Recommended
Group wellness programs
Counsellor in the Classroom, kidshelpphone.ca/get-involved/are-you-an-educator-check-out-counsellor-in-the-classroom
Promotes discussion of mental health and wellness
- educator-led classroom activities for students in grades 4-12
- 45-minute phone or video call between class and KHP counsellor
Brighter Days: An Indigenous Wellness Program, kidshelpphone.ca/get-involved/brighter-days-an-indigenous-wellness-program
Culturally safe and engaging audio and video group sessions on mental health and wellness, including skills development, tools and resources
- pre-session video
- virtual conversation with KHP Indigenous Wellness Specialist
- package includes step-by-step booklet, resource materials and promotional gifts for youth participants
Peer-to-Peer Community, peertopeer.kidshelpphone.ca
Online peer-moderated community support forums for youth and young adults 12-26 years
Recommended
Telephone, text, and online counselling and support; for telephone counselling in English and French call 1-800-668-6868, also available in over 100 languages including Arabic, Dari, Mandarin, Pashto, Russian, and Ukrainian through interpreters
- telephone, text and online (live chat) counselling and emotional support, and information and referral on a wide range of topics; anonymous and confidential
- chat available through cell phone, laptop, tablet, and desktop computer
- Resources Around Me national searchable online database of community resource listings
Crisis Text Line open to all youth in crisis, available by texting 686868 (see separate listing)
Peer2Peer, (Peer-to-Peer Community), peertopeer.kidshelpphone.ca
Community support online forum for youth 12-26 years to share experiences, offer inspiration and ask questions; available in English and French; confidential
Recommended
Toronto, ON
Telephone Counselling, call 1-866-925-5454
- mental health and addiction information, professional counselling, and referral on a wide range of services on and off campus
Crisis Text Line, text GOOD2TALKON to 686868
- trained volunteer crisis responders provide listening and support; anonymous and confidential
Web Messaging, visit Good2Talk.ca/Ontario
- trained volunteer crisis responders provide confidential support through online chat
Kids Help Phone, Peer-to-Peer Community, see separate listing
Partnership of Kids Help Phone, ConnexOntario and Ontario 211 (see separate listings), and The Knowledge Institute on Child and Youth Mental Health and Addictions
Toronto, ON, M4M 2G8
Community and Outreach Support
Crisis support including safe beds, respite bed for caregivers, food, clothing and shoe bank
- short term crisis management support
- psychiatric assessment, medical monitoring and treatment
- short-term individual community-based support
- 24/7 warm line
Housing Services
24/7 high-support transitional housing and semi-supported permanent units, including congregate living and individual units in the community
- located around GTA
- units for women
Mental Health and Justice Program
Supports including diversion, pre-diversion and court support, and release planning for individuals with mental health issues who are involved with criminal justice system
See separate listings for Margaret's Toronto East Drop-In at 323 Dundas St E, and Yonge/Bloor 24-hour Respite Site at 21 Park Rd
Toronto, ON, M3C 2J6
Telephone Counselling - 24 hour distress line
Emotional support for individuals experiencing grief, loneliness, illness, conflict or other crisis
- English distress line - 416-938-4673
- Korean distress line - 416-241-5456
- text line - 416-999-1392
Counselling Services
- individual counselling
- family counselling
- group counselling
- community outreach counselling and visitation for clients facing barriers to accessing services
- Life Conversation - youth counselling
- Window of Conversation - seniors counselling
Other program offerings include
- career counselling
- English Cafe - weekly meetings and education classes to increase English language skills
- youth mentorship program
- volunteer training
- information and referral to other services as needed
Visit website for information on current program offerings
Toronto, ON, M5G 2J3
Crisis Response Program
Immediate crisis response, intervention and safety services, on site and by telephone
- counsellors can attend hospitals, homes, local police division or crime scene locations to provide in person support
Victim Quick Response Program
Case management for high risk victims of domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault, includes in-depth safety planning at client's residence or other location of her/his choice, short and long-term goals assessment, linking/referrals to community and government services, case coordination, advocacy and counselling, and assistance completing Victim Quick Response Program (VQRP+) applications
Enhanced Services
