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Adult resources

If you or someone you know are in crisis, please call 911. For more resources or mental health concerns, contact COAST 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-866-550-5205.

Below are some helpful and reliable online links recommended by our healthcare professionals for patients interested in learning more.

The information obtained from these links is NOT a substitute for seeking professional healthcare advice from your provider.  These links are to be used as a resource to enhance your understanding of healthcare topics.  Any health concerns you have should be taken up with your healthcare provider.

Crisis Support PDF for age 16+

You are not alone.

Fee for Service Counselling Web Based and Apps For Mental Health Physical Health and Other Resources

Legal Supports

Mental Health and Addictions

Suicide Crisis Helpline Call or text 9-8-8. If you are thinking about suicide, or you’re worried about someone else, we want to help.
Call or text 9-8-8 toll free, any time — lines are open 24/7/365

Niagara Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), offers a variety of programs and services that assist individuals 16 years of age and older. Walk-in services 905-641-5222

Niagara 211 (can also call 2-1-1, available 24/7) Central resource options such as:

  • health services and supports
  • financial and social assistance
  • housing and utility help
  • children and youth services
  • food assistance and meal programs
  • seniors’ services and home care
  • government program assistance
  • parenting and family programs
  • disability support programs
  • newcomer services
  • volunteer organizations
  • and so much more!

Canada Suicide Hotline Call 1-833-456-4566 24/7, text 45645 4pm to midnight ET.

Access Line Niagara/COAST 1-888-550-5205 is a 24/7, confidential telephone support for ages 16+ for mental health and addictions. This free service will connect you with a specially trained community access worker or volunteer to help get you appropriate mental health or addictions services. You can call yourself or on behalf of someone else. They are not a crisis line. 

Contact Niagara can guide and connect you to a range of community Mental Health, Developmental and Autism resources for Children, Youth, and their Families

ConnexOntario provides free and confidential health services information for people experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs, mental illness or gambling by connecting them with services in their area 1-866-531-2600

Mother Matters Hamilton 905-825-2352 pre and post natal education and courses

Moms Stop the Harm – Holding Hope Support Groups Free peer-led support groups for families with loved ones living with addiction

Military Health Resources

Windsor Essex CHC free virtual health education workshops for
Jan/Feb/Mar

CASON Community Addiction Services of Niagara, comprehensive alcohol, drug and gambling addiction treatment for individuals and their families

Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA)
CADDRA is an independent, not-for-profit, resource organization for medical, healthcare and research professionals with an interest in the field of ADHD. However, we do not have any health professionals on staff to diagnose or to answer questions. If you are seeking these services, please consult your healthcare professional.

savemylife.ca Local organizations have come together to create a service for anyone seeking help specific to the Niagara Region. Here, you can find all the programs around the region that can provide the support you or your loved ones may need

Global Wellness Institute is a nonprofit organization
with a mission to empower wellness worldwide by educating public
and private sectors about preventative health and wellness

Alcoholics Anonymous free meetings (includes virtual) and support for people who come together to solve their drinking problem 905-682-2140

Narcotics Anonymous free meetings (includes virtual) and support for anyone who wants to stop using drugs. This is a program of complete abstinence from all drugs 1-888-311-3887

Men’s Addiction Service Hamilton (MASH) 24/7 crisis telephone support 905-527-9264, residential withdrawal management, psycho-educational relapse prevention and recovery programming and treatment/next steps /referral planning, a very effective day program for clients in transition, a community tobacco addiction program and access to psychiatric sessions and a primary care physician through a partnership with the Shelter Health Network.

SMART Recovery Free support meetings (in-person and virtual) open to anyone seeking science-based, self-empowered addiction recovery

Families for Addiction Recovery Free peer support services for families, parents, caregivers of children struggling with addiction (regardless of age)

National Overdose Response Service (NORS) 1-888-688-NORS (6677). Overdose prevention hotline for Canadians. Confidential, non-judgmental support for you, whenever and wherever you use drugs

Segue Clinics for opiate addiction, medication treatment with Methadone or Suboxone 905-688-1827. Locations in St. Catharines, Thorold, Niagara Falls and more

