Resources for mental health support services in Toronto

The City of Toronto has announced new mental health resources for residents amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The City considers mental health support services essential for residents, especially during this time, and has partnered with local organizations to provide resources to help connect residents to free telephone, text, or online mental health supports during the pandemic.

It’s OK not to feel OK. The #CityofTO has developed a mental health support strategy, in partnership with community-based agencies, to support the wellbeing of residents during #COVID19. Residents can call 211 to access direct phone support or go online: https://t.co/hgzaZIetIZ pic.twitter.com/Luf7kSrw1U

— City of Toronto (@cityoftoronto) December 9, 2020

“While our partners on this initiative have already seen an uptake in their call volumes since the declaration of the pandemic, we felt it was necessary for the City to do what we can to better connect residents to available mental health supports,” said Mayor John Tory.

“This strategy will help us leverage the experience and system of our mental health partners to provide support for children and youth, those over 70 years of age, those in quarantine with COVID-19, those working on the front line and others.”

In an effort to provide support to children and youth, seniors, frontline workers, people of colour, persons with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ community who are struggling with isolation, stress and anxiety brought on by COVID-19, the City has partnered with these organizations:

• Across Boundaries 
• Caribbean African Canadian Social Services 
• Crisis Text Line 
• Family Services Toronto 
• Gerstein Crisis Centre 
• Hong Fook 
• Kids Help Phone 
• Native Child and Family Services of Toronto 
• Ontario Psychological Association 
• Strides Toronto
• The Access Point 
• Toronto Seniors Helpline  (WoodGreen)
• Warm Line (Progress Place)

According to the City of Toronto, residents can also call 211 to access mental health support and connected to one of seven primary mental health service partners for immediate support over the phone.