Mental Health & Addiction Supports and Community Resources

If you or someone you know is actively having thoughts of harming oneself or others and is at immediate risk of harm, don’t delay in getting help. Call 911 or visit your local Emergency Department.

Crisis Support

Addictions and Mental Health Services' (AMHS)-KFLA Crisis Programs

Programs provide urgent and immediate response to individuals experiencing emotional or mental distress. Support is offered with the goal of minimizing stress, de-escalation, and providing emotional support to ensure the individual’s safety while improving coping strategies. Crisis services are free, confidential, and delivered in a respectful, non-judgmental manner by a team of mental health and addiction specialists.  Learn more here.

  1. Crisis Lines offered by AMHS-KFLA: crisis lines are staffed 24/7, 365 days a year by experienced professionals who can provide immediate support, advocacy, and referrals to appropriate services as needed.

    • Kingston & Frontenac: Open 24/7: Call 613-544-4229 or Toll Free 1-866-616-6005

    • Lennox & Addington (L&A): Open 24/7: Call 613-354-7388 or Toll Free 1-800-267-7877

  2. Walk-In Crisis Services by AMHS-KFLA: Visit our offices in Kingston or Napanee to meet with a Crisis Worker. No appointment is needed to access this service.

    • Kingston: 552 Princess St. Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:00pm

    • Napanee: 70 Dundas St. E Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:00pm

  3. Mobile Crisis Services by AMHS-KFLA: provides in-person support to those in crisis in the community, in a variety of settings (in home, in community, or at another service provider location).  The Mobile Crisis Team responds to calls to our crisis line or situations in the community where urgent in-person support is needed.

    • Kingston & Frontenac: Monday to Friday 8:00am to midnight; Saturday and Sunday 8:00am-8:00pm

    • Lennox & Addington and Napanee: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 8:30pm; Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m.

Talk Suicide Canadian

Connect to a crisis responder to get help without judgement.  If you are thinking about suicide, or you’re worried about someone else, we want to help.

  • Call Toll Free 1-833-456-4566

  • Available 24/7 365 days a year for calls, and available 4:00 to midnight for text

  • Visit www.talksuicide.ca.  

Good2Talk

Good2Talk provides free confidential support services for post-secondary students in Ontario & Nova Scotia.

  • Call toll free 1-866-925-5454

  • Text GOOD2TALKON to 686868 

  • Use Facebook messenger, or visit www.good2talk.ca.

Other Crisis Resources

A crisis is defined as a period of intense difficulty or trouble. In these time of emergency there are a number of places you can go for help:

Online resources and counselling

211 Ontario

211 Ontario is a telephone helpline and website that provides information on and referrals to Ontario’s community, social, health-related and government services. This includes all resources related to mental health and therapy.  211 is answered 24 hours a day, every day of the year across Ontario. There are over 60,000 free community and government programs and services they can support you within Ontario.

Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program

Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program: individuals aged 15+ with depression and anxiety-related conditions will have access to different services (including BounceBack and Psychotherapy) in the OSP program. The service(s) recommended will depend on what’s most appropriate for your needs, with most clients starting with self-administered strategies.

The Centre for Abuse and Trauma Therapy

The Centre for Abuse and Trauma Therapy is a non-profit, registered charity serving Kingston and the surrounding area.  The Centre provides short and long-term professional psychotherapy and support to anyone of any age who has experienced recent and/or past abuse or trauma.

Bereaved Families of Ontario

Bereaved Families of Ontario is a province wide organization dedicated to bereavement support through self-help and mutual aid with 11 affiliates located throughout Ontario.

  • Bereaved Families of Ontario – Kingston Region offers group and one-to-one peer support with phone conversations, video conferencing or in-person support

  • Call 613-634-1230 or email @email for more information or to register

  • Visit www.bereavedfamilies.net 

Resolve Counselling

Resolve Counselling is a non-profit, social service agency which offers confidential, non-judgmental mental health and financial counselling support services.

