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The last few years have been difficult for all of us. Many people may continue to feel sad, stressed, anxious, confused, scared or angry. These are normal and common responses to unexpected or stressful situations.
Support is available. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Toronto partnered with 31 organizations to help connect residents to free mental health support
Through this partnership, the City’s Mental Health Support Strategy responds to the needs of children and youth, seniors, frontline workers, as well as those with intersectional identities, such as Indigenous, Black, persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ people, who are struggling with isolation, stress and anxiety.
Our partners provide free mental health supports to diverse communities across Toronto. Not sure which of our mental health partners to contact? Call 211 to be connected to the services that will best meet your needs:
Sometimes sadness, worry and stress can get overwhelming.
There are many services available to Toronto’s residents in need of immediate emotional or crisis support. The options listed below respond to the specific mental health needs of children and youth, seniors, frontline workers, and those with intersectional identities, such as Indigenous, Black and racialized communities.
211 Central
A central access point to be connected to the appropriate mental health and other social services that meet your needs.
Support for people who are thinking about suicide.
Community-based crisis services for adults age 16+ in Toronto who are dealing with mental health issues and/or substance use issues and are currently in crisis. Also offers online face-to-face support, wellness groups, short term follow-up support, and referrals to other services.
Confidential professional online, telephone, and text-based counselling to children and youth in both English and French.
Provides text support for young people in crisis by connecting them to trained Crisis Responders. Powered by Kids Help Phone.
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto
Holistic healing services for Indigenous children, youth and families.
Toronto Seniors Helpline (WoodGreen)
A single point of access for seniors and caregivers to receive information, supportive phone counseling, crisis assessment and system navigation by registered professionals. Referrals provided to other services, including Crisis Outreach for Seniors.
Warm Line (Progress Place)
Confidential and anonymous service for adults (18+) who are feeling lonely, isolated, anxious, depressed or in need of a friendly ear. This is not a crisis service.
Caribbean African Canadian Social Services
Culturally safe mental health services for Black children, youth, adults and families.
Mental health support and services delivered through Anti-Racism/Anti-Black racism and Anti-Oppression frameworks.
Responds to the emotional needs of people who are facing serious illness, including COVID-19, and end of life. Provides service to the person who is ill, their family and those who are grieving. Also provides consultation, education and resources to frontline workers supporting those who are palliative or diagnosed with COVID-19.
Support for people who are thinking about suicide.
Distress Centre of Greater Toronto
Emotional and crisis support including help for people who are thinking about suicide. Language interpretation is available for crisis calls.
Family Services Toronto
Counselling and group sessions available by phone and video for anyone living or working in the City of Toronto. See the Workshops and Groups page for upcoming sessions.
Hong Fook
An ethno-cultural community mental health agency with a culturally competent team in Ontario serving Asian community members who are 16 years and older. Services include case management, psychotherapy, psychiatry, peer support, virtual group activities and virtual mental health workshops
Strides Toronto
Supports clients from the pre-natal stage to age 29 and their families, helping them move forward and developing their abilities and skills including those currently or at risk of experiencing social, emotional, behavioural or adjustment difficulties or disorders, including speech and language disorders (preschool only), hyperactivity, attention deficit disorders, autism spectrum disorders, or trauma.
The Access Point
Mental health case managers and service navigators provide telephone support, referrals and resources for those experiencing mental health and addictions challenges, and are 14 years of age or older. Help is also available to apply for supportive housing or access other essential services such as food, income supports, legal and health supports.
Toronto Rape Crisis Centre/Multicultural Women Against Rape
Provides anti-oppressive, feminist peer support through direct individual and group counselling and crisis supports to survivors of gender-based or sexualized violence and their supporters. Free 24 hour, seven days a week crisis line service.
Call: 416-597-8808
Provides support to people facing complex mental and physical health challenges, addictions, dementia, homelessness or risk of homelessness. Services include: mental health counselling, case management, crisis support, psychogeriatric supports, and housing for youth, adults and seniors.
Call: 416-979-1994
Provides mental health supports, including individual and group counselling, and safety-planning to racialized, marginalized, and disenfranchised young adults from underserved communities.
