| Contact | Call or text: 2-1-1 Online: 211.ca |
| Information | 211 is available 24/7 across Canada by phone, website, or text. 211 helps connect people to local information and services. |
| Location | National |
| Type of resource | Navigational tool |
| Type of support | Wellness support |
| Target demographic | General population |
| Serves adults | Yes |
| Serves children | Yes |
| Serves youth | Yes |
| Serves families | Yes |
| Language(s) spoken | 🍁 English, ⚜️ French |
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310 Mental Health Support
Contact 310-6789 Information Mental health support line, 24/7. Location British Columbia Type of resource Telephone Type of support Wellness support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
8-1-1 Healthline
Contact 8-1-1 Information Registered nurses are available 24/7 to provide confidential health advice and support. Location National Type of resource Telephone Type of support Wellness support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English, ⚜️ French -
A Woman’s Place
Contact 204-940-6624 Information Offers counselling and support, safety planning, protection orders, legal consults and representation for women and children victim to domestic violence. Location Manitoba Type of resource Telephone Type of support Wellness support Target demographic Women and children Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Aboriginal Counseling Services of Alberta
Contact aboriginalcounseling.com Information Offers no-cost mental health education programs for Indigenous individuals in Alberta. Location Alberta Type of resource Online services and in-person services Type of support Counselling Target demographic Indigenous population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Access Counselling Services in the Yukon
Contact yukon.ca/en/health-and-wellness/mental-wellness/access-counselling-services-yukon or 1-866-456-3838 Information A navigation tool on counselling services from the Government of Yukon. Information is available online or by phone. Location Yukon Type of resource In-person service and telephone Type of support Counselling Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) — Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English, ⚜️ French -
Access Mental Health
Contact 1-844-943-1500 Information Non-urgent support for mental health and addiction concerns in the Calgary zone. Location Alberta Type of resource Telephone Type of support Wellness support and addiction support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Across Boundaries
Contact acrossboundaries.ca Information Mental health and addiction support for racialized communities around Toronto. Location Ontario Type of resource Online services and in-person services Type of support Wellness support and addiction support Target demographic Racialized communities Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Addiction and Mental Health Helpline
Contact 1-866-355-5550 Information Free, confidential, bilingual support is available 24/7. Location New Brunswick Type of resource Telephone Type of support Wellness support and addiction support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English, ⚜️ French -
Addiction Helpline
Contact 1-866-332-2322 Information 24/7 confidential service to provide support, information, and referrals to Albertans experiencing addiction and mental health concerns, including problem gambling. Location Alberta Type of resource Telephone Type of support Wellness support and addiction support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
AMA’s Physician and Family Support Program
Contact 1-877-767-4637 Information Provides 24/7 confidential help and support for physicians, residents, and medical students (or their family members) facing personal and/or professional concerns (e.g., stress, anxiety, and family or relationship issues). Location Alberta Type of resource Telephone Type of support Wellness support Target demographic Health care providers and their families Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) — Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Australian Psychological Society
Contact psychology.org.au/for-the-public/psychology-topics/disasters Information Information for preparing for disasters and for looking after mental health and well-being after experiencing a natural disaster. Location International: 🇦🇺 Australia Type of resource Online service Type of support Wellness support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) — Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Australian Red Cross
Contact redcross.org.au/emergencies Information Provides tips for coping with a crisis, including looking after yourself and returning home. Location International: 🇦🇺 Australia Type of resource Online service Type of support Wellness support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) — Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Badge of Life Canada
Contact badgeoflifecanada.org/peer-support Information Weekly online peer support group sessions for public safety personnel and/or their adult family members. Location National Type of resource Online service Type of support Peer support Target demographic Public safety personnel and their families Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) — Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
BC Interior Crisis Line
Contact 1-888-353-2273 Information Crisis hotline for people in Interior BC. Location British Columbia Type of resource Telephone Type of support Crisis support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) — Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Beyond Blue: Natural Disasters
Contact beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/natural-disasters Information Mental health information for those who have experienced a natural disaster. Location International: 🇦🇺 Australia Type of resource Online service Type of support Wellness support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) — Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Beyond Silence