  • Call (613) 549-7850

  • Complete a service inquiry online, or email @email

  • Fees for counselling services range from $15 to $110 per hour; Clients who are unable to pay the full fee can apply for a subsidy.

  • Visit https://resolvecounselling.org

Togetherall

Togetherall is a digital mental health support service which is available online, 24/7, and is anonymous so you can express yourself freely and openly. Professionally trained Wall Guides monitor the community to ensure the safety and anonymity of all members. You will also have access to a wealth of useful resources and can work through tailored self-help courses covering topics such as anxiety, sleep, weight management, depression and many more.

AbilitiCBT

AbilitiCBT is an online therapist-guided support for mental wellness using a cognitive behavioural therapy model.

Moodgym

Moodgym is an online self-help program designed to help users prevent and manage symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is like an interactive, online self-help book which teaches skills based on cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT).  

ConnexOntario

ConnexOntario provides free and confidential service information for people experiencing problems with gambling, drugs, alcohol, or mental health. Helpful, supportive system navigation specialists answer all calls, emails, or web chat requests 24/7.  

Wellness Together Canada

Wellness Together Canada provides free resources for mental health and substance use support for people in Canada and Canadians abroad.

MindBeacon

MindBeacon offers a wide range of services at various price-points including a full spectrum of digital mental health supports from face-to-face live therapy, therapist-guided programs, messaging counselling, and free content. 

  • Visit https://www.mindbeacon.com/

  • Most services are covered by insurance plans; however, there is cost associated with many of these programs if you do not have insurance

Anxiety Canada

Anxiety Canada (online resource with an associated cell phone app) provides self-help resources, programs, and services for children, youth, and adults on anxiety.

  • Visit https://www.anxietycanada.com/

  • My Anxiety Plan (MAP) for adults or children and teens. It consists of 45 lectures, totaling 4 hours of self-paced course work

  • MindShift CBT Groups is for adults with mild to moderate anxiety. It is an 8 session, small group therapy program (maximum 12 participants) using the cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) model

  • MindShift CBT phone App is a free App that offers CBT, quick relief grounding techniques and coping strategies for panic attacks, worry and social anxiety.

Health 811

Health 811 (formerly Telehealth Ontario): connect with a registered nurse day or night for free, secure, and confidential health advice.  Access safe, high-quality care and avoid unnecessary visits to the emergency room. This service is an easy way to get connected to care you or your loved ones need, but it does not replace your other touch point with your health care provider. In a medical emergency call 911 immediately.

Psychology Today

Psychology Today: find detailed listings for mental health professionals in Canada

Canadian Mental Health Association Ontario

Canadian Mental Health Association Ontario is a collection of mental health resources in this document.

Sexual Assault

Sexual Assault Centre Kingston

Sexual Assault Centre Kingston  provides free, confidential, non-judgmental support for all survivors 12+ regardless of gender or identity of recent and/or historic sexual violence in Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington (KFL&A)

  • Call 613-544-6424 or Toll Free 1-877-544-6424
  • Online chat or text support: Available 12:00pm to midnight 7 days a week.

Assaulted Women's Helpline

Assaulted Women’s Helpline provides free, anonymous, and confidential 24-hour telephone and TTY crisis telephone line to all women in the province of Ontario who have experienced any form of abuse

  • Call Toll Free 1-866-863-0511
  • Text SAFE (7233) on your Bell, Rogers, Fido, or Telus Mobile
  • Visit https://www.awhl.org/
Caregiver Burnout
  1. The Ontario Caregiver Organization’s Helpline: is a one-stop resource for information and referrals connecting caregivers to the support you need. This might include respite, a support group in your community or programs for the person you care for.
Indigenous Resources

Hope for Wellness Helpline

Hope for Wellness Helpline is available to all Indigenous people across Canada. Experienced and culturally competent counsellors are reachable by telephone and online ‘chat’ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

National Indian Residential School Crisis Line

National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families.