Short-term intensive assistance including case management and coordination, emotional support and advocacy, links to community services, prevention, system navigation for vulnerable clients
- Safety Planning Booklet available online in a variety of languages
- see separate listing Victim Services Toronto, Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario (including Victim Quick Response Program+)
Reclaim
Supports survivors of human trafficking by working with Canadian creditors to remove coercive debt from the victim's name, see separate listing Victim Services Toronto, Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario
Neighbourhood Victim Advocacy Program - Exit Route
Intensive case management, advocacy and crisis intervention in designated communities for victims of crime and sudden tragedies in designated communities
- safety planning, emergency accommodation/shelter, food, basic necessities
- systems navigation, referrals, linkages
- includes Toronto Police Service divisions 14, 23, 31, 43, 51
TEAR (Teens Ending Abusive Relationships), [email protected]
Prevention of in-person and online violence through education programs and workshops
- Youth Leadership Program recruitment and training to promote healthy relationships and raise awareness about abusive and harmful relationships
- #TEARtalk weekly Twitter chat run by TEAR Youth Leaders
Trauma Dog Program
Certified trauma and handler team provide comfort to young victims of crime and sudden tragedy
- priority to children and youth
- available to clients of Victim Services Toronto
Volunteer ProgramRecruits, trains and engages volunteers, opportunities include:
- Victim Crisis Response
- interpreting
- fundraising
- outreach
Volunteer and student placement application available online or email [email protected]
Toronto, ON, M5S 1B2
Leadership and support to hospital-based sexual assault and domestic violence treatment centres - collaborates in research, education and training activities
Information on health options and centre locations for victims/survivors of violence
- direct services for victims/survivors provided by member centres
- online training modules for service providers
- resource library
Service Navigation Line: 24-hour telephone line available to assist victims/survivors and service providers with service navigation
Find a Centre: online directory of sexual assault/domestic violence centres in Ontario; map available to download; click to find a Sexual Assault / Domestic Violence Treatment Centre
Provincial telephone and online (chat) crisis counselling, emotional support, information and referrals to emergency shelters, legal information and community services, as well as culturally appropriate resources for women who have experienced abuse
- liaison with diverse communities
- confidential and anonymous
Toronto only: initial assessment and intake for assaulted women's shelters, call 416-863-0511 or toll free 1-866-863-0511
Toronto, ON
Provides advocacy, crisis intervention, and shelter to adults and children experiencing violence
Emergency shelter, capacity 32
- counselling and referrals
- advocacy and follow up
- court and immigration escort
- children's program and counselling
- legal and housing assistance
Transitional Housing and Outreach Support Program (TH&O)
Community-based support in applying for affordable housing, including counselling, safety planning, assistance accessing food supports, outreach and workshops
Toronto, ON
Emergency short term shelter, capacity 35
- average stay 8-12 weeks
- crisis intervention and counselling referrals
- information and referral
- advocacy, awareness and education
- supportive groups for women and children
- children's programs
- public education
Information and referral to community support services to meet long term needs including crisis and follow-up services
Member agency of Support Services Network for Male Survivors in Ontario
- crisis intervention and culturally sensitive counselling, support and referral
- support for families and friends of survivors
- support groups
- information on alternatives to legal justice system
- court support, accompaniment and advocacy program
- research, public education, workshops
- comprehensive volunteer training
- all services confidential
- trans-positive environment
Toronto, ON
Services for seniors 65 years and older and those caring for them
- supportive and crisis counselling for seniors, older adults and those caring for seniors
- phone risk assessments, crisis de-escalation and triage to COSS (Crisis Outreach Service for Seniors - see separate listing) and behaviour supports when needed
- crisis service in-person, through COSS, if necessary
Information and referral for support services in the community including:
- adult day programs for frail seniors or those with dementias, case management, congregate dining, crisis support, foot care, home assistance, hospice care, meals on wheels, medical escort, nursing, respite care for caregiver relief, security checks, shopping assistance, social contact, transportation, etc.