Contact beyondsilence.ca/app Information App designed to promote early intervention and support for the mental health of health care providers. Location National Type of resource App Type of support Wellness support Target demographic Health care providers Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) — Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English, ⚜️ French -
Black Dog Institute: National Emergency Worker Support Service
Contact blackdoginstitute.org.au/education-services/national-emergency-worker-support-service/ Information Free mental health check, providing insights and recommendations to support PSP. Location International: 🇦🇺 Australia Type of resource Online service Type of support Wellness support Target demographic Public safety personnel Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) — Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Black Mental Health Connections Montreal
Contact bmhcmtl.ca Information Promotes healing through culturally competent education and community activities. Location Quebec Type of resource Online service and in-person service Type of support Wellness support Target demographic Black population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Boots on the Ground Alberta
Contact 1-866-724-2684 Information BOTG provides first responders and military members with an anonymous helpline wherein they can receive peer support. Location Alberta Type of resource Telephone Type of support Peer support Target demographic Military members and Veterans, public safety personnel Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) — Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Boots on the Ground Ontario
Contact 1-833-677-2668 Information BOTG provides first responders and military members with an anonymous helpline wherein they can receive peer support. Location Ontario Type of resource Telephone Type of support Peer support Target demographic Public safety personnel Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) — Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
BounceBack
Contact cmha.ca/bounce-back Information A free skill-building program from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) for people with low mood, depression, anxiety, or general stress. Location National Type of resource Online service Type of support Wellness support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English, ⚜️ French -
Build Them Up
Contact buildthemup.ca Information Offers therapy, peer support, and other programs to children, teens, and families. Location Alberta Type of resource Online services and in-person services Type of support Wellness support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Calgary Outlink
Contact calgaryoutlink.ca Information Provides support, education, outreach, and referrals for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Calgary. Location Alberta Type of resource Online services and in-person services Type of support Wellness support Target demographic LGBTQ2SIA+ Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment
Contact cipsrt-icrtsp.ca Information Knowledge hub of mental health information for public safety personnel. Location National Type of resource Knowledge hub Type of support Wellness support and PTSD support Target demographic Public safety personnel Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) — Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English, ⚜️ French -
Canadian Mental Health Association Alberta
Contact alberta.cmha.ca Information CMHA Alberta provides a list of mental health resources and education/information about mental health. Location Alberta Type of resource Resource hub Type of support Wellness support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Canadian Mental Health Association British Columbia
Contact bc.cmha.ca Information CMHA British Columbia provides a list of mental health resources and education/information about mental health. Location British Columbia Type of resource Resource hub Type of support Wellness support Target demographic General population Serves adults Yes Serves children Yes Serves youth Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Canadian Mental Health Association New Brunswick
Contact cmhanb.ca Information An organization that has many mental health resources, services, and projects. Location New Brunswick Type of resource Resource hub Type of support Wellness support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English, ⚜️ French -
Canadian Mental Health Association Newfoundland and Labrador
Contact cmhanl.ca Information CMHA provides a list of the province’s mental health resources and education/information about mental health. Location Newfoundland and Labrador Type of resource Resource hub Type of support Wellness support Target demographic General population Serves adults Yes Serves children Yes Serves youth Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Canadian Mental Health Association Nova Scotia
Contact novascotia.cmha.ca Information CMHA provides a list of mental health resources and education/information about mental health. Location Nova Scotia Type of resource Resource hub Type of support Wellness support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Canadian Mental Health Association Ontario
Contact ontario.cmha.ca Information CMHA has many mental health resources, services, and projects. Location Ontario Type of resource Resource hub Type of support Wellness support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Canadian Mental Health Association PEI
Contact pei.cmha.ca Information CHMA PEI is an organization that has many mental health resources, services, and projects. Location Prince Edward Island Type of resource Resource hub Type of support Wellness support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Canadian Mental Health Association Quebec
Contact quebec.acsm.ca/en Information CMHA Quebec is an organization that has many mental health resources, services, and projects. Location Quebec Type of resource Resource hub Type of support Wellness support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English, ⚜️ French -
Canadian Mental Health Association Saskatchewan
