Free Mental Health Resources

Please note that Breakthrough T1D Canada is not currently delivering mental health programming or direct support, but the goal of our Mental Health Strategy is to create such resources in the coming years. In the meantime, please see options for support below.

Thank you, Breakthrough T1D Canada.

Immediate Assistance

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 or go to your local emergency department. If you are in crisis, you can connect with responders at Canada’s Suicide Prevention Service by calling or texting 988.

  • Kids Help Phone is a free, national, 24/7 e-mental health service providing counselling, information and referrals text and phone-based support. Kids Help Phone also provides information on how to access community support services for youth. Call 1-800-668-6868 or Text 686868.
  • Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate and culturally competent help to all Indigenous peoples across Canada available 24/7 providing counselling and crisis intervention. Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat.
    We strongly advise connecting with your regular diabetes health care team for advice and referrals related to mental health.
For ways to connect with others, and to learn more about the impact of living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), please take a look at Breakthrough T1D and external programs below:

Breakthrough T1D Canada – Beyond the Numbers: Real stories of navigating mental health with T1D (adults)
A video series featuring five adults living with T1D sharing their experiences with relationships, social support, life transitions, coping, and resilience.

Breakthrough T1D Canada’s Talk T1D Program – Peer Support for Adults Living with T1D and Parents (adults)
One on one support for people 18+ who are impacted by T1D from trained volunteers who have been there.

Breakthrough T1D Canada Ambassador program (youth and adults)
This program is available to anyone over the age of 4 years old. Our ambassadors inspire their communities, help raise awareness of T1D and join others from across the country to help Breakthrough T1D fundraise for cures.

Breakthrough T1D Connection Series (adults)
Each month we host a virtual meetup for both adults living with T1D and parents living with or affected by T1D to form new connections and engage in conversations across province lines. Grow relationships with your peers who may share similar life experiences or treatment types, and understand the ever-changing demands of living with or being affected by T1D.

Breakthrough T1D Type 1 Diabetes Facebook Support Group (youth and adults)
The Breakthrough T1D Type 1 Diabetes support group is a moderated group that provides a safe space for the T1D community to connect with others affected by the disease. We have trained Breakthrough T1D Peer Support Volunteers who are here to moderate and to answer non-medical questions as needed. We know that peer support is important throughout many life changes – from diagnosis, starting university, starting your first full time job to planning for a family.

Breakthrough T1D Funded Mental Health Research Participant Recruitment (all ages)
Opportunities to participate in mental health and T1D research studies as a participant will be posted.

Type 1 BETTER – Mental Health Video Capsules (all ages)
French with English subtitles. Awareness and informational videos on the mental health challenges associated with living with and managing T1D.

Type 1 BETTER – The Support platform (youth and adults)
An online self-training platform for age 14+ designed for the management of T1D. Its extensive categories (e.g., medication, nutrition, mental health, physical activity) encompass different facets of life with T1D.

T1D Huddle (all ages)
English only. The T1D Huddle is a virtual peer support group for adults run by Breakthrough T1D-funded researcher Dr. Tricia Tang.

I Challenge Diabetes (all ages)
English only. Their mission is to connect, empower and support people living with diabetes through mentorship and challenging programs.

Connected in Motion (all ages)
English only. Virtual and in person slipstreams which includes activities, camps, and educational events. Their Mental Health Hub is a collection of blogs, recorded sessions and community-driven resources exploring the emotional realities of living with type 1 diabetes.

Diabetes Canada (youth and adults)
English only. Diabetes Canada Connect is a free, online community for people living with diabetes and those who care for them. You can connect with others who understand what you’re going through. Share your experiences, ask questions, and get support from people just like you.

Diabetes Hope Foundation (DHF) (youth)
English only. DHF specializes in developing unique and innovative programming for hard-to-reach teens and young adults living with diabetes. Mentorship and scholarship programs available.

For non-diabetes specific FREE mental health supports and resources Canada wide, please check out the following.