  • Call toll free at 1-866-925-4419

Talk4healing

Talk4healing offers 24/7 help, support, and resources for Indigenous women, by Indigenous women, across Ontario

Substance Use

Addiction and Mental Health Services' (AMHS-KFLA) Addiction Services

Addiction and Mental Health Services’ (AMHS-KFLA) Addiction Services offers a range of rehabilitation and treatment options to support recovery and wellness for those 16+ with concerns around substance use, including alcohol.  Individual counselling is offered for guided work through the stages of change. Professionally facilitated support groups are also available, including Day Treatment (an intensive 4-week treatment program), Motherwise (a free, confidential service for individuals who are pregnant or have children aged 6 and under to address concerns about drug or alcohol use), and Understanding Addiction support group

  • Call 613-544-1356 or email @email
  • 24/7 Crisis Phone Line Kingston & Frontenac: 613-544-4229; Toll free: 1-866-616-6005
  • 24/7 Crisis Phone Line Lennox & Addington: 613-354-7388; Toll free: 1-800-267-7877
  • Visit https://amhs-kfla.ca/programs-services

Street Health Centre's Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM)

Street Health Centre’s Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM): this innovative partnership embeds an AMHS-KFLA Addictions Counsellor at Street Health, and aims to connect individuals with addictions support, primary care resources and other Street Health programming.   The RAAM clinic will see patients without referrals or booked appointments, and clients are able to be seen on a walk-in basis.

  • 115 Barrack Street, Kingston Office hours: 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm, 7 days/week
  • Call 613-549-1440
  • Visit https://kchc.ca/

KHSC Detoxification Centre

KHSC Detoxification Centre provides short-term, non-medical withdrawal management services for those who want to detoxify from alcohol and/or other substances, short term residential support to those awaiting intake into a treatment program and overnight preventative admission for people at risk of relapse.  The Detox Centre also offers access to mutual-help groups, and supportive counselling with 24-hour telephone support.

  • Call 24-hour telephone line at 613-549-6461
  • Or click here for additional information

National Overdose Response Services

National Overdose Response Services provides a peer-run, peer-led overdose prevention hotline. NORS makes overdose support available to Canadians 24/7. Call the hotline from anywhere in Canada before using for affirming, confidential, respectful support.

Overdose Prevention Line

Overdose Prevention Line (24/7 call line): ensure someone is available to check up on you when you are using substances.

  • Call 1-888-853-8542

Canada Drug Rehab Addiction Services Directory

Canada Drug Rehab Addiction Services Directory is a free online directory of alcohol and drug rehab programs and other addiction-related services in Canada.

The Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF)

The Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF) offers free and confidential telemedicine support; addiction counselling sessions will be conducted through the platform via chat, videoconferencing, or a phone call.

ConnexOntario

ConnexOntario provides free and confidential service information for people experiencing problems with gambling, drugs, alcohol, or mental health. Helpful, supportive system navigation specialists answer all calls, emails, or web chat requests 24/7.  

New Dawn Medical

New Dawn Medical provides outpatient services for those struggling with drugs, alcohol, or chronic pain to help you work towards a meaningful and long-lasting recovery. Our passionate team of doctors will provide you with comprehensive assessments, treatment, planning, counselling, withdrawal management support, and educational information

Substance use, alcohol addiction & chronic pain:

Breaking Free

BreakingFree offers confidential wellness and recovery online support program and resources designed for individuals living with substance use disorders

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem.  It doesn’t cost anything to attend A.A. meetings. There are no age or education requirements to participate. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem.

Narcotics Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous offers recovery from the effects of addiction through working a twelve-step program, including regular attendance at group meetings. The group atmosphere provides help from peers and offers an ongoing support network for addicts who wish to pursue and maintain a drug/alcohol-free lifestyle.  Membership is free

Eating Disorders

National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC)

National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC): a Canadian non –profit organization providing resources on eating disorders and weight preoccupation. 

  • Call Phone 1-866-NEDIC-20, email @email, or connect via live chat

  • Visit https://nedic.ca for additional information or to search for a provider in your area

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a nation-wide, voluntary organization that promotes the mental health of all and includes education and awareness about eating disorders.