Contact sk.cmha.ca Information CMHA is an organization that has many mental health resources, services, and projects. Location Saskatchewan Type of resource Resource hub Type of support Wellness support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Canadian Mental Health Association Yukon
Contact yukon.cmha.ca Information CMHA is an organization that has many mental health resources, services, and projects. Location Yukon Type of resource Resource hub Type of support Wellness support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Canadian Red Cross PEI Friendly Calls
Contact 1-833-729-0144 Information The Friendly Calls program matches callers with trained Red Cross personnel who connect with them regularly to check in, provide emotional support, encourage healthy coping strategies, and suggest well-being resources and community connections to other existing services. Open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Location Prince Edward Island Type of resource Telephone Type of support Wellness support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) — Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English, ⚜️ French -
Care to Speak
Contact careforcaregivers.ca/caretospeak Information A peer-based phone, text, and web chat service providing free and confidential support to health and social support workers in B.C. Location British Columbia Type of resource Online service Type of support Peer support Target demographic Health care providers Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) — Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
CASA: Indigenous Mental Health Services
Contact casamentalhealth.org/casa-programs/indigenous-mental-health-services Information Provides mental health services and education to children, youth, and families living or connected to the Alexander, Alexis Nakoda Sioux, Enoch Cree, and Paul First Nations. Location Alberta Type of resource In-person service Type of support Wellness support Target demographic Indigenous population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Contact camh.ca Information CAMH provides a wide range of mental health services for patients of all ages and families. Location National Type of resource Online service Type of support Wellness support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English, ⚜️ French -
CMHA Moose Jaw
Contact moosejaw.cmha.ca/our-services/peer-support Information Peer support is offered through the phone and in-person in Moose Jaw. In-person peer support programs include: OSI support group, family and friends check-in, support for people with high-functioning autism, and general peer support. Location Saskatchewan Type of resource Telephone and in-person service Type of support Peer support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) — Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
CMHA PEI: Peer Support
Contact pei.cmha.ca/find-help/peer-support Information CMHA PEI offers peer support groups — hosted by trained specialists with their own lived experience — to cope with mental health challenges. Location Prince Edward Island Type of resource In-person service Type of support Peer support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) — Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
CMHA: LGBTQ-Identified People and Mental Health
Contact ontario.cmha.ca/documents/lesbian-gay-bisexual-trans-queer-identified-people-and-mental-health Information Information and resources for mental health of the LGBTQ2SIA+ community. Location Ontario Type of resource Resource hub Type of support Wellness support Target demographic LGBTQ2SIA+ Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with Mindfulness
Contact cbtm.ca Information CBTm is an education program designed to improve mental health and build healthy skills. Location Manitoba Type of resource Online service Type of support Wellness support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Communitas Supportive Care Society
Contact peersupportcsc.com Information Online and in-person peer support groups for mental health recovery. Location British Columbia Type of resource Online service and in-person service Type of support Peer support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) — Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Community Counselling Program
Contact hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/community-counselling-program-ccp Information Provides free access to mental health services (phone, in-person) in all of the regions of the NWT. Location Northwest Territories Type of resource Online services and in-person services Type of support Counselling Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English, ⚜️ French -
ConnexOntario: Telephone
Contact 1-866-531-2600 Information Provides service information for people experiencing problems with gambling, drugs, alcohol, or mental health, 24/7. Location Ontario Type of resource Telephone Type of support Wellness support and addiction support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English, ⚜️ French -
Counselling Connect Saskatchewan
Contact counsellingconnectsask.ca Information Quick access to brief mental health services (counselling sessions with professionals) in Saskatchewan. Location Saskatchewan Type of resource Online service Type of support Counselling Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Crisis Response Centre
Contact 204-940-1781 Information Central point of access for adults experiencing a mental health crisis. Available 24/7. Location Manitoba Type of resource Telephone Type of support Crisis support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) — Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Crisis Stabilization Unit
Contact 204-940-3633 Information Short-term, community-based supportive care and treatment for adults living in Winnipeg in psychiatric or psychosocial crisis who may be at risk of hospitalization. Location Manitoba Type of resource Telephone Type of support Crisis support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) — Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Distress and Crisis Ontario
Contact dcontario.org Information Offers in-person centres that operate 24/7, mental health helplines, and support services for Ontarians. Location Ontario Type of resource Online and in-person services, telephone Type of support Crisis support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Distress Centre