Call: 647-705-9565
The Schlifer Clinic offers individual and group counselling, legal and interpretation services to marginalized populations of women who have survived violence.
Provides a 24/7, COVID-19 call line with linguistic and culturally relevant resource experts to answer questions related to health, mental health, parenting, violence, and support access and referrals to services.
Call: 416-934-0588
The City recognizes that essential frontline workers may be experiencing increased levels of stress and anxiety as they continue to provide critical services and supports to Torontonians during the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, the City has partnered with select organizations to provide additional supports.
Fast, free, text-based crisis counseling available 24/7 for health care professionals and essential workers.
If you need support to deal with the feelings of anxiety, stress, fear, isolation, or other difficult emotions you are experiencing during COVID-19, access support by texting FRONTLINES to 741741.
CAMH provides a resource page for healthcare workers who have been impacted by COVID-19, as well as a self referral form for support. It also runs virtual sessions, ECHO Coping with COVID, which are designed for Healthcare Providers and Health Professions Students responding to the COVID-19 pandemic
24/7 service information for people experiencing problems with gambling, drugs, alcohol and/or mental health.
24/7 text-based mental health support and crisis intervention to support people in their moments of need.
24/7 telephone support, in-person mobile crisis team, community support referrals, substance use crisis management, follow-up, and access to short-term crisis beds.
Canada’s only 24/7 eMental health service offering free, confidential support to young people in English and French.
Community-based service with multidisciplinary teams of crisis workers who will respond to non-emergency calls from people in crisis and requests for wellbeing checks.
24/7 telephone support. The point of first access for community individuals in crisis requiring emotional first aid.
Single point of access for seniors and caregivers to receive information and access to community, home, and crisis services.
24-hour, bilingual support to anyone who is facing suicide.
24/7 crisis line service. Anti-oppressive, feminist peer support through direct individual and group counselling and crisis supports to survivors of gender-based or sexualized violence and their supporters.
Programs and services to reduce drug-related harm for people who use drugs, including preventing the spread of communicable diseases:
The last few years have challenged everyone’s ability to cope as people experienced and continue to experience new life stressors or worsening of existing ones. Managing stress is more difficult when we are taken out of our regular routines, dealing with a constantly changing situation and distanced from our usual supports.
The challenges Toronto residents face are often experienced differently depending on factors such as race, Indigenous identity, age, and disability.
Below is a list of community-specific resources available to promote mental health and wellbeing. You can use the search function below to find support for Black communities, children and youth, Indigenous communities, 2SLGBTQ+, newcomers and refugees, people living with mental health issues, people who use substances, people with disabilities, racialized communities, and seniors and adults.
| Community | Description |
|---|---|
| Indigenous Communities | Native Child and Family Services of Toronto
416-969-8510 ext. 3290 Holistic healing services for Indigenous children, youth and families through video or telephone counselling. Available 24/7 |
| Indigenous Communities | Anishinabe Health Toronto
416-920-2605 Walk-In Counselling Services are available at our Gerrard Street location, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m-1:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Indigenous Communities | Indigenous COVID Pathways Hotline
437-703-8703 Helps connect Indigenous Peoples in the GTA to needed services during COVID-19. |
| Indigenous Communities | Toronto Aboriginal Support Services Council
A list of various services available to Indigenous People in Toronto during COVID-19 offered by member agencies. |
| Indigenous Communities | Talk4Healing HelpLine
1-855 554 4325 A culturally grounded, fully confidential helpline for Indigenous women available in 14 languages across Ontario. Telephone and e-chat provided. |
| Indigenous Communities | First Nations & Inuit Hope for Wellness Line
1-855 242 3310 Immediate, culturally competent, telephone crisis intervention counselling for First Nations and Inuit Peoples. Counselling is available in English, French, Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. |
