Resources & Support for a Mental Health Crisis

PUBLISHED Sep 14th, 2021 & UPDATED ON Jul 7th, 2023

There are times when we all require help and support, and that is absolutely okay. We’re so sorry that you’re having a tough time right now.

If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis and not feeling safe, you can use the resources below to receive immediate support. These incredible organizations are well-equipped to provide you with support in the moment when you need it most.

Whatever it is you are struggling with right now, just know that you mean so much to the world. You matter and your pain matters and we know you might be feeling really overwhelmed right now, but you won’t always feel this way. Give yourself the time to try again tomorrow. You are not helpless and you are not worthless. Most importantly, know that you are not alone.

Canada

Kids Help Phone is an entirely anonymous volunteer-led Canadian support service that is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They provide professional treatment, information, and referrals to young people and you can talk to them about anything. Literally anything! Their services are in English and French, and over the phone, through text or online.

Crisis Services Canada (CSC) is a nationwide network of existing distress, crisis, and suicide prevention services that are available by phone (24/7) and via text (from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. ET). They are devoted to assisting anybody living in Canada who has been impacted by suicide in the most loving and least invasive way possible.

Canada Drug Rehab is a free online directory of substance use treatment, recovery, as well as other addiction-related services. This organization is dedicated to helping Canadians, their families, and addiction treatment professionals reach the support they need. They have a toll-free helpline.

National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) provides resources, referrals, and support to Canadians suffering from eating disorders via their toll-free hotline and instant chat, which is available online across Canada and in-person in the Greater Toronto Area. NEDIC is a strong advocate for breaking the stigma associated with eating disorders. The organization is here to hold open and supportive dialogue around eating disorders with anyone who may be struggling with disordered eating.

Below is a list of additional phone/text numbers for those living in Canada, and more specifically in Alberta, where we are located:

CMHA Distress Line (24/7) – 780-482-4357

Connecteen (24/7): Text – 587-333-2724 Call – 403-264-8336

Distress Centre Crisis Line (24/7): 403-266-4357

Mental Health Helpline (24/7): 877-303-2642

Addiction and Mental Health Access (24/7): 780-424-2424

Bullying Helpline (24/7): 888-456-2323

Alberta Addictions Helpline (24/7): 866-332-2322

Crisis Text Line – Text CONNECT to 741741

AlbertaQuits Helpline: 866-710-7848

Kids Help Phone: 800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868

Talk Suicide Canada (24/7): 833-456-4566 or Text 45645 (4pm-midnight)

Seniors Abuse Helpline (24/7): 780-454-8888

Child Abuse Hotline (24/7): 800-387-5437

Sexual Assault of Edmonton (SACE) 9am-9pm: Text or Call – 866-403-8000

Sexual Assault Centre (UofA): 780-492-9771

Health Link: 811

Income Supports: 866-644-5135

Family Violence Info Line: Text or Call 310-1818

Physician and Family Support Program: 877-767-4637

Rehabilitation Advice Line 9am-5pm: 833-379-0563

Indian Residential School Survivors and Family: 866-925-4419

Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre (24/7): 780-594-3353

A Safe Place 24hr Crisis Line: 780-464-7233

Safe Haven Crisis Line (24/7): 403-223-0483

Additional Forms of Support:

Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters: 780-456-7000 Hotline: 866-331-3933

WEAC (houseless shelter): 780-423-5302

YWCA – Women’s Social Service Organization: 780-423-9922

YESS: Youth Empowerment and Support Services: 780-468-7070

The Today Family Violence Help Centre: 780-455-6880

Hope Mission Emergency Shelters: 780-422-2018

FCSSA – Family and Community Support Services: 780-415-4790

United States

Safe Place locations help teens access immediate shelter by opening the doors of local care organizations (like fire stations, libraries, and other designated areas) in crisis circumstances. Safe Place is a community initiative and all of their locations are marked by a black and yellow sign. You can also access support through TXT 4 HELP, a 24-hour text program for teenagers that is available nationally.

Crisis Text Line is a helpline available for any crisis. From anywhere in the United States, text HOME to 741741 at any time. In addition, they provide accurate, certified Crisis Counselors via their private network and you may text them at any moment.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a suicide prevention network of over 160 crisis centres that offers 24/7 support via a toll-free hotline with the number 1-800-273-8255 to anybody experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental anguish.

National Runaway Safeline is a private safeline for runaway and homeless young people, their parents and relatives, teenagers in distress, and anyone who can benefit from their services without a judgement or a mandate. Call 1-800-786-2929 or visit their website.

The Trevor Project is a non-profit organization located in the United States that seeks to prevent suicide among teenagers who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+. Dial their toll-free phone number 1-866-488-7386 to connect to a protected service with trained therapists.

The National Sexual Assault Hotline by Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) connects those who are in need of assistance with help in their local communities. Their live chat option is available on the website, as well as a toll free number.

The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline provides assistance both in Canada and the USA from qualified crisis advice professionals. The organization is committed to the prevention of child abuse. All phone conversations, messages, and chats are kept discreet.

Love is Respect is a resource that helps you manage and prevent unhealthy relationships and learn how to address intimate partner violence. The organization enables young people with inclusive education and support. They provide information 24/7, help and support via telephone, text and live chat through confidential services.

UK

UK Mind gives information and assistance to young people who need support with their mental health. They cover topics such as mental health, where aid is available, what the treatment choices are, as well as advocacy and more.

Papyrus UK provides confidential support and assistance for people under 35 who are in a mental health crisis. They specialize in suicide prevention and offer a helpline at 0800 068 41 41 that is available 9am-midnight.

UK Samaritans is a registered organisation that provides 24/7 emotional assistance to anybody in distress or at danger of suicide in the United Kingdom. They answer about 10,000 calls every day without judgement or pressure to help anyone who needs it.

Switchboard provides assistance and guidance to millions of 2SLGBTQIA+ people through their hotline and online chat service. Phone operators all identify as queer and work to assist the communities dealing with current challenges.

Anxiety UK has a worldwide reach and is operated by and for individuals who suffer from anxiety. The organization has both a helpline and a text service that you can use. They also have fast access to a paid therapy session, as well as a bunch of other free resources.

We understand what it means to be having a difficult time. Take comfort in knowing that you’re here in search of support and that is a very brave thing to do! You’re taking care of yourself just by reading through these resources.

IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER AND NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CALL 911 OR YOUR LOCAL POLICE STATION.