Learn about services available to support your mental health and where to find help.
Reaching out for support can be very helpful in managing stress and dealing with overwhelm. There are many local, provincial and national supports and services available for assistance, no matter what you are dealing with.
Support with Mental Health
211 Ontario
211Ontario.ca is a free and confidential service that easily connects people to social and community supports. Service is provided by phone (call 2-1-1), by text (to 2-1-1), by chat, or by email. Visit their website to search the services available.
Local Support Services
Canadian Mental Health Association – Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB)
The Canadian Mental Health Association – Windsor-Essex County Branch offers a variety of mental health programs and services, including those for individuals with serious to moderate mental illnesses, substance use issues, bereavement issues, and many others. Please visit their website for more information about the programs and services that are available.
Family Services Windsor-Essex (FSWE)
FSWE provides a walk-in counselling clinic to give individuals the opportunity to meet with a counsellor on the same day. A solution-focused approach is used to support individuals in creating a tangible plan that will help to solve their concerns. The clinic is open to adults every Tuesday from 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at 1770 Langlois Avenue. Phone sessions can also be offered by calling 519-966-5010.
Counselling appointments can also be scheduled throughout Windsor and Essex County by calling 519-966-5010. To learn more, please visit https://fswe.ca/.
The Mental Health & Addictions Urgent Care Centre (MHAUCC)
The Mental Health & Addictions Urgent Care Centre (MHAUCC) supports individuals ages 16+ who are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis and cannot safely wait for community mental health and substance use support. It provides support to individuals who are experiencing an urgent mental health or substance use concern and require urgent care. It also serves individuals who are at risk of worsening mental health conditions and may require hospitalization.
The MHAUCC is located at 1030 Ouellette Ave. Services available at the MHAUCC include:
- Crisis Walk-in Services available 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., 7 days a week
- Linkages to primary care at Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Health Centre
- 24-hour, 7 days a week Crisis Telephone Line: 519-973-4435
For more information about the services and programs available, please contact at 519-257-5111 ext. 77968.
Hours of operation for the MHAUCC are Monday to Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Self-referral, physician and healthcare provider referrals are accepted. Walk-in services are offered during all hours of operation.
Mental Health Connections
Mental Health Connections provides services to persons ages 16 years and older who are experiencing mental health issues. Services include Healthy Body Programs (e.g., fitness, aqua fitness, nutrition, yoga, Zumba, aikido), Healthy Mind Programs (e.g., coping with depression, anger, anxiety and stress, self-esteem, relationships, etc.), creative classes, life skills supports, vocational training, supports for family members and caregivers, and other services. To learn more, please visit https://mentalhealthconnections.ca/.
Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC)
SOAHAC provides mental health services to support those who are Indigenous. Their care team includes mental health counsellors, family social workers, substance use counsellors, harm reduction nurses, transitional case managers, and outreach workers who offer support to assist with a variety of mental health and substance use concerns. For more information, please visit their website: https://www.soahac.on.ca/services/mental-health-addiction-services.
TransWellness Ontario
Trans Wellness Ontario, formerly known as Windsor-Essex Transgender & Allied Support (W.E. Trans Support), is a local organization that provides health and wellness services to 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and their families. Services are meant for individuals 13 years and older and include individual counselling, peer support, community game nights, parent peer mentoring, a clothing cupboard, and a range of special events. To learn more, please visit https://www.transwellness.ca/.
Windsor-Essex Community Health Centre (WECHC)
The WECHC offers general counselling to individuals ages 5+ and couples and families living in Windsor and Essex County who are looking to improve their mental and emotional health. Counsellors can support with concerns such as coping with mental illness (e.g., anxiety, depression), self-harm and suicidal thoughts, coping with stress and other challenges with mental health, and relationships and family issues. To learn more, please visit https://wechc.org/mental-health-care/counselling/.
Provincial and National Services (Virtual and/or Telephone-based)
Bounce Back Ontario
Bounce Back Ontario is a free skill-building program managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). It is designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, and anxiety, stress, or worry. Delivered over the phone with a coach and through online videos, individuals will have access to tools that will support them on their path to mental wellness.