| Indigenous Communities | Assembly of the First Nations: COVID-19 Info and Resources |
| Indigenous Communities | COVID-19 and Indigenous Ceremonial Spiritual Practices |
| Indigenous Communities | COVID-19: Strategies to Address Stress and Anxiety for Indigenous Peoples (video) |
| Black Communities | Across Boundaries
416-787-8808 Holistic mental health and addiction services for racialized communities. |
| Black Communities | Caribbean African Canadian Social Services
Offers a range of social services for Black residents, including mental health counselling. Stay informed about service changes due to COVID-19. |
| Black Communities | Substance Use Program for African Canadian and Caribbean Youth
416-535-8501 (press 2) Services for African and Caribbean youth and their families who are dealing with problem substance use and mental health concerns. Registration required. |
| Black Communities | 8 Mental Health Practices for People of African Descent while Isolated Coping during the COVID-19 Pandemic |
| Black Communities | Affirmations and Reminders – Black Youth Project |
| Newcomers & Refugees | Across Boundaries
416-787-8808 Holistic mental health and addiction services for racialized communities, including those who are newcomers and refugees. |
| Newcomers & Refugees | Caribbean African Canadian Social Services
Offers a range of social services for Black residents (newcomers and refugees) including mental health counselling. Stay informed about service changes due to COVID-19. |
| Newcomers & Refugees | Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services
1-844-493-5839 Provide a wide range of services for newcomers and refugees, including short-term counselling. |
| Newcomers & Refugees | Hong Fook Mental Health Association
416-493-4242 Services to address the mental health concerns of the Cambodian, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Korean and Vietnamese communities, including newcomers and refugees. |
| Newcomers & Refugees | COVID-19: Resources for Newcomers and Refugees |
| Newcomers & Refugees | Multilingual emotional self-care information |
| Racialized Communities | Across Boundaries
416-787-8808 Holistic mental health and addiction services for racialized communities, including those who are newcomers and refugees. |
| Racialized Communities | Caribbean African Canadian Social Services
Offers a range of social services for Black residents (newcomers and refugees) including mental health counselling. |
| Racialized Communities | Women’s Health in Women’s Hands (Community Health Centre)
Provides mental health and other services to the African, Black, Caribbean, Latin American and South Asian communities in Toronto and surrounding municipalities. Using a feminist, anti-racist, anti-oppressive approach. |
| Racialized Communities | Hong Fook Mental Health Association
416-493-4242 Services to address the mental health concerns of the Cambodian, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Korean and Vietnamese communities, including newcomers and refugees. Stay informed about service changes due to COVID-19. |
| Racialized Communities | Project Protech
1-888-210-6606 Provides online information related to COVID-19, mental health and practical coping strategies for Chinese Canadians. Includes live support by text or telephone. |
| 2SLGBTQ+ | 519 Church Street Community Centre
416-392-6874 |
| 2SLGBTQ+ | LGBT Youth Line
Peer support to LGBT people 29 years and under. Text and online chat is available. |
| 2SLGBTQ+ | 2 Spirited People of the First Nation |
| 2SLGBTQ+ | Family Service Toronto
416-595-9618 Single session virtual counselling available to all persons 18 years and older. This is an LGBTQ+ service. |
| LGBTQ+ | Pieces to Pathways
Peer-led support program for LGBTTQQ2SIA youth (ages 16-29) who use substances. |
| 2SLGBTQ+ | Trans Lifeline Hotline
1-877-330-6366 Peer support for trans and questioning callers. |
| Children & Youth | Kids Help Phone
1-800-668-6868 Professional counselling, information and referrals available 24/7 for young people in both English and French. Counselling over text is also available. |
| Children & Youth | Crisis Text Line
Text: HOME to 686868 Provides 24/7 text support for young people in crisis by connecting them to trained Crisis Responders. Powered by Kids Help Phone. |
| Children & Youth | What’s Up Telephone Walk-in
1-866-585-6486 Free mental health counselling by phone or video for children, youth, young adults and their families. |
| Children & Youth | Bean Bag Chat
Online support and counselling for young adults (aged 16-29) and current George Brown College students (with no age restriction) in Toronto. |
| Children & Youth | Good2Talk
1-866-925-5454 Confidential support services for post-secondary students in Ontario provided by phone or text (GOOD2TALKON to 686868). |
