Helplines offer immediate mental health support to the public for free. When you contact a helpline, you will receive confidential support either over the phone, text message or online chat.
Whether you need someone to listen to you or seek more practical advice, a helpline responder can support you in the way you need. They will commonly ask questions to help you process your emotions, and may help you form a plan so you can feel more in control. Different helplines address different topics or different populations.
Canadian Helplines
Kids Help Phone- Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7 e-mental health service offering free, confidential support to young people, ages 5-25, in English and French by phone, text or chat.
LGBT Youthline- offers confidential and non-judgemental peer support through text and chat services. Get in touch with a peer support volunteer from Sunday to Friday, 4:00PM to 9:30 PM.
Naseeha- mental health helpline specifically designed to address the unique mental health challenges faced by Muslims. However, those of different faiths or no faith are welcome to use this helpline. Counsellors provide support 7 days a week (12PM to 3AM EST) by phone or chat.
Hope for Wellness- offers immediate help to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone or chat.
Black Youth Helpline- More than a “Helpline” serving all youth, this “Helpline” serves as the point of contact for professional services from youth, families, school districts and a variety of youth-serving stakeholders. Access by phone daily from 9AM - 10PM
Nedic- provides support for individuals affected by eating disorders. Offers a toll-free help line (1-866-NEDIC-20) and chat support
NISA- offers a free, anonymous, and confidential 12-hr telephone line available to Muslim women across North America, seven days a week from 10 am to 10 pm EST.
International Helplines
There are over 2,000 helplines and hotlines across the world. To find one in your current location, visit findahelpline.com