Where can I get mental health help?

Finding mental health help can be hard if you are young, mostly because youth-friendly mental health services are hard to find. First, figure out what kind of help you need, then try to find a way to get it.

What kind of help do I need?

Depending on what kind of things you are experiencing, you will need different kinds of help. Depression is treated differently than anxiety, for example. It's important to find treatment that works for you. Here are some forms of treatment for mental health issues:

  • Therapy – a therapist is someone who listens to your problems. They work with you to find solutions that work for you based on your own specific issues.
  • Support Groups – can be a good way to talk about your problems and get support from a group of people who are experiencing similar issues.
  • Medication – can include natural homeopathic medicine or acupuncture, but can also include anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication.

Where Can I Go For Help?

The main place you can get help is a doctor.

Find a doctor here or find a community health centre near you.

Doctors can:

  • Help you figure out what kind of help you need
  • Refer you to a therapist, counsellor, support group, prescribe you medication, or tell you about other treatments for your mental health or illness.

For help, you can also:

  • Check this list of youth-friendly mental health clinics and centres from 211Ontario.
  • Call a crisis centre near you.
  • Get emergency help at any emergency room (in Toronto). A psychiatrist will help you. Find an emergency room closest to you by calling Health Care Connect at 1-800-445-1822 or visit 211Ontario.Ca for a list of emergency rooms near you.
  • Call Mental Health Service Information Ontario at 1-866-531-2600 for information about mental health services near you.