| Children & Youth | Strides Toronto
416-321-5464 Supports clients from the pre-natal stage to age 29 and their families who are currently or at risk of experiencing social, emotional, behavioural or adjustment difficulties or disorders. |
| Children & Youth | COVID-19 Youth Mental Health Resource Hub |
| Children & Youth | Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario: COVID-19 |
| Children & Youth | Letters of support from kids like you during COVID-19 |
| Children & Youth | 13 ways to ease concerns about school during COVID-19 |
| People with Disabilities | Progress Place
416-323-0223 Support for people living with a mental illness. |
| People with Disabilities | Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT)
416-599-2458, ext. 291 or email peers@cilt.ca Peer support for people with disabilities, including those parenting with a disability. |
| People with Disabilities | CNIB
1-800-563-2642 Free virtual programs available to Toronto residents who are blind or partially sighted as well as their families, friends and caregivers. |
| People with Disabilities | Looking after your mental health during COVID-19 (Council for Intellectual Disabilities) |
| People with Disabilities | COVID-19 Resources for Adults with Disabilities |
| People with Disabilities | COVID-19: Disability-Related Resources for Families |
| People with Disabilities | What to do while in isolation: COVID-19 Resources for the Disability Sector |
| People with Disabilities | COVID-19 and people with disabilities in Canada |
| People with Disabilities | How to stay safe, well and connected: COVID-19 information for people with developmental disabilities |
| People Living with Mental Health Issues | Progress Place
416-323-0223 Support for people living with a mental illness. Find out which services are being offered virtually during COVID-19. |
| People Living with Mental Health Issues | Warm Line (Progress Place)
416-323-3721 (noon to 8 p.m.) or 416-960-9276 (8 p.m. to midnight) Text: 647-557-5882 (8 p.m. to midnight) Online chat (8 p.m. to midnight) Confidential and anonymous service for adults (18+) who are feeling lonely, isolated, anxious, depressed or in need of a friendly ear. This is not a crisis service. |
| People Living with Mental Health Issues | Gerstein Crisis Centre
416-929-5200 24-hour crisis services for adults 16+ in Toronto who are dealing with mental health, concurrent, or substance use issues. |
| People Living with Mental Health Issues | Mood Disorders Association of Ontario
1-866-363-6663 Provides a telephone support line for people across Ontario, and their families, who are living with depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. |
| People Living with Mental Health Issues | Support Line – Institute for Advancements in Mental Health
1-855-449-9949 or email support@iamentalhealth.ca Supportive counseling, system navigation, information and education to caregivers, individuals living with chronic mental illness, and the community as a whole. |
| People Living with Mental Health Issues | Sound Times
416-979-1700 Mental health and addiction services in downtown Toronto provided by people who have histories of mental and substance use issues. |
| People Living with Mental Health Issues | The Access Point
416-640-1934 (Toll free 1-888-640-1934) Mental health case managers and service navigators provide phone support, service navigation and resources for those experiencing mental health and addictions challenges. |
| People Living with Mental Health Issues | Coping with anxiety and COVID-19 |
| People Living with Mental Health Issues | COVID -19 and Mental Health |
| People Living with Mental Health Issues | COVID-19 Mental Health and Addiction Resources |
| People Who Use Substances | Connex Ontario
1-866-531-2600 Free and confidential health services information for people experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs, mental illness or gambling over the phone. |
| People Who Use Substances | Overdose Prevention Line
1-888-853-8352 Connect with a peer who can stay on the line with you as you use drugs. |
| People Who Use Substances | Gerstein Crisis Centre
Provides 24, 7 support to people experiencing a crisis due to substance use or mental health issues. |
| People Who Use Substances | The Access Point
416-640-1934 (Toll free 1-888-640-1934) Mental health case managers and service navigators provide phone support, service navigation and resources for those experiencing mental health and addictions challenges. |
| People Who Use Substances | Supervised Consumption Services Locations and Hours
Using supervised consumption services reduce drug overdoses. Services also provide sterile injection supplies, education on overdose prevention and intervention, health counselling services and referrals to drug treatment, housing, income support and other services. |