Quit Smoking Tobacco Hotline through Niagara Region 905-688-8248, confidential

Niagara North Smoking Cessation Program

Breaking Free by Life Works Confidential wellness and recovery support program for alcohol and drugs

Stillwater Treatment Centre provides treatment for alcohol and substance abuse by offering detox and an inpatient program, located in Welland 1-800-347-7244

Homewood Health is a private rehab located in St Catharines (and other cities). Homewood Health specializes in the treatment of mental health, substance, drug and alcohol abuse. 905-641-0757

Oak Centre Welland specializing in mental health. Outpatient programs are for those seeking mental rehab or drug rehab, but who also stay at home every night. Most of the time an outpatient program is designed for someone who has completed an inpatient stay and is looking to continue their growth in recovery. Outpatient is not meant to be the starting point, it is commonly referred to as aftercare 905-788-3010

StreetWorks Supervised Consumption Site (Positive Living Niagara) 105 Queenston St.

  • Safe, clean space for people to bring their own drugs to use, in the presence of trained staff to prevent accidental overdoses. Some offer a range of harm reduction services, such as drug checking. Provide access to important health and social services

Quest CHC Urgent Service Access Team (USAT)  is a regional resource that works with clients on a short term basis to connect clients to ongoing primary health care, mental health and addictions services, and other social services. USAT provides services to individuals who:

  • Frequent the emergency department for mental health or addictions
  • Experience opioid dependency issues
  • Would benefit from a Coordinated Care Plan using the Integrated Community Lead Model

Niagara Suicide Prevention Coalition (NSPC) Founded in response to the increase of deaths by suicide in the Niagara Region.

  • Be Safe by mindyourmind is a free mobile app designed to support young people in reaching out for mental health support

Distress Centre Niagara 905-688-3711 St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and surrounding area, available 24/7 if you are in distress, crisis or struggling with thoughts of suicide. Online Chat 2pm-2am or text “SUPPORT” to 258258

Mental Health Support Network of Niagara, Family Support Network (FSN) offers free workshops that focus on helping caregivers understand mental illness, treatments and what services are available in the Niagara Region.

SafeBeds Program through the CMHA, SafeBeds offers an alternative to hospitalization for individuals with a mental illness experiencing a crisis and unable to stay in their current living situation. SafeBeds is a voluntary, non-medical facility providing services 24/7. Individuals interested in a referral to the Safe Beds program can contact the Mental Health and Addictions Access Line at 1-866-550-5205, extension 2

Niagara Region Emergency shelter information

Family Counselling Centre Niagara (FCC) offering counselling services to individuals, couples and families in Niagara. In addition to counselling services, they offer a variety of special groups and programs designed to address specific issues and concerns.

Niagara Region Addiction and Withdrawal Mangement program

RecFit Offering groups and supports for mental health and developmentally delayed individuals, including passport programs

A Friendly Voice A Friendly Voice is a free, confidential “warm line” for older Ontarians, 55+ who just want to chat with a friendly person who cares, without expectations or judgment.

Sunnybrook youtube video on box breathing

Fee-for-service counselling

ATTCH Niagara (905-684-9333)

  • $120 for 50 minutes. Potential fee subsidy is available
  • 1:1, Group, Children/Youth or Family Therapy
  • EMDR, arts therapy, play therapy

Niagara Stress and Trauma Clinic (905-687-6866)

  • For fee service ($115-135). Limited sliding scale/pro-bono fee spots
  • EMDR, 1:1 therapy, children/youth.

CBT Niagara: 905-988-1797

  • Not publicly funded, minimal subsidies available
  • 1:1 counselling varies between $150-225 a session depending on the therapist matched with and EHB available to the client.
  • No group therapy available (unless you are a first-responder).
  • Waitlists vary depending on the therapist. Submit an intake form through their website and someone will follow up with you.

Anger Awareness Program (through John Howard Society)

  • 10-week Anger Awareness Program
  • Helps to manage anger and identify triggers
  • Pre-registration is required
  • $150 registration fee applies, payment plans available (minimum $75 due at time of registration).
  • Typically there is a 3 week turn-around time between registering and starting the group.

