Mental health resources

CHEO's Emergency Department provides emergency mental health services for children and youth up to 17 years old. For mental health emergencies, please call 911 or visit 401 Smyth Road.

There are also Emergency Departments at the Ottawa Hospital, Montfort Hospital and Queensway-Carleton Hospital.

In general, children and youth should come to the Emergency Department for mental health-related concerns when:

• Their feelings or behaviours put them or others at risk of serious harm
• There is a serious change to your child or youth that is significantly impacting their day to day functioning

A visit to the emergency department is best for dealing with new, urgent mental health issues.

What the Emergency Department can offer:

• A brief assessment of child's current mental health issue
• Assessment of level of risk
• Discussion of potential services that your child or family may benefit from
• Safety planning to manage the immediate crisis

What the Emergency Department cannot offer:

• Mental Health diagnoses
• Medication prescriptions for mental health issues

• Outpatient referrals for patients with a RAMQ Card

What to expect:

The ED is a very busy place and we do our best to see children and youth as quickly as possible. We always see children who need urgent care first no matter when they arrive. If there is a change to your child's condition while you are waiting, please let the nurse know.

Most children and youth are discharged from the Emergency Department with follow-up recommendations and a plan for care in the community.

Many mental health concerns don't require a trip to the emergency department. Here are other available supports:

• You can get immediate assistance by calling YSB 24/7 Crisis Line: 613-260-2360 or 1-877-377-7775 (toll free).
• Making a self-referral to 1Call1Click.ca will help connect you to outpatient mental health services.

YSB's 24/7 Crisis Line & Crisis Chat

The 24/7 Crisis Line & Chat services are for children and youth ages 18 and under who are experiencing a crisis, and for parents, guardians, caregivers, friends or service providers who are concerned about a young person in crisis.

For residents of Ottawa and Eastern Ontario.

Crisis Line

• Phone: 613-260-2360 or 1-877-377-7775 (toll free for Eastern Ontario)
• Hours: 24/7

Crisis Chat

• Website: chat.ysb.ca
• Hours: 24/7

Tel-Aide Outaouais

• Gatineau: 819-775-3223
• Ottawa: 613-741-6433
• Rural Outaouais: 1-800-567-9699 (toll free)

1Call1Click.ca

Check with your local community health centre (CHC) as many offer counselling for residents of that ward/area.

You can find a full list of Community Health Centre locations on the Ministry of Health's website.

Single session and drop-in services

Walk-In Counselling Clinic

613-755-2277

Offers virtual and in-person walk-in counselling services at several locations across Ottawa and surrounding areas.

Le Cap Walk-In Clinic

613-789-2240 ext. 0

Walk-in mental health support for youth aged 12-17.

Short, medium and long-term counselling and support groups

Youth Services Bureau (YSB)

Crisis line: 613-260-2360

Non-urgent phone: 613-562-3004

Offers a crisis phone and chat line, as well as a range of mental health services for youth and their families.

Counselling Connect

Offers short-term (1-3 session) counselling services for all ages.

24/7 services

Le Centre d'Aide 24/7
Crisis Line: 819-595-9999 or toll free: 1-866-APPELLE (277-3553)

Info Santé 811
This phone line is staffed 24/7, 365 days per year for people residing in Quebec (and located in Quebec at the time of the call).

Info-Social 811
Service professionals give advice and can answer questions about psychosocial issues 24/7, 365 days per year for people residing in Quebec (and located in Quebec at the time of the call).

KidsHelpPhone
1 800 668-6868 or text CONNECT or PARLER.
jeunessejecoute.ca

Short, medium and long-term counselling and support

Aire ouverte

Offers services for youth 12 to 25 years old who are looking for help with their physical, mental or sexual health.

This service can be accessed by calling 819 966-6220 or filling out their form online.

Connexions Resource Centre

Offers and connects English-speaking community members with local health, mental health and addictions resources and supports.

Santé mentale jeunesse

Offers services for children and youth under 18 years old experiencing mild to moderate mental health concerns affecting their functioning and development.

Access this service by calling 811 or contacting your local community services centre (CLSC).

Pierre Janet Hospital Centre

This hospital focuses on mental health care, serving the Gatineau region. Usually, you’ll need a referral from a doctor or CLSC to access their services.

For children (under 13) contact 819-776-8055 or 819-776-8086. Youth (13-18) can contact: 819-776-8085.

Centre d’intervention en abus sexuels pour la famille

819-595-1905

Provides support services for those who have experienced sexual abuse.

Addictions services

Centre d’intervention et de prévention en toxicomanie de l’Outaouais

819-770-7249

Addiction prevention and support for persons aged twelve and up. 

Centre de réadaptation en dépendance de l’Outaouais

819-776-5584

Supports for parents and caregivers

LigneParents

1-800-361-5085
Quebec parents can to discuss concerns related to their children, including mental health, development or school.

Visit their website to access the online chat.

• Anger
• Anxiety and stress management
• Back to school
• Belongings list for CHEO's inpatient mental health program 
• Bipolar disorder
• Borderline personality disorder
• Bullying
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Grief and bereavement
• Learning disabilities and dyslexia
• Mindfulness
• OCD
• Self esteem
• Self harm
• Sensory processing disorder
• Social anxiety
• Substance abuse
• Suicide
• Technology and family life