Centre for Addiction & Mental Health – HOPE Mobile Application
Hope by CAMH is a free smartphone app that provides suicide prevention information, tools and crisis resources to support and guide individuals when they are experiencing thoughts of suicide.
One of the key features of this app is the ability for individuals to create a personalized suicide safety plan, which can be done in consultation with their healthcare professional, loved one, or someone who they have a trusting relationship with.
The Hope by CAMH safety plan can be accessed at any time – especially if an individual is experiencing thoughts of suicide – and it can be updated as their situation changes.
It is now available for download on Android and iOS.
Good 2 Talk
Good 2 Talk provides free and confidential mental health and substance use support services for post-secondary students in Ontario. To access services, please call 1-866-925-5454 or text 686868.
Hope for Wellness Hotline
The Hope for Wellness Hotline offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention services to all persons who are Indigenous across Canada. Support is available 24/7 by phone at 1-855-242-3310 or through online chat. Both telephone and online chat services are available 24/7 in English and French and telephone support is available in Cree, Ojibway (Anishinaabemowin), and Inuktitut upon request.
National Indian Residential School Crisis Line
The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides support for former Residential School students and their families. Emotional and crisis referral services can be accessed by calling the 24-Hour National Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.
Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls' Crisis Line
This national line provides 24/7 support for individuals affected by a missing or murdered Indigenous woman/girl’s experience. Support can be accessed by calling 1-844-413-6649.
Togetherall
The Togetherall is an online community that allows individuals to interact with a supportive network of community members when dealing with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. Services are clinically managed and designed to support those with mild to moderate need, while having the infrastructure to case manage individuals at risk. The Togetherall also offers a vibrant peer-to-peer community where individuals with shared experiences can receive and offer support to one another. Services can be accessed by online members 24/7. These services are also moderated 24/7 by trained practitioners who keep online members safe and facilitate the process of helping people in an online environment.
Local Services
Printable Windsor-Essex Youth Services Cards
Children First
Children First offers mental health services for young children and their families. Services include a wide range of preventative and treatment interventions, including child and family assessments, brief therapy and counselling, and other supports. To learn more, please visit https://www.children-first.ca/.
Maryvale
Maryvale offers a single-session call-in line for youth ages 13-18 years old who are facing mental health issues, as well as their families. The call-in line gives youth the opportunity to express their emotions, seek help, and receive timely assistance. Supports can be accessed Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (last call taken at 4:00 p.m.) by calling 519-419-1397.
Maryvale also offers mental health counselling and treatment programs, as well as other supportive services for youth. To learn more, please visit https://www.maryvale.ca/.
Regional Children's Centre
The Regional Children's Centre provides quick and confidential access to mental health services for children and youth ages 18 and under and their families/guardians. Services are available by calling 519-257-5437 (KIDS) and booking an appointment. Hours of operation are Monday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. No referral is necessary and services are provided free of change.
Teen Health Centre
The Teen Health Centre offers a variety of mental health supports for youth ages 12-24, including general counselling, an eating disorder support program, youth substance use counselling, and a mental health care program for black youth (ages 12-29). For more information about the services available, please visit https://wechc.org/location/teen-health/.
Trans Wellness Ontario
Trans Wellness Ontario, formerly known as Windsor-Essex Transgender & Allied Support (W.E. Trans Support) is a local organization that provides health and wellness services to LGBTQIA2S+ communities and their families. Services are meant for individuals 13 years and older and include individual counselling, peer support, community game nights, parent peer mentoring, a clothing cupboard, and a range of special events. To learn more, please visit https://www.transwellness.ca/.
WEConnectKids
WEConnectKids (Coordinated Access) is a partnership between the five core service providers for child and youth mental health and addiction services in Windsor/Essex. It is the place to start if you aren’t sure how, where, or what type of mental health service you need. It’s a free, confidential mental health service for children, youth, and families who live in Windsor-Essex. HDGH’s Regional Children’s Centre serves our community by acting as the "front door" for child and youth mental health services. Through WEConnectKids, individuals will receive the most appropriate service based on their needs.
