingual logo at the bottom.
Posters, as shown on the right, were developed for the Blunt Fact campaign targeting the general population. This poster describes that cannabis can slow your reaction time and impair your ability to drive. The recommendation is to plan a safe ride. For more information, a link to the Ottawa Public Health's (OPH) Cannabis Website is provided with the bilingual logo at the bottom.
Posters, as shown on the right, were developed for the Blunt Fact campaign targeting the general population. This poster describes that the high from eating cannabis takes longer to feel and lasts longer. The recommendation is to start low and go slow. For more information, a link to the Ottawa Public Health's (OPH) Cannabis Website is provided with the bilingual logo at the bottom.
This Ministry of Health resource describes the 5 steps involved in responding to an opioid overdose. It also lists the signs of an opioid overdose and how to put someone in the recovery position. Remember: the most important thing you can do is call 911! If you don’t feel safe or sure how to respond, call 911 so paramedics can get there as soon as possible.
Available in Arabic (pdf - 257KB) and Somali (pdf - 150KB).
This poster describes that illegal drugs have been linked with overdoses, that “anything can be cut with fentanyl or carfentanil”, and that “even the smallest amount can cause an overdose.” The poster is encouraging everyone to know the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose, to call 9-1-1, and to carry naloxone. For more information, a link to Stop Overdose Ottawa is provided with a QR code.
This poster encourages youth to talk to adults they trust. It includes examples of questions that youth may have about drugs. The poster also lists the phone numbers of Kids Help Phone and Youth Services Bureau.
This postcard describes that illegal drugs have been linked with overdoses, that “anything can be cut with fentanyl”, and that “even the smallest amount can cause an overdose.” The postcard encourages everyone to know the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose, to call 9-1-1, and to carry naloxone. For more information, a link to www.StopOverdoseOttawa.ca is provided with a QR code.
Available in Arabic (pdf - 2 MB) and Somali (pdf - 2 MB).
This poster describes that illegal drugs have been linked with overdoses, that “anything can be cut with fentanyl or carfentanil”, and that “even the smallest amount can cause an overdose.” The poster is encouraging everyone to know the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose, to call 9-1-1, and to carry naloxone. For more information, a link to www.StopOverdoseOttawa.ca is provided with a QR code.
Available in Arabic (pdf - 4 MB) and Somali (pdf - 4 MB).
This poster lists the common signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose. Each sign and symptom is accompanied by an image. For more information, there is a link to OttawaPublicHealth.ca.
This postcard aims to prevent overdose deaths. It includes the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose, and it recommends never using drugs alone. The postcard also states that an overdose is a medical emergency. It encourages people to carry naloxone and to call 9-1-1. For more information, there is a link to www.StopOverdoseOttawa.ca.
Online mental health resources and additional information
For information on how to cope with and reduce stress and anxiety, how to talk to your children about COVID-19 and how to support yourself as well as your loved ones' mental health, please visit:
AccessMHA is for anyone who is 16 years of age or older, living in eastern Ontario, and looking for mental health and/or substance use/addiction services. If you need help and support, and are not sure where to go, reach out to us and we will connect you to the service you need.
1call1click.ca - 1Call1Click.ca is a simple way for children, youth and families to access the right mental health and addiction care, at the right time.
Our partners provide care for every level of need. We match you with a partner that is best for your specific needs.
1Call1Click.ca also helps navigate the system for children, youth and families, struggling with complex mental health and addiction needs - guiding, problem-solving and managing ongoing care.
Counselling Connect provides quick access to a free phone or video counselling session, available in English, French and Arabic. You choose a convenient date and time. This service is for everyone: children, youth, adults and families in Ottawa and the surrounding area. There is no waiting list.
Walk-in Counselling Clinics - 613-755-2277 - No referral is required for the Walk-In Counselling Clinic. You will be assisted, with no appointment, on a first-come, first-serve basis during the Walk-In Counselling Clinic hours. The Walk-in Counselling Clinic offers free in person sessions as well as video or phone counselling services in English, French, Arabic, Spanish, Somali, Cantonese and Mandarin at a variety of different locations.
Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) is aware that the physical and economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic may impact your mental health and emotional state of well-being. Please reach out to connect with others and to keep yourself informed from reliable sources.
CMHA has put together some resources and suggestions to help support your mental health at this time of uncertainty.
Psychiatric survivors of Ottawa - We have a phone line dedicated to connecting with peers. Please check our website for further information or call our main line 613-567-4379 and press 118 to leave a message and we will return your call within one business day.
1call1click.ca - 1Call1Click.ca is a simple way for children, youth and families to access the right mental health and addiction care, at the right time.
Our partners provide care for every level of need. We match you with a partner that is best for your specific needs.
1Call1Click.ca also helps navigate the system for children, youth and families, struggling with complex mental health and addiction needs - guiding, problem-solving and managing ongoing care.
1call1click.ca - 1Call1Click.ca is a simple way for children, youth and families to access the right mental health and addiction care, at the right time.
Our partners provide care for every level of need. We match you with a partner that is best for your specific needs.