Contact distresscentre.com Information Provides 24/7 crisis support, professional crisis counselling, peer support, and access to other resources. Location Alberta Type of resource Online service Type of support Crisis support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Distress Centre: Crisis Support
Contact 403-266-4357 Information 24-hour crisis support accessible by telephone or text Location Alberta Type of resource Telephone Type of support Crisis support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) — Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Doctors Nova Scotia’s Professional Support Program
Contact 1-855-275-8215 Information Provides confidential peer-to-peer support for members and their families who are dealing with personal or professional problems. Location Nova Scotia Type of resource Telephone Type of support Peer support Target demographic Healthcare providers and their families Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Doorways
Contact mha.easternhealth.ca/doorways Information Doorways is a single-session counselling service offering drop-in, same-day, next-day, in-person appointments (also online options). Location Newfoundland and Labrador Type of resource Online services and in-person services Type of support Counselling Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Embrace Life Council
Contact inuusiq.com Information Provides comprehensive resources, programs, and workshops to prevent suicide in Nunavut. Location Nunavut Type of resource In-person service Type of support Wellness support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Employee Assistance Program
Contact health.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/occupational-health-safety/employee-assistance-services/contact-us/chat-step-1-3.html Information An online chat that can be used to get a referral for counselling sessions with a mental health professional. For current/former CAF or RCMP members and their families. Location National Type of resource Online service Type of support Wellness support Target demographic Military members, Veterans, and their families Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) — Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English, ⚜️ French -
Eskasoni Crisis Line
Contact 1-855-379-2099 Information 24/7 Crisis support for members of Mi’kmaq communities. Location Nova Scotia Type of resource Telephone Type of support Crisis support Target demographic Indigenous population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) — Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Eskasoni Mental Health Services
Contact eskasonimentalhealth.org Information Provides in-person mental health services for Indigenous peoples of Eskasoni, Nova Scotia. Location Nova Scotia Type of resource In-person service Type of support Wellness support Target demographic Indigenous population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Family Information Line
Contact 1-800-866-4546 Information A confidential, personal, bilingual, and free service offering information, support, referrals, reassurance, and crisis management to the military community. Location National Type of resource Telephone Type of support Counselling Target demographic Military families Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) — Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English, ⚜️ French -
Farm Stress Line
Contact 1-800-667-4442 Information Available 24/7 for farmers and ranchers in Saskatchewan who are experiencing distress. Location Saskatchewan Type of resource Telephone Type of support Wellness support Target demographic Farmers and ranchers Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) — Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
First Nations and Métis Health Services
Contact saskhealthauthority.ca/your-health/conditions-illnesses-services-wellness/indigenous-health/first-nations-and-metis-health-services Information A collaboration between the Saskatchewan Health Authority and First Nations and Métis people of Saskatchewan. Elders and cultural support workers are available for prayer, counselling, and trauma and crisis support and guidance. Location Saskatchewan Type of resource In-person service Type of support Wellness support Target demographic Indigenous population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) — Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Flexible Assertive Community Treatment
Contact horizonnb.ca/services/addictions-mental-health/adult-services/flexible-assertive-community-treatment-f-a-c-t Information Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (F.A.C.T.) provides care to people with serious mental illness who are currently residing in NB. Location New Brunswick Type of resource In-person service and telephone Type of support Peer support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) — Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Foundry BC
Contact foundrybc.ca/get-support Information Virtual counselling and peer support for young people aged 12–24 and their caregivers. Location British Columbia Type of resource Online service and in-person service Type of support Wellness support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Friends of Ruby
Contact friendsofruby.ca Information Supports the LGBTQ+ community with free counselling, housing, and social services across Ontario. Location Ontario Type of resource Online service and in-person service Type of support Wellness support Target demographic LGBTQ2SIA+ Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Glossary
Adapted from the Canadian Institute of Public Safety and Training’s (CIPSRT) Glossary of Terms 3.0
Citation: Heber A, Testa V, Groll D, Ritchie K, Tam-Seto L, Mulligan A, Sullo E, Schick A, Bose E, Jabbari Y, Lopes J, Carleton RN. Glossary of terms: A shared understanding of the common terms used to describe psychological trauma, version 3.0. Health Promot Chronic Dis Prev Can. 2023;43(10/11). doi.org/10.24095/hpcdp.43.10/11.09
Please see also CIPSRT’s list of frequently asked questions about mental health.