| People Who Use Substances | Harm Reduction Supplies and Locations
COVID-19 has affected harm reduction services in Toronto. Please check with individual agency websites or call ahead. For example, the following harm reduction programs have modified services during COVID-19: |
| People Who Use Substances | Coping with Stress, Anxiety and Substance Use During COVID-19 |
| People Who Use Substances | COVID-19 Mental Health and Addiction Resources |
| People Who Use Substances | Harm reduction during COVID-19 for Indigenous Peoples |
| Seniors & Older Adults | Toronto Seniors HelpLine
416-217-2077 Point of access for seniors and caregivers to receive information as well as access to community, home, and crisis services. Web chat also available. |
| Seniors & Older Adults | Seniors Safety Line
1-866-299-1011 Safety planning and supportive counseling for older adults who are being abused or at-risk of abuse. Family members and service providers can also call for information. |
| Seniors and Older Adults | A Friendly Voice
1-855-892-9992 Empathetic support to seniors who may be feeling lonely or isolated by trained volunteers. |
| People Affected By Eating Disorders or Body Image | Sheena’s Place
416-927-8900 Supports individuals, families and friends affected by eating disorders to overcome barriers and provide effective, community-based services at all stages of recovery. |
| People Affected By Eating Disorders or Body Image | National Eating Disorder Information Centre
416-340-4156 Provides information, resources, referrals and support to Canadians affected by eating disorders. Telephone and online support available. |
| Black Communities | Black CAP
Provides mental health supports education and harm reduction for low income African, Caribbean and Black Torontonians including LGBTQ youth and seniors, and those living with HIV. |
| Black Communities | CEE
Provides black-led mental health grassroots groups with funding to enhance the provision of a variety of mental health services and supports throughout the city. |
| Black Communities | Harriet Tubman Community Organization
Provides culturally relevant emergency and wellness support for young people of African descent. |
| Black Communities | La Passerelle I.D.E.
Provides a 24/7, COVID-19 call line with linguistic and culturally relevant resource experts to answer questions related to health, mental health, parenting, violence, and support access and referrals to services. |
| LGBTQ2S | LGBT YouthLine
Provides multi-week workshop series focused on resourcing 2SLGBTQ+ youth through practical and hands-on support skills in active listening, grounding, boundary setting, and nervous system regulation. |
| Black Communities | Stolen from Africa
Provides online, individual and group discussions on trauma, goal setting, conflict resolution, and safety plan. |
| Black Communities | TAIBU
Provides a hotline for crisis intervention and mental health support. |
| Black Communities | Wanasah
Provides services for Black youth aged 12 to 25 years with mental health concerns and/or substance use challenges, and their families in Regent Park. |
| Seniors & Older Adults
Children & Youth People Who Use Substances People Living with Mental Health Issues |
Leap of Faith Together (LOFT)
Provides support to people facing complex mental and physical health challenges, addictions, dementia, homelessness or risk of homelessness. Service include: mental health counselling, case management, crisis support, psychogeriatic supports, and housing for youth, adults and seniors. |
| Black Communities | Generation Chosen
Provides mental health group therapy sessions and safety-planning to young adults from underserved communities. |
| Newcomers & Refugees | Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
Provides mental health support, wellness checks, virtual workshops, intimate partner violence counselling and peer-to-peer support through the Multicultural Women’s Wellness Program. |
Difficult times call for all of us to take care of one another whether you are a concerned friend, a caregiver or a healthcare worker.
The last few years has changed all of our lives in significant ways. If you know someone who is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to them.
The three steps below will guide you. If someone is so distressed that they pose a danger to themselves or others then call a crisis helpline or in emergencies call 911. Learn about how to help someone at risk of suicide.
Adapted from: Talking to someone you are worried about and Be there
The last three years have been difficult for many of us. Children and youth may feel sad, stressed, confused or frustrated All of these things are natural and common during this uncertain time.
While caring for children, people with disabilities, or seniors it’s also important for caregivers to look after their own mental health.
