Eating Disorders

Mental health emergencies

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, let an adult know who will stay with you. Consider getting support from the YSB Crisis Line by calling 613-260-2360.

If you require immediate emergency care call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. It's best to access emergency services within your province, as they will be able to connect you to resources and supports within your province that you are eligible for.

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

In Ontario or Quebec, call 911 or go to your local hospital emergency room. 

Crisis lines and crisis chats

Canadians can call or text 9-8-8 to access bilingual, trauma-informed, and culturally appropriate mental health and suicide prevention support. The service is free and can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

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)

Online resources

CHEO care resource: Eating Disorders information for youth

Learn about some of the common causes and signs linked to eating disorders, and find ways to support yourself through your recovery journey.

Local counselling and support

The following organizations offer general mental health counselling and support. In some cases, they may also be able to offer eating disorder counselling and support — we encourage you to check each organization's website to see what services are currently offered.

Ottawa

  • Youth Services Bureau: has many Ottawa-area locations offering a variety of youth services including walk-in counselling and crisis line support.
  • Le CAP: located in Ottawa, offers French-only mental health and addictions support for youth and families.
  • Jewish Family Services Ottawa: located in Ottawa, offers counselling and support for youth and families.
  • CFS Ottawa: located in Ottawa, offers counselling and support for youth and families.
  • Kind Space: located in Ottawa, celebrates, supports and prioritizes oppressed sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Ontario (rural areas outside Ottawa)

  • Phoenix Centre: located in Renfrew County, offers mental health treatment for children, youth and families.

Have you registered for MyChart?

MyChart is a free, secure, online patient portal that connects patients to parts of their CHEO electronic health record, anywhere, at any time.