Acute stress disorder (ASD)
- A collection of feelings, behaviours, and experiences that can occur in the first month after a person is exposed to a potentially psychologically traumatic event (e.g. actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence). The exposure can occur in many ways. For more information about exposures that may lead to ASD, see potentially psychologically traumatic event (PPTE).
Clinical anxiety
- Describes anxiety symptoms severe enough to require formal medical or mental health treatment.
- Symptoms can include intense worry, nervousness, restlessness, rapid heart rate, muscle tension, irritability, trouble concentrating, and feelings of worry or dread, or physical changes such as increased blood pressure.
Clinical depression
- Describes symptoms of a major depressive episode that requires formal medical treatment.
- A major depressive episode typically lasts for a period of several weeks. Symptoms include feeling sad or numb, low mood, lack of interest in usual activities or relationships, difficulty concentrating, poor sleep, feelings of hopelessness, and sometimes, suicidal thoughts.
Complex posttraumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD)
- A type of posttraumatic stress disorder that results from experiencing repeated, severe psychologically traumatic events.
- People with C-PTSD have a profound loss or absence of a sense of identity and difficulty controlling their emotions. They are often involved in unstable relationships as adults, and often have patterns of impulsive choices, feelings of emotional instability, and behavioural problems. Sometimes they experience chronic unhappiness, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts.
Complex trauma
- A psychological injury that results from severe types of potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTEs).
- Often used to refer to complex posttraumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD).
Counselling
- A form of talk therapy where a counsellor sits down with a client to help them work through their issues in a safe, confidential environment. Counselling can take many forms, ranging from in-person to online to telephone sessions.
Crisis
- An overwhelming event, which can include divorce, violence, the passing of a loved one, the discovery of a serious illness, or a major disaster. Can be used interchangeably with critical incident or potentially psychologically traumatic event (PPTE).
Crisis support
- A short-term management technique designed to reduce potential permanent damage to an individual affected by a crisis.
Critical incident
- Describes a potentially psychologically traumatic event (PPTE) that evokes unusually strong emotional reactions. Can be used interchangeably with crisis or potentially psychologically traumatic event (PPTE).
Gender-based violence
- Refers to any type of harmful behaviour against a person or group of people because of their sex, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Intersectionality
- Recognizes the multiple aspects of an individual’s identity that influence their experiences. Identity factors include ethnicity, religion, age, physical and cognitive ability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.
Interpersonal violence
- The harmful physical and psychological behaviour by a person or group of people toward another person. It is a type of potentially psychologically traumatic event (PPTE) and can contribute to mental health conditions in either the person causing the harm or the person who is harmed.
Mental health
- Mental refers to thoughts, feelings, emotions, and related brain functioning.
- Mental health exists on a continuum from poor to good. In good mental health, a person:
- understands themselves and their abilities
- copes well with normal stress
- experiences good feelings from their interactions and relationships with others
- is able to work or function well in their usual activities, and
- contributes to their family and/or community.
Mental health injury/psychological injury
- May be used as different names for a mental health condition, including a mental disorder, especially when the condition is caused by exposure to one or more potentially psychologically traumatic events.
- The word “injury” is used when describing mental disorders or conditions to try to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.
Mental illness
- Refers to emotions, behaviours, and difficulties in thinking that affect a person’s ability to clearly understand the real world and what is happening to them and around them. These emotions, behaviours, and difficulties are generally the signs and symptoms of the mental illness. The signs and symptoms of a mental illness can range from mild to severe.
- Mental illness is often accompanied by distress and decreased functioning in social, occupational, or other activities of daily life.
Moral injury/moral distress
- During potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTEs) or other unusually stressful situations, people may carry out, witness, or fail to prevent events that go against their moral beliefs and expectations.
