Resources and Support Across Canada
Navigating the landscape of mental health support in Canada can feel overwhelming, even for those actively seeking help. While common resources are familiar, did you know that Canada boasts a wealth of specialized, niche services designed to meet highly specific needs? From support for families battling addiction to dedicated services for Indigenous peoples and survivors of human trafficking, countless Canadians are unaware of the tailored help available. This curated guide aims to shed light on these vital Canadian national resources, ensuring every person can find the support they and their loved ones deserve.
Mental Health Resources and Services in Canada
Help with substance use
Substance use disorders are complex health issues, not moral failings, yet stigma often prevents Canadians from seeking the help they desperately need. Untreated substance use can lead to escalating health problems, financial strain, and fractured relationships, while also contributing to broader public health crises. Accessing compassionate, evidence-based support offers a path to healing, stability, and a renewed sense of hope.
The Government of Canada recommends using this directory to find drug rehab, detox, counseling, or any other form of rehab in Canada. Whether you or a loved one needs support, this directory can be a valuable resource. They offer connections to substance use resources across Canada.
Help for families with loved ones battling addiction
A family rarely remains untouched when one of its members battles addiction; the repercussions shape the entire unit. Supporting these families is integral to recovery. Strong family support, done in the right way, can significantly impact the chances of a positive outcome for their loved one. Unfortunately, these caregivers' own needs for guidance and understanding are often overlooked.
Sometimes the best way to support someone who is struggling with addiction is to support their families. Families for Addiction Recovery (FAR Canada) is a volunteer-run charity organization comprised of individuals with lived experience in addiction. They provide support and guidance to families navigating the challenges of addiction. FAR also advocates for increased funding for addiction and mental health treatment, improved education for healthcare providers, and a public health approach to drug issues, prioritizing treatment over criminalization.
Gambling support
Problem gambling can lead to a range of serious personal and social harms, significantly impacting an individual's well-being. These include severe mental health issues like depression, anxiety, mood swings, and withdrawal, with those experiencing gambling disorder having a 15 times higher risk of suicide mortality compared to the general population.
The damage caused by problem gambling doesn't stay contained; its ripple effect often devastates families, contributing to breakups, domestic abuse, and neglected duties. We know that 5 to 10 individuals are negatively affected for every person with a gambling problem, experiencing common harms to their mental health and financial stability. This translates to a staggering 1.5 million to 3 million Canadians indirectly feeling the strain (CAMH, 2025).
Gambling addiction presents unique challenges and requires specialized treatment approaches. Problem gambling can cause severe personal and social consequences, including depression, suicide, financial ruin, family breakdown, domestic abuse, and criminal activity. The Canadian Safety Council provides a list of provincial resources for people with gambling problems and their families.
Eating disorder support
In Canada, an estimated 1.7 million people meet the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder at any given time. Eating disorders have the highest overall mortality rate of any mental illness, with estimates ranging from 10-15%. For example, anorexia nervosa alone has a mortality rate up to 12 times greater than all other causes of death combined for females aged 15-24 years. Many individuals also struggle with co-occurring mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
The National Eating Disorder Information Centre connects Canadians and their families affected by eating disorders to essential resources and support. NEDIC offers a toll-free helpline, live chat, and information on referrals, helping both individuals with eating disorders and their loved ones.
Help with bullying
Bullying takes a heavy toll on the mental and physical health of Canadian youth. A striking 72% of young people who are frequently bullied describe their lives as stressful, a rate significantly higher than those who aren't bullied. This constant psychological strain often shows up physically, with frequently bullied youth being more susceptible to sleep difficulties (73%), headaches (70%), stomach aches (60%), and backaches (56%). (Sources: BullyingCanada; Mental Health Commission of Canada).
In Canada, there's a strong, clear link between being bullied and a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts in young people. In fact, a history of bullying is a major warning sign for suicidal ideation among adolescents seeking help in emergency departments. Specifically, it ranks as the second leading cause of death for those aged 15-19, surpassed only by unintentional injuries, a trend that has remained consistent from 2016 to 2020 (Statistics Canada).
BullyingCanada is a valuable resource for bullied children, bullies, parents, teachers, coaches, and bus drivers (i.e., anyone who works with youth), offering guidance to address this pervasive issue and foster safer environments.
Mental health support for seniors and their families
It's a common misconception that mental health decline is a "normal" part of aging; however, this is far from the truth. In Canada, mental illness is not an inevitable part of growing older. Yet, older adults face unique vulnerabilities that impact their mental well-being.
Factors such as chronic health conditions, social isolation and loneliness (affecting an estimated 30% of Canadian seniors), grief and loss, reduced mobility, and financial insecurity can all contribute to mental health challenges like depression and anxiety (Canadian National Institute on Ageing, 2022). The well-being of their families and caregivers is also affected, as they navigate complex care needs and their own emotional burdens.
Caring for aging relatives can be challenging. However, there are resources available to support both families and seniors. The Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health offers valuable information and a directory to help you find the right support.
Victim and survivor support & justice
If you've been a victim of a crime, you might not realize that reporting the crime to the police isn't always a prerequisite for receiving support. Many organizations and services are available to help victims, regardless of whether they choose to involve law enforcement.
These include emotional support and counselling, where therapists and support groups help individuals process trauma and develop coping mechanisms. Medical assistance is also available to assess and treat any health concerns, even if injuries aren't immediately apparent. Survivors may qualify for financial assistance to cover expenses like medical bills, lost wages, or relocation costs, and legal advocacy can help them understand their options and navigate the justice system if they later choose to report the crime
For those facing ongoing threats, safety planning services can help develop strategies to enhance their security.
The Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime can guide you in the right direction. Victims/survivors, their friends, and families can connect with trained CRCVC staff members through our texting and live chat services. Support through text, phone call, and chat is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM EST, in English, French, Italian, Romanian, Hindi, and Urdu.
Suicide and crisis prevention
988 is Canada's new three-digit number for suicide prevention and mental health crisis support. You can call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis responder 24/7 if you need advice or are in a crisis.
Help for children and youth
Kids Help Phone is a national, bilingual, and confidential service that provides professional counseling, information, and referral services for young people. It offers support on a wide range of issues, including mental health, bullying, family conflict, and substance use. You can reach Kids Help Phone by calling 1-800-668-6868 or texting 686868.
Sexual health and pregnancy
The Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights is a global organization dedicated to promoting health, well-being, and sexual and reproductive rights. ACSHR provides direct support, referrals, and information, partners with organizations to drive social change, and advocates for progressive policies on abortion access, stigma-free healthcare, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and comprehensive sex education.
Indigenous support services
Hope for Wellness is a 24/7 crisis line and online chat service specifically designed to support the mental wellness of Indigenous peoples across Canada. It provides immediate help and crisis intervention, offering a confidential space for Indigenous people The service is available in multiple languages, including Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut, and is staffed by culturally competent counselors who understand the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities.
Human trafficking support
The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking offers a national hotline and support services for victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking. CCEHT also provides resources and training for law enforcement and service providers to combat this serious crime.
Support for veterans, RCMP, and their families
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) provides programs and services to support veterans, former RCMP members, and their families. This includes disability pensions, healthcare, income support, education and training, rehabilitation services, and homelessness programs. VAC also supports families of fallen soldiers by providing death benefits and grief and bereavement counseling.
This comprehensive list is just one way iMindify is committed to enhancing mental health literacy across Canada. While these resources offer direct support, we also empower people and organizations with skills and tools through our accredited Mental Health First Aid and The Working Mind training programs. Understanding how to support others begins with knowing where help exists, and how to talk about it effectively. Explore our training options at our Training Centre.
