Mental Wellness Guide
Welcome to JOEE, your guide to navigating the often-overwhelming world of mental wellness.
We're here to cut through the noise and provide clear, reliable information on the products, services, and resources that can genuinely help you on your journey.
Today, we're starting close to home with a look at the top mental health services available in Ontario. The good news is that there are many excellent, and often free, resources available. The challenge is knowing where to find them and which one is right for you. Here are some of the best services and resources you should know about.
Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program
This program is a game-changer for adults aged 18 and older who are dealing with depression and anxiety-related issues. It offers free, publicly funded cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and related services. Depending on your needs, you might be matched with self-led resources, guided by a coach, or get individual or group therapy with a clinician. It's a fantastic, evidence-based approach that's accessible across the province.
ConnexOntario
Think of ConnexOntario as your 24/7 mental health navigator. This free and confidential service provides information and referrals for people experiencing issues with alcohol, drugs, mental illness, or gambling. You can call, live chat, or email them at any time to get connected with services in your community.
BounceBack Ontario
BounceBack is a free, guided self-help program designed for adults and youth 15+ who are experiencing mild-to-moderate depression and anxiety, stress, or worry. It's a skill-building program managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Ontario, and it provides online videos and phone support from a coach to help you learn practical tools to manage your mental health.
Kids Help Phone
A well-known and trusted name, Kids Help Phone is a free, 24/7 e-mental health service for young people in Canada. They offer confidential counseling, information, and referrals through phone, text, and online resources. It's a critical lifeline for children and youth who need someone to talk to.
Distress Centres of Greater Toronto
This service offers free, 24/7 support to individuals in crisis or experiencing emotional distress. They are a national network of distress, crisis, and suicide prevention line services, available via phone and text. They provide a compassionate listening ear and are a crucial resource for anyone in immediate need.
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
As Canada's largest mental health teaching hospital, CAMH provides a wide range of clinical care services, including inpatient and outpatient programs for people of all ages. It's a leader in mental health research and offers numerous resources and educational materials on its website.
Good2Talk Helpline
Specifically for post-secondary students in Ontario and Nova Scotia, Good2Talk provides confidential support services. Students can receive information and referrals about services for mental health, addictions, and well-being, and they can speak anonymously with a professional counsellor.
LGBT Youthline Ontario
This peer-support service is specifically for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, Two-Spirit, queer, and questioning young people. They offer text and live chat support with peer support volunteers, providing a safe and affirming space for youth to connect and get support.
AbilitiCBT
AbilitiCBT is an internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) program that is free to all residents of Ontario. It works by helping you understand and change the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are causing you problems, all through a user-friendly virtual platform. It's a convenient and effective way to get help on your schedule.
Mental Health Services
Support for those in crisis, including Indigenous peoples, veterans, Canadian Armed Forces members and federal employees.
Mental Health Support
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Learn about supports available to you, and how to get help when you need it.