Ontario Structured Psychotherapy [West Region]– 905-387-8361

  • 18+ only
  • Self-referral or agency referral accepted
  • CBT only for: depression, anxiety (agoraphobia, social anxiety, OCD, PTSD, etc).
  • Mainly client driven through homework, though therapist led 1:1 or group CBT is available virtually or in person
  • NOT available for long term treatment or follow up.
  • See info sheet here. Intake process takes between 4-6 weeks.
  • Please note: exclusion criteria includes if someone is actively suicidal (or has attempted within 6 months), or if self-harm is the immediate and primary concern, or if they have substance use issues which will affect their ability to participate.

Wellness Together Canada (1-866-585-0445, open 24/7)

  • All services are free, but you must be over age of majority
  • Immediate counselling available (press 1 to speak with counsellor, 24/7)
  • During this immediate session the on-call counsellor can set up 3-4 weekly sessions for on-going support (you must ask)
  • Solution Focused Therapy lens only

Nomina Integrated Health (St. Catharines- 289-438-1006)

  • Single Session Counselling only (not walk-in)
  • Booking 1 time counselling appts
  • Can take up to 30 days to have an appt (not crisis)
  • Call between 10am-3pm on Tues+Thurs

Web based and Apps for Mental Health

211ontario.ca is a helpline that connects people with social services, programs and community supports, can call or text 211 for more info

Togetherall (formerly bigwhitewall) is a safe, anonymous, online community to improve mental health and wellbeing

Calm App offers support to improve sleep quality, reduce stress, improve focus and self-improvement

Headspace app, free for 14 days

Anxiety Canada is a registered charity and non-profit organization created to raise awareness about anxiety and support access to proven resources and treatment. They are a leader in developing free, online self-help, and evidence-based tools to help manage anxiety. They offer services such as:

Bounce Back age 18+, you can design your very own mood-lifting program, or work with a trained coach over the phone

Wellness Together offering support for topics such as managing low mood, managing substance use and strengthening relationships

Finch It’s a self-care app, you get a little bet and get points for doing self-care activities/ reaching your goals

Mindyourmind exists in the space where mental health, wellness, engagement and technology meet. We work with community partners and young people aged 14 to 29 to co-create interactive tools and innovative resources to build capacity and resilience

  • Mood by mindyourmind We wanted mood. to feel more customizable, while still free! With mood. you can take charge of your mental health and the app itself. As a user, you can:
  • Choose the colour of the faces to describe your mood
  • Enter unlimited entries each day, Make unlimited notes
  • Scroll through over 200 wellness tips
  • Track your sleep patterns

Bettersleep free app, with an optional paid membership, track your sleep and create effective bedtime routines that draw from their audio collection, guided stories, and relaxation practices. Make custom sound playlists (rain, waves, street sounds etc.)

MindBeacon Virtual Mental Health Therapy Clinic

  • Offering programs related to: Anxiety, Depression, Grief, OCD, Parenting, Phobias, Relationships, Sleep, Stress, Trauma and more
  • Receive affordable, high quality care, virtual or in-person
  • Access to 24/7 Crisis Text Line
  • Unlimited access to account history including therapist messages, content and more

AbilitiCBT  is an internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) program that you can access from any device, any time

Smiling Mind offers support for youth in Australia but also has online support and an app for daily mindfulness and meditation

Physical Health and other resources

Health Checkups When you need them and when you don’t

Choosing Wisely Canada
Choosing Wisely Canada (CWC) is a campaign to help physicians and patients engage in conversations about unnecessary tests, treatments and procedures, and to help physicians and patients make smart and effective choices to ensure high-quality care.

Hypertension

The Arthritis Society
The Arthritis Society has been setting lives in motion for over 65 years and is dedicated to a vision of living well while creating a future without arthritis.

Niagara Region Public Health
Provides information on vaccinations, infectious diseases, and dental information, as well as advice regarding pregnancy & children, sexual health, travel and healthy lifestyles.

Take Control, Take Charge – Living With Chronic Pain Online Self Management Program

Health Canada
The website for the federal department responsible for helping Canadians maintain and improve their health.

Osteoporosis Canada
Osteoporosis Canada is a national organization serving people who have or are at risk for, osteoporosis. The organization works to educate, empower and support individuals and communities in the risk-reduction and treatment of osteoporosis.