- A moral injury can occur in response to doing something or witnessing behaviours or acts that go against a person’s values and moral beliefs. Events that cause moral injury can be:
- acts of commission (what someone has done)acts of omission (what someone has failed to do), or
- acts of betrayal.
Peer support
- A supportive, recovery-oriented relationship between individuals who have had or have the same experience, that is, they have a shared lived or living experience. It can offer social, emotional, spiritual, and instrumental support to promote a person’s well-being and path to recovery from mental health problems.
- Peer support can be delivered one-to-one or by a group, and some peer support is a combination of both.
Posttraumatic growth (PTG)
- The positive personal changes that may result from a person’s struggle to manage the consequences of being exposed to one or more potentially psychologically traumatic events. PTG can include a new appreciation for life and future possibilities, a newfound sense of personal strength, improved relationships with others (e.g. a new focus on helping others), and spiritual or existential change.
Posttraumatic stress (PTS)
- Refers to stress resulting from exposure to one or more potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTEs).
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- The collection of feelings, behaviours, and experiences that can occur after a person is exposed to a potentially psychologically traumatic event (PPTE). The exposure can occur in many ways. For details of exposures that may be associated with a PTSD diagnosis, see potentially psychologically traumatic event (PPTE).
- PTSD reactions can include:
- immediate feelings of terror, panic, anxiety, rage, or sickness when exposed to a sound, sight, or smell that is a reminder of the event
- vivid and intrusive memories of the event, which can sometimes feel as if the event is happening again (“flashbacks”)
- nightmares and disturbed sleep
- not remembering the event (amnesia), or feeling emotionally numb
- avoiding places, people, or circumstances that are reminders of the event
- being hyperalert to threat or danger, and
- feeling that things are unreal or that you are living in a dream (depersonalization or derealization).
Potentially psychologically traumatic event (PPTE)
- A stressful event that has caused psychological trauma and has the potential to cause PTSD and other trauma-related mental health conditions. This term is more precise than terms like critical incident or crisis.
- Typical examples of potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTE) include:
- adverse childhood experiences
- motor vehicle accidents
- sexual assault and other types of violence
- unexpected violent or accidental death of a loved one or threatened death of a loved one, and
- threat of or actual severe physical injury, experiencing military combat, natural disasters, or exposure to human remains.
Psychological first aid (PFA)
- An immediate way to help people after a disaster or traumatic event. PFA aims to provide support to reduce initial distress and promote resilience. By addressing basic needs such as safety, comfort, and emotional connection, PFA helps reduce the risk of long-term mental/emotional harm.
Recovery
- The personalized journey to a way of living that allows a person with a physical or mental health condition to have positive mental health and good well-being.
Resilience
- The long-term physical and mental determination that people draw on to deal with ongoing adversity. It is a quality that an individual may naturally possess or develop through work and life experiences.
Secondary traumatic stress
- Describes a mental health condition that results from indirect exposure to one or more potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTEs). Such indirect exposure is also known as vicarious trauma.
Stigma
- A set of highly negative ideas and beliefs that society has about something. To be stigmatized means to be symbolically marked as a disgrace. Mental illnesses are among the most highly stigmatized conditions in society. When a health condition is stigmatized, the person experiences not only the symptoms of the condition itself, but also the social rejection, disapproval, and the shame that the stigmatization creates.
- There are four types of mental health stigma:
- Structural stigma is when organizational policies and practices are unfair to people with mental disorders.
- Public or interpersonal stigma is when the public think or act negatively toward people with a mental disorder.
- Self-stigma occurs when people with a mental disorder believe the negative public views and apply these views to themselves.
- Stigma-by-association is when those close to or related to the stigmatized group (such as family, friends, or mental health providers) are also stigmatized.
Trauma
- Something that causes physical, emotional, spiritual, or psychological harm.
- A person’s experience during an event that is so distressing to them that it overwhelms them emotionally; psychological trauma can be the cause of mental disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder.
Vicarious trauma
- Refers to psychological trauma that can occur in people who are indirectly exposed to a potentially psychologically traumatic event (PPTE). Also known as secondary traumatic stress.