Youth Wellness Hub Windsor-Essex
Youth Wellness Hub Windsor-Essex is a judgment free zone providing mental health supports to youth aged 12-25. Programs and services offered are evidence-based and approved by youth in our community. Programs and services may be accessed by appointment or during the Walk-In hours. No referral is needed. For more information, locations, and hours of operation, call 519-800-8640 or visit their website.
Provincial and National Services (Virtual and/or Telephone-based)
Good 2 Talk
Good 2 Talk provides free and confidential mental health and substance use support services for post-secondary students in Ontario. To access services, please call 1-866-925-5454 or text 686868.
Kid's Help Phone
Kid's Help Phone is a 24/7 e-mental health service offering free, multi-lingual, and confidential support to help all young people across Canada. Support can be accessed at any time by calling 1-800-668-6868 or texting CONNECT to 686868. Professional counselling services are also available daily from 7:00 p.m. to midnight through live chat. To learn more, please visit https://kidshelpphone.ca/.
LGBT Youthline Ontario
LGBT Youthline Ontario offers confidential, non-judgemental, and informed peer support to 2SLGBTQ+ youth ages 29 and under across Ontario. Supports are available Sunday to Friday from 4:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. through text (647-694-4275) and live chat. To learn more, please visit https://www.youthline.ca/.
Life After Fifty
Life After Fifty provides a “Connect, Chat, and LAF” (or “Seniors’ Centre Without Walls”) program, which is a free telephone-based program offering a variety of programming ranging from social and educational to health focused. To learn more, please visit https://www.lifeafterfifty.ca
Support with Alcohol or Other Substance Use
211Ontario.ca
Is a free and confidential service that easily connects people to social and community supports. Service is provided by phone (call 2-1-1), by text (to 2-1-1), by chat, or by email. Visit their website to search the services available.
Get Help with Substance Use
A listing of local services and programs, helplines, and virtual services that support people who use substances.
Windsor-Essex Community Opioid and Substance Strategy (WECOSS)
Information, resources, and supports related to substance use from our local community drug strategy (WECOSS).
Support with Problem Gambling
Local Gambling Related Programs and Services
YMCA Youth Gambling Awareness Program (YGAP)
The YGAP is a free, bilingual service funded by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care offering educational prevention programs designed to raise youth awareness with regards to gambling, healthy and active living, and making informed decisions. YGAP workshops are developmentally appropriate and target youth based on age (8-10 years, 11-14 years, and 15-18 years) and the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum requirements. YGAP has developed a series of curriculum-based workshops for elementary, middle and high schools. Some of the topics discussed in these gambling awareness workshops include probability and randomness, mental health and addictions, financial literacy, media literacy, online safety, and harm reduction strategies.
For more information: http://ymcawo.ca/ygap or call 519-256-7330 ext. 238
Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare’s (HDGH) Centre for Problem Gambling and Digital Dependency (CPGDD)
The Centre for Problem Gambling and Digital Dependency provides free, confidential, and professional treatment services to individuals and their family and friends impacted by gambling, gaming, and/or problematic internet use related concerns. Their outpatient and education services are available to residents of Windsor and Essex County, while their residential treatment services are available to all residents across Ontario. The Centre for Problem Gambling and Digital Dependency offers a full range of treatment options for those experiencing problems due to their own gambling and/or digital dependency. Services offered include individual counselling, group counselling, day treatment, residential treatment and aftercare services.
For more information: www.hdgh.org/problemgamblingservices or call (519) 254-2112
Responsible Gambling Council (RGC)
PlaySmart Centre is the go-to place for facts, tools, and advice about gambling for all levels of players. The Centres can be found at gambling venues across Ontario. Some of the things the Centres offer include: Learning how gambling works, taking a break from gambling, testing your knowledge using their interactive kiosk, and finding ways to get help. The PlaySmart Centre is managed by the Responsible Gambling Council, an independent non-profit organization dedicated to problem gambling prevention.
For more information: playsmart.ca or call 519-977-0440 or toll-free 1-866-799-5292.