1Call1Click.ca also helps navigate the system for children, youth and families, struggling with complex mental health and addiction needs - guiding, problem-solving and managing ongoing care.
Youth Services Bureau - We are not here to judge, we are here to understand and to help you work through any issues or difficulties you are experiencing that may be affecting your life and your emotional well-being. Our team of experienced mental health experts provide a range of welcoming, non-judgmental services for you and your family.
Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre (DSYTC) is a non-profit, community-based agency that is dedicated to helping youth (13-21) and families across Ontario overcome substance use, mental health and related issues.
1call1click.ca - 1Call1Click.ca is a simple way for children, youth and families to access the right mental health and addiction care, at the right time.
Our partners provide care for every level of need. We match you with a partner that is best for your specific needs.
1Call1Click.ca also helps navigate the system for children, youth and families, struggling with complex mental health and addiction needs - guiding, problem-solving and managing ongoing care.
Youth Services Bureau - We are not here to judge, we are here to understand and to help you work through any issues or difficulties you are experiencing that may be affecting your life and your emotional well-being. Our team of experienced mental health experts provide a range of welcoming, non-judgmental services for you and your family.
PLEO - We are here to help, in communities across Eastern Ontario.
We provide Family Peer Support for parents through our:
Parents’ Helpline for support and guidance navigating the mental health system, finding resources in your community and for when you just need someone to talk to.
Parent Support Groups for parents to share information and learn form one another and come together as a community.
Mobile One-on-One Support for more intensive support and guidance through particularly challenging times, in-person and in your community.
Counselling Connect provides quick access to a free phone or video counselling session, available in English, French and Arabic. You choose a convenient date and time. This service is for everyone: children, youth, adults and families in Ottawa and the surrounding area. There is no waiting list.
Postpartum Support (Mothercraft Ottawa) - Mothercraft Ottawa’s Postpartum Support Drop-In Programs provides families with a safe and supportive environment where they can explore postpartum issues and learn coping strategies and skills. The group is currently offered via video conference.
Beyond the Baby Blues (Family Services Ottawa) - Connect with other moms who know how you’re feeling. Beyond the Baby Blues is a group program for mothers who are experiencing postpartum depression and/or postpartum anxiety. The group is currently offered via video conference.
Birth, Parenting and Mental Wellness (The Royal) - Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our Women's Mental Health Program has hosted a series of collaborative Facebook Live presentations with the Ottawa Birth & Wellness Centre.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Network (Sunnybrook) - We offer a variety of peer-support services (at no cost to families) to parents and family members who have been affected by pregnancy or infant loss. Our support services are offered over the phone and online and are available to residents of Ontario.
Supporting perinatal mental health at The Royal - The Perinatal Wellness Group – developed in partnership with the Ottawa Birth and Wellness Centre – is a free, virtual drop-in that creates a safe space for individuals who are pregnant and postpartum to check-in with one another about perinatal experiences, mental health, and wellness.
LESA (CCHC) Addictions Treatment for Older Adults: Substance Use and Problem Gambling counselling sessions have been moved to telephone sessions. To book an appointment or learn more about this program please call 613-233-4443 ext. 2109.
Counselling Connect provides quick access to a free phone or video counselling session, available in English, French and Arabic. You choose a convenient date and time. This service is for everyone: children, youth, adults and families in Ottawa and the surrounding area. There is no waiting list.
Montfort Renaissance provides individual support and contacts by phone for Francophone Seniors and Caregivers and social and recreational online activities through Mon Centre à distance. Phone: 613-241-1266
Counselling Connect provides quick access to a free phone or video counselling session, available in English, French and Arabic. You choose a convenient date and time. This service is for everyone: children, youth, adults and families in Ottawa and the surrounding area. There is no waiting list.
Bounce Back - Coaching + workbooks are available in English, French, Arabic, Farsi, Traditional Chinese and Spanish. Smaller format booklets are available in English, French, Punjabi, Traditional and Simplified Chinese. Coaching is also available in many other languages, but you will need to have a basic English reading level to work through the workbooks.
Videos are available in English, French, Arabic, Farsi, Cantonese, Mandarin and Punjabi.
Walk-in Counselling Clinics - 613-755-2277 - No referral is required for the Walk-In Counselling Clinic. You will be assisted, with no appointment, on a first-come, first-serve basis during the Walk-In Counselling Clinic hours.
The Walk-in Counselling Clinic offers free in person sessions as well as video or phone counselling services in English, French, Arabic, Spanish, Somali, Cantonese and Mandarin at a variety of different locations.
ACB Support Line - 343-571-0097 in English, Monday to Friday - Support for the community, by the community. We are here to help you regain your wellbeing. We offer practical and emotional support including resource navigation, health coaching and advocacy.
African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) COVID-19 Wellness Webinars - For more information: Email mnduati@swchc.on.ca - Every other Thursday - Please join us to talk about the health impacts of COVID-19 within the ACB community. Every other week, we'll meet online to discuss mental health, wellbeing, coping, resilience and more.
