August; the last month of summer before school statrts, and also the month that hosts International Youth Day! For this Resource Round Up, we’ve compiled some of our most used resources pertaining to all things youth mental health.
The resources included below have been organized based on their intended purpose, from general information, to helplines, to local mental health organizations.
General Information About Youth Mental Health
Mental Health Commission of Canada
https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/what-we-do/children-and-youth/
The Mental Health Commission of Canada leads the development and dissemination of innovative programs and tools to support the mental health and wellness of Canadians. As such, the MHCC provides resources for the public and professionals, and support research as well as training opportunities.
SickKids About Kids Health Learning Hubs
https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/learninghub/
https://teens.aboutkidshealth.ca/
SickKids, with support from partners, hosts both the About Kids Health and About Kids Health- TEENS resource hubs. Using the links above, youth, parents and caregivers can explore a range of health topics including attention deficit hyperactive disorder, mental health, nutrition, and more.
Knowledge Institute on Child and Youth Mental Health and Addictions
https://www.cymha.ca/en/index.aspx
Working alongside mental health and addiction agencies across the province, the Knowledge Institute on Child and Youth Mental Health and Addictions accelerates system change, mobilizes evidence, and strengthens knowledge and skills. The eight areas of their work are: integrated care pathways; meaningful engagement; substance use health and addictions care; equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism (EDIA-R); innovation and grants; quality improvement; quality standards; complex needs and intensive services.
As well, their website hosts a Resource Hub, with information and toolkits on a wide range of topics available.
Youth Mental Health in Ontario
Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario
Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario is an Integrated Youth Services initiative designed to address the service gaps in the youth mental health and substance use sectors in Ontario.
Across Ontario, there are 32 YWHO Hub Networks that provide a range of integrated health services for youth and their families, including mental health and substance use supports, primary care, education, employment, housing and other social services.
School Mental Health Ontario
School Mental Health Ontario is a provincial implementation support team, which helps school districts to enhance student mental health through the use of evidence-informed strategies and services.
Their website provides extensive resources for school administrators, educators, parents and caregivers. Resources provide information on a range of topics, including mental health promotion, help seeking, social-emotional learning, and suicide prevention.
Children’s Mental Health Ontario
Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO) represents Ontario’s publicly-funded Child and Youth Mental Health Centres. They advocate for investments, policies, and programs for children, youth, and families seeking mental health services in Ontario.
Helplines
Kids Help Phone – Canada-wide, 24/7 support.
Kids Help Phone is Canada’s 24/7 e-mental health service, which offers free, multilingual and confidential to help all young people. In addition to providing crisis support and professional counselling via text, phone call, or online chat, Kids Help Phone also provides mental health tips and info; quizzes, games, and activities to practice skills; and the opportunity to connect with other youth.
One Stop Talk – Ontario only.
One Stop Talk is a free, confidential service that lets kids and youth get immediate mental health support with a registered therapist. In addition to these services, the One Stop Talk website has information and resources for parents, caregivers, and professionals.
Call 1 855 416 TALK (8255) or connect online from anywhere in Ontario!
Youthline LGBTQ Peer Support- Ontario only
Youthline offers free support through their Ontario-wide 2SLGBTQ+ peer support HelpLine. The HelpLine is available Sunday to Friday 4:00pm to 9:30pm EST. Youth can use the live chat on the Youthline website, or text 647-694-4275.
Region of Waterloo Organizations & Services
Starling Community Services- Front Door Mental Health
Front Door is your starting point for accessing child and youth mental health services and supports in Waterloo Region. Front Foor Mental Health works with parents/caregivers, children and youth (up to their 18th birthday) who are struggling with life’s challenges such as emotions, behaviours, relationships and mental health. They listen, offer support, and can help identify next steps, including access to other services.
To learn more or access services, visit the website above or call 519-742-2932.
Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health
https://www.caminowellbeing.ca/#services
Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health provides compassionate support for people of all ages, including individuals and families. Their services include individual counselling, quick response drop-in counselling, family counselling, and groups and workshops.
Langs
https://www.langs.org/children-youth
Langs offers a variety of welcoming and engaging activities and programs for children, youth, and young adults ages 6 to 24 at their main site, Grow Community Centre, and North Dumfries Community Health Centre. In addition to these programs, Langs is the Youth Wellness Hub Ontario partner and site host for Cambridge and North Dumfries.
For more youth resources in Waterloo Region, visit: Youth Resources.