NOTE: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the resources listed below may not be accessible as noted here. To view our listing of resources that are available during COVID-19 and how they can be accessed, please go here.
If you are feeling suicidal… tell someone.
You are not alone. Talk to a trusted friend, a parent, a coach, a counselor.
I Need to Talk to Someone
That’s great that you have taken this first step and want to talk to someone. There are many different types of services and resources available to you. These include community resources, helplines and virtual services, as well as apps and websites. Some of the services are available in-person, by phone, by text, or online. You can use as many of these services as you want.
Community Resources for Youth in Waterloo Region
Front Door Access to Child and Youth Mental Health Services
Serving the community for more than 20 years, Front Door is a great first step for families and young people who have concerns that relate to behavioural or emotional mental health. Front Door supports youth and parents of children and youth (up to their 18th birthday) who are struggling with life’s challenges such as emotions, behaviours, relationships and mental health.
Call 519-749-2932 or visit online for more information. You can also visit their Facebook page.
Ok2BMe
OK2BME is a set of supportive services for 2SLGBTQIA+ identified children, teens, adults and their families in Waterloo Region. The OK2BME program consists of three unique areas including confidential counselling services (in person or online), OK2BME Youth Groups for individuals 12-18, as well as public education, consulting and training around 2SLGBTQIA+ issues.
Call 519-884-0000 or visit online for more information. You can also check out their Facebook and Twitter pages.
Helplines and Virtual Services for Youth
Kids Help Phone
- Phone (24/7)- 1-800-668-6868
- Text (24/7)- Text CONNECT (English) or PARLER (French) to 686868
- Online (24/7)- https://kidshelpphone.ca/live-chat/
LGBT Youthline
- Phone (Monday and Tuesday, 4pm to 9:30pm)- 1-800-268-9688
- Text (Sunday to Friday, 4pm to 9:30 pm)- 647-694-4275
- Online (Sunday to Friday, 4pm to 9:30pm)- Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youth Line
WES for Youth
- Virtual Counselling (sign-up is required): Virtual Counselling – WES For Youth Online
Apps & Websites
Mind Your Mind – https://mindyourmind.ca/
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.
We Matter- wemattercampaign.org
We Matter is an Indigenous youth-led and nationally registered organization dedicated to Indigenous youth support, hope and life promotion. Our work started with the We Matter Campaign – a national multi-media campaign in which Indigenous role models, youth, and community members from across Canada submit short videos, written and artistic messages sharing their own experiences of overcoming hardships, and communicating with Indigenous youth that no matter how hopeless life can feel, there is always a way forward.
Is anxiety getting in the way of your life? MindShift CBT uses scientifically proven strategies based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help you learn to relax and be mindful, develop more effective ways of thinking, and use active steps to take charge of your anxiety.
Catch It is an app to help users better understand their moods through the use of an ongoing diary. The app was designed to illustrate some of the key principles of psychological approaches to mental health and well-being, and specifically Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