All services are available in both English and French unless otherwise specified:

  1. Bounce Back – BounceBack® is a free program from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) that helps build skills to improve mental health. Different provinces or territories may have different programs available for specific age groups.
  2. Government of Canada Mental Health Support – Free tools and resources on mental health and substance use for youth and adults.
  3. Canadian Mental Health Association – Find your local branch.
  4. National Eating Disorder Information Centre – English only. Provides information, resources, referrals and support to Canadians affected by eating disorders through the toll-free helpline (1-866-633-4220) and instant chat.
  5. togetherall – A peer-to-peer platform that is a safe place to connect with others experiencing similar feelings, plus there are trained professionals on hand, 24/7. For post-secondary students across Canada through your institution, and in some regions.
  6. Bridge the gapp – For adults and youth. A new way to connect with guidance and supports for mental health and addictions. From any device, you can instantly access content that can provide advice, inspiration, assurance, or direction for finding additional supports when you need it the most.
  7. Well Central – A self-directed, web-based online channel with interactive courses that empower individuals to take control of their recovery and well-being.
  8. e-MentalHealth.ca – Canada wide database to find mental health resources and tools.
  9. Strongest Families Institute – Mental Health programs available for children/youth, adults, and their families. Referral may be needed by an agency in your community. NU is not serviced.
    • Includes ICAN (Conquer Anxiety and Nervousness) Program provides adults (18+ years) with life-skills to overcome anxiety, help with depression and how to cope with major life stressors). Self-referral available in PEI, MB, NL, NT, Northern SK, YK and Military/Veteran here.
  10. Suicide.ca – Thinking about suicide? Worried about someone? Grieving? Speak with a counsellor right away by text, chat, or phone.
  11. 211 –This free and confidential helpline and website puts you in touch with community supports in your province.
  12. 811 – Call this number to be connected to free and confidential health and mental health information and services in your province (available in most provinces).

Mental health support for caregivers

  1. Breakthrough T1D Canada’s Caregiver Guide – Well-being for caregivers of children with type 1 diabetes. A practical chapter-based information guide that details the many different stages of caregiving and living with T1D.
  2. Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence – Caregiver organizations and resources available nationally and provincially.
  3. Mental Health Commission of Canada – Resources to support caregivers.

Free Provincial Specific Mental Health Resources, Programs and Counselling

QC Qc BC C.-B. AB Alb. SK Sask. MB Man. ON Ont. NU Nt NT T.N.-O. YT Yn NL T.-N.-L. PEI Î.-P.-É. NB N.-B. NS N.-É.

• Alberta Health Services – Mental Health Helpline: Call 1-877-303-2642 to get support, information, and referrals for mental health concerns.
• Mental Health Foundation – English only. Local and provincial mental health resources and supports available.
• Kickstand Connect – English only. A virtual clinic with trained professionals and a safe space for group sessions, exclusively for young Albertans aged 11-25 and their parents or caregivers. It is a free online portal and mobile app where young people can access virtually both same-day and pre-booked appointments with a mental health professional, peer support worker, employment specialist or participate in group activities and workshops.

• Foundry – English only. Offers young people ages 12-24 health and wellness resources, services and supports – online and through integrated services centres in communities across BC. Virtual counselling, peer support and more is available for youth and their caregivers through the app or web portal.
• Mental Health & Substance Use Services – English only. List of agencies in BC that provide mental health and substance use information, services and resources to people when they need it.
• Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre – English only. Helps families navigate the mental health system, connect with peer support, and access resources and tools to support wellbeing.

  • Sara Riel – Provides individuals with mental health and substance use/addiction challenges a safe, inclusive and engaging environment where self-determined needs are valued, and all are assisted on their path to reaching their goals.
  • Seneca Warm Line – 24-hour Telephone Service to Manitobans struggling with issues which affected their mental health and wellness led by trained Peer Support staff. Call 204-942-9276.
  • Mental Health Crisis and Non-crisis Regional Contacts – A list of province wide crisis and support lines.
  • CBTm – A free, evidence-based five-class program designed to help build resilience and improve mental wellness. This program is free of charge and Manitobans can self-refer.
  • Mental Health Education Resource Centre (MHERC) – English only. A province wide resource centre that provides information, education, and mental health resources for all Manitobans. MHERC offers free access to mental health fact sheets, wellness tips, podcasts, presentations, video series, workshops and courses. MHERC houses both on-site and e-Library collections of books and other reading materials.

• Community Mental Health Resources – Find mental health support for vulnerable communities, whatever your stage of life.
• Just Us – English only. Free Mental Health Counselling in New Brunswick.
• Addiction and Mental Health Services for Adults – Offers a range of mental health and addiction services for adults across New Brunswick, including Community Mental Health Centres. These services support people experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mental health challenges.
• Addiction and Mental Health Services for Children and Youth – Provides free, confidential mental health and addiction services for children and youth in New Brunswick, including assessment, counselling, crisis intervention, and access to child psychiatry when needed. Services are available up to age 19 (or 21 if still in high school), with no referral required.