Acacia Youth Wellness - The program offers psychoeducational and support services to youth aged between 12 and 29 and solution-focused brief counselling, as well as service referrals and navigation. Their live broadcasted webinars feature ACB mental health professionals and mental health service users to share their experiences.
SNAP program - SNAP®, is an evidence based, cognitive behavioural therapy program that provides a framework for teaching children and their parents, effective emotional regulation, self-control and problem solving skills. Our program utilizes both individual and group counselling for parents and their children (concurrently), once a week for a 13-week family education program.
Call Me! Let’s Chat - African Caribbean Black (ACB) Seniors Program - We would like to inform you of the “Call me! Let’s Chat Program. It’s about connecting seniors to the community and increasing the opportunities for them to participate in community events, access to cultural food as well as combating isolation. Should you wish to find out more information, please call 613-567-0600 or email us at admin@jakukonbit.com for further details.
Walk-in Counselling Clinics - 613-755-2277 - No referral is required for the Walk-In Counselling Clinic. You will be assisted, with no appointment, on a first-come, first-serve basis during the Walk-In Counselling Clinic hours. The Walk-in Counselling Clinic offers free in person sessions as well as video or phone counselling services in English, French, Arabic, Spanish, Somali, Cantonese and Mandarin at a variety of different locations.
Counselling Connect - African, Caribbean, Black community counselling - 16 years and up.
Counselling Connect provides quick access to a free phone or video counselling session, available in English, French and Arabic. You choose a convenient date and time. This service is for everyone: children, youth, adults and families in Ottawa and the surrounding area. There is no waiting list.
1call1click.ca - 1Call1Click.ca is a simple way for children, youth and families to access the right mental health and addiction care, at the right time.
Black community services
Recognizing that culture is a key element of care for Black children, youth and their families, 1Call1Click.ca consults and connects with Black communities and service providers whenever appropriate. All 1Call1Click.ca staff receive ongoing Cultural Safety education.
Tungasuvvingat Inuit is an Inuit-specific registered not-for-profit Ontario service provider offering social support, cultural activities, employment and education assistance, youth programs, counselling, crisis intervention and more. For more information, please call: 613-565-5885.
includes Indigenous in-person, video or phone counselling using Indigenous and Western approaches to healing. This service is for children, youth, adults and families in Ottawa and the surrounding area.
1call1click.ca - 1Call1Click.ca is a simple way for children, youth and families to access the right mental health and addiction care, at the right time.
Indigenous services
Recognizing that culture is a key element of care for Indigenous children, youth and their families, 1Call1Click.ca consults and connects with Indigenous communities and service providers whenever appropriate. All 1Call1Click.ca staff receive ongoing Indigenous Cultural Safety education.
Wabano Mental Wellness Team provides holistic and culturally relevant services to Indigenous individuals and families. For more information, please call: 613-748-0657
Minwaashin Lodge: Provides programs and services to First Nations, Inuit and Metis women and children (regardless of status) who are survivors of domestic and other forms of violence.
National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health
Healing in Pandemic Times: Indigenous Peoples, Stigma and COVID-19: The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health and Northern Health have created this short animated video for Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences to draw attention to the ongoing issue of stigmatization experienced by Indigenous people in the health care system.
Counselling Connect provides quick access to a free phone or video counselling session, available in English, French and Arabic. You choose a convenient date and time. This service is for everyone: children, youth, adults and families in Ottawa and the surrounding area. There is no waiting list.
Grief Recovery After Substance Passing (GRASP) offers understanding, compassion, and support for those who have lost someone they love through addiction and overdose. For information on GRASP, registration, meeting locations and times, please contact the GRASP Kanata Chapter:
Healing Hearts Canada, offered by Moms Stop The Harm. Healing Hearts is a free bereavement support group for those grieving the loss of a loved one due to an overdose or substance-use related harm. The group facilitators have lived experience and offer an open-format peer-led model of support. All members are 18 years or older.
If you are in crisis, please contact the Mental Health Crisis Line (24 hours a day/7 days a week) at 613-722-6914 or if outside Ottawa toll-free at 1-866-996-0991.
Canadian Association For Suicide Prevention (CASP) The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) is aware that the physical and economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic may impact your mental health and emotional state of well-being. Please reach out to connect with others and to keep yourself informed from reliable sources.
COVID Frontline Wellness (The Royal) - Health care workers are at the front lines of the COVID pandemic. Increased feelings of stress, worry and anxiety are normal under these conditions. It is important to recognize the impact of COVID-related stress on your wellbeing and build coping skills that can help you get and stay healthy. We can help.
Canada VRS is a telecommunication service that allows deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired Canadians to make telephone calls using internet and cell phone-based technologies. VRS callers are connected with a sign language interpreter, over video, who provides real time interpretation for telephone calls. An individual could use VRS to place a call to the Distress Centre simply by using their VRS application and dialing the Distress Centre’s phone number.
The Distress Centre of Ottawa can be reached at the following:
Distress: 613-238-3311
Mental Health Crisis Line: 613-722-6914 or 1-866-996-0991
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