Body Brave

Body Brave is a charitable organization that welcomes all bodies, is weight inclusive and proudly 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly. Their services are all virtual for aged 17+, free or covered by OHIP.

Sheena's Place

Sheena’s Place offers group-based support to people aged 17+ affected by an eating disorder or disordered eating. Their professionally facilitated groups are free of charge and participants do not require an eating disorder diagnosis or referral to register. They are committed to inspiring hope, reducing stigma, raising awareness, and offering meaningful help and information at all stages of recovery.

Nalgona Positivity Pride (NPP)

Nalgona Positivity Pride (NPP) a community of grassroots movement dedicated to meeting the unique needs of Black, Indigenous and communities of color (BICC) affected by eating disorders. NPP emerged out of a great need not only to shed light on the experiences and barriers that exist in BICC affected by body-image and troubled eating but to create opportunities of healing by and for BICC.

Fed-Up Collective

Fed-Up Collective is a collective of trans+, intersex, and gender diverse people who believe eating disorders in marginalized communities are social justice issues. Their mission is to make visible, interrupt, and undermine the disproportionately high incidence of eating disorders in trans and gender diverse individuals through radical community healing, recovery institution reform, research, empowerment, and education.

Hopewell

Hopewell is based in eastern Ontario, Hopewell offers support to individuals struggling with an eating disorder, as well as their families and friends.

National Initiative for Eating Disorders (NIED)

National Initiative for Eating Disorders (NIED) is a Canadian, non-profit coalition of healthcare professionals, counselors, and parents with children suffering from eating disorders. NIED aims to increase awareness and education of eating disorders.

Children and Youth Mental Health

Kids Help Phone

Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7 e-mental health service offering free, confidential support to young people in English and French.

LGBT Youthline

LGBT Youthline offers confidential and non-judgemental peer support through our text and chat services Sundays - Fridays.

One Roof

One Roof is a community youth hub where youth-serving agencies provide wraparound services for vulnerable and homeless youth and provides an integration of services for young people in an open and inclusive single site location to ensure quick access to appropriate supports.

  • Drop-in individual support is available Monday – Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm
  • Located at 620 Princess St, Kingston, ON K7L 1E3
  • Visit https://kingstonhomebase.ca/one-roof for additional information

Kairos Program - Youth Diversion

​Kairos is a counselling service which specializes in treatment for youth who are experiencing any level of substance use/misuse, personally or with a family member. Our service is available as an outreach program in all elementary and secondary schools within KFL&A, as well as alternative education sites and group homes.

Support for Family Members
  • The AMHS Family Resource Centre provides information and support to family and friends of persons with mental health concerns
Shelters and Transitional Housing

Shelters

There are a number of shelters in Kingston that provide temporary accommodation for men, women and children. Below is a list of some of the shelters in Kingston.

  • Kingston Harbour Light Men’s Shelter — 8 bed emergency shelter for up to 5 days. Offers bed, hot meals, shower, and laundry facilities
  • Kingston Youth Shelter - offers a variety of services to homeless/precariously housed youth between the ages of 16-24

Transitional Housing

  • Ryandale Transitional Housing — Affordable accommodation for up to one year for seven individuals who have demonstrated the desire and ability to achieve independent living
    • Website: ryandale.ca
    • Email: @email
  • Dawn House Women’s Shelter — 24 hour emergency temporary shelter for up to 45 days. Offers counselling, basic necessities, information and referrals, computer access, housing assistance, client advocacy, and public education

Additional programs, resources and information

The numbers provided, online resources, cell phone apps and recommended books are not a replacement for seeking the care of a mental health professional or primary care provider. Please consult your primary care provider with any questions or concerns. These are resources that can begin to guide you on your journey to recovery. These resources can help and be utilized while you wait to see a psychiatrist or if you have been recently discharged from an emergency department or an inpatient psychiatric unit. These resources may be used to augment psychiatric treatment or therapy.There are two main forms, and other related forms, provided through Ontario's Mental Health Act that provide an opportunity for a doctor to assess a person's risk to themselves and others without their consent. For more information on these forms please see the document below.