  • Eastern Health – Eastern Health offers mental health and addictions treatment services, including Doorways, which provides rapid access to counselling services. No referral is required.
  • Lifewise Mental Health Peer Services – Offers peer support group and 1:1 support, virtually and in person. The Warmline provides individual support from trained Lifewise staff 10am to 12am seven days a week. Call 1-855-753-2560 for English and 1-833-753-5460 for French.

• Togetherall – A peer-to-peer platform that is a safe place to connect with others experiencing similar feelings, plus there are trained professionals on hand, 24/7. Free for all residents aged 16+.
• Provincial Mental Health Crisis Line – Toll-free at 1-888-429-8167.
• Mental Health and Addictions Intake Service – If you need help with a mental health and addictions concern, call 1-855-922-1122.
• Tranquility – An internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) program that has been shown to be effective in improving outcomes and reducing symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety and depression in youth and adults. Qualified and experienced coaches are on hand to help clients get the most out of the program. Open to Nova Scotia residents 16+.

• NWT Help Line – To talk to a trained responder, call 811 or 1-844-259-1793. 100% free and confidential.
• NWT Community Counselling Program – Provides on-the-ground access to mental health services in all of the regions. Trained counsellors are available for you to talk about any problems that you may be dealing with in your life as well as provide assistance or referrals to other services that could help you.

• Kamatsiaqtut Help Line – The help line is toll-free, anonymous, confidential and staffed by trained volunteers. Call 867-979-3333 Toll-free at 1-800-265-3333 (24 hours).
• Community Services – Free, confidential mental health and addictions support. Psychologists and other mental health professionals are available through TeleHealth. Referrals and Medical Travel are provided when services are not locally available. Interpretation is available for Inuktitut, Inuinnaqtun and French.

• Community Health Centre, for appointments and on-call emergencies
• Iqaluit Mental Health (867) 975-5999
• Qikiqtani General Hospital, Emergencies, (867) 975-8600

• Reconnect – English Only. Offers several mental health services, including free, confidential one-on-one supportive counselling for individuals who are caring for someone experiencing mental health challenges. They also offer Peer Support Groups across the GTA.
• Ontario Shores – The Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) Program provides publicly funded evidence-based, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and related approaches to Ontarians with depression, anxiety, and anxiety-related conditions. OSP includes CBT-based services ranging from self-administered strategies to weekly, one-on-one or group therapy, using a stepped care approach. Self referral is available here.
• ConnexOntario – Provides free and confidential health services information for people experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs, mental illness or gambling by connecting them with services in their area.

Community Mental Health Services

• Speak with an intake worker to help you determine which programs and services are best suited to your treatment needs and be connected to mental health services

• Mental Health and Addictions Phone Line – 1-833-553-6983. Calls are answered by trained mental health professionals (a registered nurse or a social worker) 24/7.

Mental Health and Addictions Open Access Counselling – No appointment or referral is required. You will be able to see a registered mental health therapist for up to 60 minutes at no cost.

• Amiquébec – Non-profit organization that helps families manage the effects of mental illness through support, education, guidance, and advocacy.
• Diabetes Québec – Mental health and diabetes information, including topics such as coping, anxiety, stress and eating disorders.
• Mouvement Santé mentale Québec – French only. Quebec group dedicated to mental health promotion and prevention.
• Réseau Avant de craquer – French only. Federation of organizations dedicated to the wellbeing of the family and friends of people living with mental health problems.
• Tel-jeunes – Tel-jeunes is a free, confidential frontline support service for teens aged 12–17 and their parents in Quebec. Find additional resources for teens and parents.
• Anorexia and Bulimia Quebec – Offers free, confidential support for anyone affected by eating disorders. They provide a daily help and referral phone line (call or text 1-800-630- 0907), online chat, and support groups for individuals and their loved ones, all aimed at reducing isolation and offering guidance.

• Counselling Connect Saskatchewan – English Only. Service available to children, youth, adults and families in need of free counselling sessions.
• Saskatchewan Health Authority – English Only. Adult and Youth Counselling Programs available. Referrals to Community Adult Mental Health programs are to be directed to Centralized Intake at 306-655-7777

• Canadian Mental Health Association – English only. Offers FREE counselling services to any adult or youth over the age of 13. To book an Appointment: Call 668-6429.
• Reach Out Support Line – English only. Call 1-844-533-3030 – The Reach Out Support Line is a volunteer-based, confidential, non-judgmental and free support line. Reach Out Support Line operates with volunteers trained to listen and provide support that assists callers to find options and make a plan to move forward, no matter how big or small the issue. Operates 24 hours, seven (7) days a week, and all holidays and is available via call or text.

No details are available for this province or territory

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