Sexandu.ca
SexandU.ca takes a real-life approach to the questions and issues around sex and sexuality that matter most to Canadians. From talking about sex to lifestyle choices to contraception awareness and sexually transmitted infections, SexandU.ca provides accurate, credible, and up-to-date information and education on topics related to sexual and reproductive health.

Trans Parent Canada Online network for parents and their trans-identified children

Stop Picking: reduce picking at your skin or biting your nails

Stop Pulling: Reduce hair pulling

Body Brave helps people recover from eating disorders through treatment, training and education. We welcome all bodies and are weight inclusive and proudly 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly. Our services are all virtual and available for people aged 17+, free of charge or covered by OHIP. 

Developmental Services Ontario Adult Developmental Services Resource Information 

Kiwanis Aquatics Centre offers many swimming options

Positive Living The support program offers individualized services to people living with or affected by HIV. Staff will help you to connect with medical, social and legal services as well as our own counseling and home support services. In addition, support groups, education sessions and social gatherings are held for people living with HIV.

Positive Living also offers temporary seasonal overnight shelter

Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre CARSA, Ages 16+ Available 24/7 at 905-682-4584 (crisis line)

Victim Services Niagara utilizes trained staff and volunteers to deliver crisis intervention, information and referral services to victims of crime and tragic circumstances 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

Outreach Nursing with Health Bus: for vulnerable populations in Niagara who can’t access traditional health care, outreach nurses provide a suitable, free alternative. Outreach nurses offer the following services:

  • Rapid HIV testing, other STI testing, education and treatment
  • Pregnancy testing, free condoms, morning after pills
  • Vaccinations
  • Basic wound care
  • Health education and counseling, referral to health services
  • Nicotine patches and gum
  • Naloxone kits

Local Dental Clinics (that have confirmed they serve OW/ODSP patients)

  • The Tooth Corner
    905-984-5555
  • Monarch Dentistry
    (905) 367-7451
  • Fourth Avenue Dental
    (905) 688-1661
  • Catharines Family Dental
    (905) 688-4644

Ontario Drug Benefit Program (ODB) covers most of the cost of approximately 5,000 medications you can search for on this page. You may be covered by Ontario Drug Benefit if you have OHIP coverage and are:

  • eligible for OHIP+
  • age 65 or older
  • living in a long-term care home or a home for special care
  • receiving professional home and community care services
  • enrolled in the Trillium Drug Program

Gillians Place one of Ontario’s first shelters for those experiencing abuse. Their team provides confidential, over-the-phone and in-person support services such as outreach counseling, legal advice and transitional housing for women, children and LGBTQQIA2S+ individuals

Women’s Place of South Niagara Offering shelter and assistance for women, youth and LGBTQ+ Can call or text 24/7 905-356-5800

Design for a New Tomorrow 905-684-1223 ext. 1 Our purpose is to empower women to lead a life free from violence through healing, sharing, learning and growing

Happy in my Home Community Support Services of Niagara is a volunteer based, client-driven community support service to help seniors and adults with disabilities live independently in their own homes. Some of their programs:

  • Wellness Support
  • Housekeeping, laundry, meal prep
  • Meals on Wheels, grocery delivery

Home and Community Care support (CCAC/LHIN)

Parent Direct Niagara: is an online directory to help you find information and links to programs, services, and resources for children and families in Niagara. Children’s programs and clubs

Newcomers club for women new to the city

YMCA Newcomer Information Centre

  • St. Catharines: 905-684-3500
  • Niagara Falls: 289-296-8400
  • Both locations can help with:
    • Housing/shelters
    • Education/credentials assessments
    • Language assessments/classes
    • Legal/social services
    • Child/family/youth resources

Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre (905-685-6589)

  • Newcomer 50+ programming, Social groups, fitness, arts clubs
  • Newcomer Youth programming (13-24 years) Tutoring, cooking, professional development, workshops, mental health
  • immigration workers
  • Newcomer skills training programs
  • Settlement Services
  • ESL training
  • Educational, Life skill, and Mental Health Workshops
  • Chat line through their website
  • Mental health services during weekdays
  • Niagara Falls, Welland and Fort Erie are by appointment only.

