24 Hour Emergency Numbers
The following crisis and distress lines can be accessed by phone (some by text) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are in a moment when you feel overwhelmed by your thoughts and need immediate support, you can contact one or more of these lines.
If you feel you or someone close to you is at risk of harming yourself or others, please call 911.
PLEASE NOTE: Think of safety in an intersectional way. Many members of some minority communities, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPoC), can have safety concerns about calling 911 as a first response during crises.
Toronto Distress Centre
Anyone in distress. Callers can express their thoughts and feelings in confidence. Callers’ issues can include problems related to domestic violence, social isolation, suicide, addictions, mental and physical health concerns. The Distress Centre offers emotional support, crisis intervention, suicide prevention and linkage to emergency help when necessary.
- Call: 416-408-HELP (4357)
- Website: https://www.dcogt.com/408-help-line
Gerstein Crisis Centre
Anyone in crisis. Helpline is staffed by crisis workers and offers in-person community visits and a residence where people in crisis can stay for short periods of time.
- Call: 416-929-5200
- Website: https://gersteincentre.org/
9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline - Bell Let's Talk
Crisis Services Canada
A barrier-free, non-judgmental space with supportive and responsive responders for anyone thinking about suicide or worried about someone having suicidal thoughts.
- Call: 1-833-456-4566
- Text: 45645 (only 4pm – 12am)
- Website: https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/
Durham Crisis and Mental Health Line: 905 666-0483
- Distress Centre Halton: For Residents of the Halton Region (Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton, and Oakville). Oakville: 905-849-4541; Burlington: 905-681-1488; Milton/Halton Hills: 905-877-1211
Connex Ontario
Province-wide information and referral services for those with mental health or addiction challenges.
- Mental Health Helpline: 1-866-531-2600
- Drug and Alcohol Helpline: 1-800-565-8603
- Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-888-230-3505
- Website: http://www.connexontario.ca/
Community and Social Services Hotline
- Call: 211
Emergency Shelter Access (24/7)
- Call: 416-338-4766 or 1-877-338-3398
- Ontario Legal Line (24/7): 416-929-8400
Health811 (24/7)
- Call: 811 or TTY: 1-866-700-0007
- Website: https://health811.ontario.ca/
Toronto Substance Withdrawal Management System (24/7)
- Call: 416 864-5040 or 1 866 366-9513
Toronto Police Services Non-Emergency Line (24/7)
- Call: 416-808-2222
Assaulted Women’s Helpline
Women in Ontario who have experienced abuse. Support available in a variety of languages.
- Call: 1-866-863-0511 / TTY 1-866-863-7868
Website: https://www.awhl.org/home
Fem’aide
Francophone women. Offre aux femmes d’expression française aux prises avec la violence sexiste, du soutien, des renseignements et de l’aiguillage vers les services appropriés dans leur collectivité.
- Call: 1-877-336-2433
- Website: https://femaide.ca/