The Ontario Caregiver Helpline provides caregivers with a one-stop resource for information and support. This service is available 24/7. Call 1-833-416-2273.
The Hospice Palliative Hotline responds to the emotional needs of people who are facing serious illness, including COVID-19, and end of life. They provide service to the person who is ill, their family and those who are grieving. This service is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Call 905-667-1865.
Other resources:
Over the last few years, there have been increased demands on our healthcare system which has put healthcare workers under more intense pressure. There are a variety of supports for healthcare workers in Toronto:
There are free online mental health programs and interactive tools that can support healthy coping.
This list of mental health apps is for information only and should not be considered a recommendation or endorsement by the City of Toronto. These apps are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider. Call a distress service if you are in crisis or 911 in cases of emergency.
This list of mental health apps is for information only and should not be considered a recommendation or endorsement by the City of Toronto. These apps are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider. Call a distress service if you are in crisis or 911 in cases of emergency.
| App | Description | Android | Apple |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Help for Anxiety Management | This app provides a range of self-help methods that work to reduce anxiety. Ways to challenge anxiety provoking thoughts are explained, and ways to incorporate relaxation techniques to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety are reviewed. | Android | Apple |
| Stop Panic & Anxiety
Self-Help |
This app will assist you in managing symptoms of panic, and will help you develop skills to challenge fearful thinking. | Android | |
| 7 Cups Anxiety &
Stress Chat |
Get free anonymous emotional support and counseling on-demand from trained active listeners and therapists. | Android | Apple |
| Relax Lite: Stress & Anxiety Relief | This app provides techniques to help manage anxiety, including calming audio sessions, evaluating thinking patterns, identifying triggers and tracking thoughts and improvements. | Apple | |
| MindShift CBT
Anxiety Canada |
MindShift uses scientifically proven strategies based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help you learn to relax and be mindful, develop more effective ways of thinking, and use active steps to take charge of your anxiety. | Android | Apple |
| MindDoc
Depression & Anxiety |
MindDoc is your personalized mental health companion and supports you in phases of stress, depression, and anxiety. | Android | Apple |
| Headspace | This app will review meditation and mindfulness exercises that will help reduce feelings of stress. | Android | Apple |
| Calm App | Calm is an app to assist with Sleep, Meditation and Relaxation. Provides support and guidance to experience better sleep, lower stress, and less anxiety. | Android | Apple |
| MoodTools
Depression Aid |
This app uses the concept of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help you challenge the inaccurate thoughts which may be playing a role in your depression. The app also suggests helpful behaviours that may work to reduce the intensity of your distressing emotions. | Android | Apple |
| Depression CBT
Self-Help Guide |
This app uses the concept of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help you challenge the inaccurate thoughts which may be playing a role in your depression. The app also suggests helpful behaviours that may work to reduce the intensity of your distressing emotions. | Android | |
| Sleep Support
CBT-I Coach |
This app uses the theory behind Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia. It teaches users to develop positive sleep routines, and to improve sleep environments. It also reviews strategies proven to improve sleep and reduce symptoms of insomnia. | Android | Apple |
| PTSD Coach Canada | This app provides information about PTSD, allows you to track symptoms, and suggests easy-to-use tools to help you handle stress symptoms. | Android | Apple |
| CBT Thought Diary | Do you feel like you’re stressed, anxious, sad, frustrated, or unmotivated? The centerpiece of cognitive-behavioral therapy is changing your emotions by identifying negative and distorted thinking patterns. With a thought diary, you can document your negative emotions, analyze flaws in your thinking, and re-evaluate your thoughts. It may even help you recognize ways to deal with your negative behaviors and emotions. | Android | Apple |
| Breethe:
Meditation & Sleep |
This app provides guided mediations that help to reduce feelings of stress and promote relaxation. | Apple |
Download information about mental health support during COVID-19 as a PDF (also available in Amharic | Arabic | Bengali | Farsi | Gujarati | French | Pashto | Portuguese | Punjabi | Simplified Chinese | Somali | Spanish | Tamil | Urdu | Vietnamese) or watch an American Sign Language (ASL) translation.