Well-being
- Can be defined using a broad framework that includes seven interacting domains:
- employment or meaningful purpose
- financial security
- health
- life skills and preparedness
- social integration
- housing and physical environment, and
- cultural and social environment.
Wellness
- There is no consensus on a definition, but some definitions of wellness overlap with definitions of well-being.
- Defined by the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework (FNMWCF) as a balance of the mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional. In this framework, mental wellness is enriched when a person has purpose, hope for their future, a sense of belonging, and a sense of meaning.
Wellness support
- Health services, programs, or activities that focus on the promotion or maintenance of good health. These supports are designed to improve well-being while reducing pain, stress, and anxiety.
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Government of PEI: Mental Health Support and Services
Contact princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-pei/mental-health-support-and-services Information Many mental health resources, services, and ways to access counselling in PEI. Location Prince Edward Island Type of resource Resource hub Type of support Wellness support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English, ⚜️ French -
Healing by Talking Program
Contact 1-888-648-0070 Information A free telephone counselling service provided by the government of Nunavut’s Department of Health. Location Nunavut Type of resource Telephone Type of support Wellness support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) — Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Health PEI: First Nations Mental Health Resources
Contact src.healthpei.ca/first-nations-mental-health-and-culturally-appropriate-resources Information Provides information on mental wellness, contact information for counselling, and other programs in PEI. Location Prince Edward Island Type of resource Resource hub Type of support Wellness support Target demographic Indigenous population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Healthy Minds Cooperative
Contact healthyminds.ca Information Offers free wellness programs, peer-support groups, and navigation to mental health services (in-person and online). Location Nova Scotia Type of resource Online services and in-person services Type of support Wellness support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) — Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Here to Help
Contact heretohelp.bc.ca Information Provides mental health and substance use information and connections to resources in BC. Location British Columbia Type of resource Resource hub Type of support Wellness support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Hong Fook Association
Contact hongfook.ca/association Information Provides culturally specific mental health services in multiple languages for the Asian community in the Greater Toronto Area. Location Ontario Type of resource Online services and in-person services Type of support Wellness support Target demographic Asian population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English, 🇨🇳 Simplified Chinese, 🇰🇷 Korean, 🇻🇳 Vietnamese, 🇰🇭 Khmer -
Hope for Wellness Helpline (Chat)
Contact hopeforwellness.ca Information Immediate, culturally competent telephone crisis intervention counselling support for First Nations and Inuit. Location National Type of resource Online chat Type of support Crisis support Target demographic Indigenous populations Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English, ⚜️ French (ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐍᐏᐣ Cree, ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᒧᐎᓐ Ojibway, ᐃᓄᒃᑎᑐᑦ Inuktitut available upon request) -
Hope for Wellness Helpline (Telephone)
Contact 1-855-242-3310 Information Immediate culturally competent, telephone crisis intervention counselling support for First Nations and Inuit. Open 24/7. Location National Type of resource Telephone Type of support Crisis support Target demographic Indigenous populations Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English, ⚜️ French (ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐍᐏᐣ Cree, ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᒧᐎᓐ Ojibway, ᐃᓄᒃᑎᑐᑦ Inuktitut available upon request) -
HOPE Learning Centre
Contact skhopelearningcentre.ca Information Free online and in-person courses to overcome mental health challenges. Location Saskatchewan Type of resource Online service and in-person service Type of support Wellness support Target demographic General population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) — Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families — Language(s) spoken 🍁 English -
Ilisaqsivik: Health and Wellness Centre
Contact https://ilisaqsivik.ca/en/our-pillars/health-and-wellness-centre/ Information Offers Inuit-led community programs and counselling services for residents of Nunavut. Location Nunavut Type of resource In-person service Type of support Wellness support Target demographic Indigenous population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English, ᐃᓄᒃᑎᑐᑦ Inuktitut -
Indigenous Support Line
Contact 1-844-944-4744 or 8-1-1 Information The support line is for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples in Alberta. Hours are 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday. Location Alberta Type of resource Telephone Type of support Wellness support Target demographic Indigenous population Serves adults (18+) Yes Serves children (0–12) Yes Serves youth (13–17) Yes Serves families Yes Language(s) spoken 🍁 English
Social support