Mental health care

Find resources to help children, youth, parents, and caregivers better understand, cope with, and support someone facing mental health challenges, including addictions and substance use.

Mental health emergencies require immediate support

Emergency Departments provide short-term crisis assessment and safety planning
Many mental health concerns can be supported outside the Emergency Department

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 that is significantly impacting day-to-day functioning

Mental health emergency

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, let an adult know who will stay with you. Consider getting support from the following services:

YSB 24/7 Crisis Line: 613-260-2360 or 1-877-377-7775
Crisis Chat: chat.ysb.ca (24/7)
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT or PARLER
1Call1Click.ca – self-referrals for outpatient mental health services

Diagnosis / Assessment

In the Emergency Department, a brief mental health assessment is completed to understand the current concern and level of risk.

Treatment / Procedure

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

What the Emergency Department can offer:

Brief assessment of your child or youth’s current mental health concern
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

When to get help

Let an adult know if you or your child are experiencing a mental health crisis

Contact crisis supports or go to the Emergency Department if:

Feelings or behaviours put the child or others at immediate risk of harm
There is a sudden or severe change in mental health
Call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department if immediate emergency care is required.

Local supports / community resources

Ontario and Eastern Ontario:

CHEO Emergency Department – 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa
Ottawa Hospital, Montfort Hospital, Queensway-Carleton Hospital

Quebec:

Le Centre d’Aide 24/7 – 819-595-9999 or 1-866-APPELLE (277-3553)
Info-Santé 811 / Info-Social 811