Native Land Digital is a Canadian not-for-profit organization creating a global map of Indigenous Territories

FACET
FACET is a program of research-based out of UBC that is committed to finding original ways to support young families in their efforts to become smoke-free.

Smoker’s Help Line
Smokers’ Helpline is a free, confidential service operated by the Canadian Cancer Society offering support and information about quitting smoking and tobacco use.

Leave The Pack Behind
Leave The Pack Behind (LTPB) is a tobacco control program that offers young adults smoking and quitting information, personalized support, and quitting resources – all for free! It is funded by the government of Ontario.

Parachute Canada
A helpful resource to find out more information on preventable and predictable injuries.

Lung Health
Use this resource to find out more information on lung health, breathing and lung research.

Menopauseandu.ca
menopauseandu.ca brings trustworthy information about menopause and osteoporosis to the general public and health professionals. Use this website to find out more about menopause.

Adult Federal Diversion Program (John Howard Society- 905-682-2657)

  • Fee-for-service program
  • Divert offenders from normal court process
  • Upon completion of the program criminal proceedings are halted and charges withdrawn
  • Must accept responsibility and explore impacts of their actions

Dual Diagnosis Justice Case Management (Bethesda- 1.800.789.1773)

  • Support to divert people with a developmental disability or dual diagnosis from mainstream justice services
  • Attempts to secure services/treatment in place of criminal justice proceedings
  • Goal is to avoid trial/incarceration.
  • Call the number above, or the DSO at 1.877.376.4674.
  • Niagara Community Legal Clinic (Legal Aid) (intake line: 905-682-6635)
  • If they qualify as a low-income resident of Niagara they can be eligible for
  • Representation
  • Summary Legal Advice (telephone, by appointment, or walk-in)
  • Referrals (to more specific law practices)

Gillian’s Place (main line: 905-684-4000)

  • Call the main line and ask for any of the services in the link above
  • Legal support/advocacy  to help navigate family/criminal court systems

Victims Witness Assistance Program (416-314-2447)

  • Court-based program provides info and support to victims/witnesses of crime
  • Assists with preparing for and understanding court
  • Offers emotional support and court navigation services
  • Refers to community agencies

Mental Health Videos

5 Minute Mindfulness Guided Meditation

Kristin Neff: The Three Components of Self-Compassion

Guided Meditation For Calming The Mind (5 Minutes)

Pregnancy and Childcare

Infant Feeding
This online resource is provided by Health Canada and gives helpful information on recommendations surrounding infant feeding.

About Kids Health
A comprehensive resource provided by Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids) that covers a variety of child health related issues.

Breast Feeding
Use this website for helpful information on breastfeeding.

Caring for Kids
Caring for Kids provides parents with information about their child’s and teen’s health and well-being.

Play&Learn
An expert-reviewed learning resource for parents looking to support their child’s development that helps support growth in kids from 1.5 – 6 years old. Discover activities that focus on improving skills in one of four developmental domains: Thinking & Learning, Social & Emotional, Movement, and Language.

The 18-Month Well-Baby Visit Planner
Parents explore 5, expert-identified, areas of healthy child development: Physical Health, Safety, Parenting & Healthy Habits, Motor & Language Skills, and Social & Emotional Development. This easy 5-10 minute guide helps caregivers prioritize items of concern, ensuring a productive visit for you both.

Food and Nutrition

Dietitians of Canada
Dietitians of Canada is a useful resource for finding out credible, evidence based information about food and nutrition.

Diabetes Canada
Diabetes Canada is a useful tool for finding out more information on Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, and provides useful resources for individuals caring for or living with diabetes.

Canada Food Guide – My Guide
Canada’s Food Guide provides information on healthy food choices, eating habits, recipes, tips and more.

Long Term/End of Life Care

Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Palliative Care
A resource for patients and families who are considering palliative care.

Advance Care Planning
Advance Care Planning is a process of thinking about and sharing your wishes for future health and personal care. It can help you tell others what would be important if you were ill and unable to communicate.

Canadian Virtual Hospice
The Canadian Virtual Hospice provides support and personalized information about palliative and end-of-life care to patients, family members, healthcare providers, researchers and educators.

MAiD Medical Assistance in Dying