A partnership between Toronto WoodGreen Community Services, Ontario Health at Home and Les Centres d'Accueil Heritage
- crisis intervention
- support and referral to community agencies
- confidential calls
Live chat includes confidential and anonymous online counselling, Mon-Fri 11 am-8 pm
Toronto, ON
Telephone assistance to persons in need of immediate emotional support and reassurance, and crisis intervention or suicide prevention, including links to other emergency services or professional help as appropriate; support available on a variety of issues such as
- emotional distress
- marginalization and/or social isolation
- family violence
- mental health crisis, addictions
- risk of suicide
- mental and physical health concerns
- financial stress, unemployment
Toronto, ON
Shelter includes food, some clothing, crisis counselling, support groups, legal support, information and referral, children's program
- 24 hour crisis line
- capacity 30
Toronto, ON
- capacity 33
Transitional Worker assists residents and women in the community in finding housing, job search training and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes
Safety Planning
Ongoing counselling and support, including goal setting and access to interpretation services
Building Opportunities for Women (BOW)
Assistance with resume writing, interview preparation, job search, academic advancement and school programs, computer training, skills development and life skills
VIBE (Violence Intervention Breakthrough Empowerment)
Prevention program offered in-house, and in schools and communities
- music interactive therapy, academic support, group sessions, leadership and mentoring, and recreational activities
- in-school programs include Media Interactive, Music Interactive, WIT (Whatever It Takes)
Toronto, ON
- capacity 25 (10 rooms)
- crisis counselling
- case management
- referrals and advocacy
- housing application supports
- support with legal system
Emergency short term shelter, including crisis intervention and counselling, family support, and legal, housing, education and employment support; advocacy and outreach; workshops
- capacity 35
- Housing Connections (see separate listing) Community Partner, assistance with housing search and application process
iDetermine.ca
Online chat support for women experiencing violence and abuse; professional counsellors assist with emotional support, safety planning, referrals and information
Emergency shelter, including counselling, crisis intervention, needs assessment, mental health and addiction counselling, immigration and housing assistance, referrals and support (medical, financial, legal, employment, housing, parenting, immigration, substance abuse, cycle of violence), and advocacy for clients and their children; children's program includes children's group, counselling and recreation
- capacity 27
- ex-residents support program
Women leaving abuse call Assaulted Women's Helpline, 416-863-0511
Emergency shelter includes counselling, crisis management, needs assessment, referrals and support (medical, financial, legal, employment, education, housing), and advocacy for clients and their children
- capacity 33
- 1 accessible room
- public education
children's program includes individual and group counselling, recreational activities
Toronto, ON
Supportive community-based emergency and support services, includes shelter, crisis intervention, counselling, safety planning, and support group programs for women and their children
- information and referral
- accompaniment and advocacy
- assistance in obtaining services
- development of support networks
- outreach and home visit services provided in various community locations
Emergency shelter
- includes counselling, referrals, court and immigration escort, follow-up, and advocacy and assistance with housing, welfare, immigration, medical and legal services
- capacity 30
- children's programs
Transitional and Housing Support Program
- counselling, crisis intervention, safety planning, assistance obtaining affordable housing, and follow-up
Women and Communities Against Violence (WACAV)
- builds and strengthens linkages between under-serviced areas, supports service providers and shelters
Provincial organization dedicated to raising awareness about the mistreatment of older adults, under the Ontario Strategy to combat elder abuse * promotes awareness, education and collaboration across the province * offers training, information and support to individuals and professionals who assist seniors
Free and confidential support line for seniors experiencing or at-risk of abuse * provides emotional support, safety planning, referrals and information in many languages
Support and information in any type of crisis by trained volunteers crisis responders
- youth text CONNECT or PARLER to 686868
- available in English and French
- does not provide medical advice
- text or Messenger also available on website
Access to culturally sensitive counselling (dependent on crisis responder availability)
- individuals who identify as Indigenous can ask to be connected with a First Nations, Inuk or Métis crisis responder by texting FIRST NATIONS, INUIT, OR METIS to 686868, or message through Facebook Messenger
- individuals who identify as African, Caribbean, Black or part of the Afro-diaspora can text RISE to 686868, or message through Facebook Messenger
