Researching for LGBTQ Health

General Mental Health Resources and Information

Who are service providers who provide mental health support?

Knowing Your Rights

For Crisis Support

Thoughts of death and suicide are common for people who are experiencing depression. It is important to take these thoughts seriously and to not be ashamed of them. If you feel that you might hurt yourself you can access help.

  • You can call some of the numbers above (e.g., Distress Centre, Gerstein Centre). Both of these numbers are skilled in suicide assessment and intervention. Gerstein Centre operates a non-medical crisis facility.
  • You can call your doctor
  • You can visit the emergency department of your nearest hospital
  • You can call 911
  • You can call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK

For Referrals and Support

  • Connex Ontario provides free and confidential health services information for people experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs, mental illness or gambling. They operate several free hotlines:
    • Mental Health Helpline - 1-866-531-2600
    • Drug and Alcohol Helpline - 1-800-565-8603
    • Ontario Problem Gambling Hotline - 1-888-230-3505
  • 211 Ontario is a three digit phone number and a website that provides referral and information to community and social services in Ontario. They can connect you with anything you need.
  • E-Mental Health provides anonymous, confidential and trustworthy information on mental health, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
  • Distress Centres of Toronto (416-408-HELP) offers round the clock response to those experiencing emotional distress or in need of crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
  • Gerstein Centre has three aspects of its non-medical service: telephone support, community visits and a ten-bed, short-stay residence. All three aspects of the service are accessed through the crisis line, (416) 929-5200.
  • RHO Provider Directory. This directory features listings of programs and services as well as individual service providers that have expressed a commitment to providing competent and welcoming care to LGBT people in Ontario. It is designed to facilitate and improve access to LGBT health and social services in Ontario by providing a central source of information. Please note that providers in our directory are not necessarily members of our communities.

Violence Against Women Resources

  • Toronto Rape Crisis Centre/Multicultural Women Against Rape is a grassroots, women-run collective working towards a violence-free world by providing anti-oppressive, feminist peer support to survivors of sexual violence. Their 24 hour hotline is 416-597-8808 or you can email a counselor at crisis@trccmwar.ca.
  • Assaulted Women’s Helpline is a 24 hour telephone (416-863-0511) and TTY crisis line for all women in Ontario who are experiencing abuse. Anonymous and confidential, it offers crisis counselling, emotional support, information and referrals in up to 154 languages.

Other Resources