Last Updated: January 5, 2026
When a mental health crisis strikes, knowing where to turn can save a life. Ottawa offers a comprehensive network of crisis lines, walk-in services, and support programs—many operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you’re struggling yourself or helping someone in distress, this guide provides every resource you need to get immediate help.
Mental health emergencies don’t follow a schedule. Ottawa Public Health and partner organizations have built a safety net of services designed to catch people at their most vulnerable moments. From the national 988 crisis line to local walk-in counselling at The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, help is always available. Understanding what resources exist and how to access them quickly can make the difference between tragedy and recovery.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Call 988 for the national suicide crisis line (24/7). Ottawa’s local crisis line is 613-722-6914. Walk-in crisis services are available at The Royal Ottawa. For immediate danger, call 911. Many services are free and available in multiple languages.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Availability | 24/7/365 |
| 📍 Main Location | The Royal Ottawa, 1145 Carling Ave |
| 💰 Cost | Most services FREE |
| ⏰ Response Time | Immediate for crisis lines |
24/7 Crisis Lines
Crisis lines operate around the clock to provide immediate support when you need it most.
When you or someone you know is in crisis, these phone lines are staffed by trained counsellors ready to help immediately. You don’t need an appointment, referral, or health card.
National Crisis Lines
| Service | Phone | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline | 988 | Canada-wide, 24/7, text or call |
| Canada Suicide Prevention Service | 1-833-456-4566 | 24/7, French available |
| Kids Help Phone | 1-800-668-6868 | Ages 5-29, text CONNECT to 686868 |
| Hope for Wellness | 1-855-242-3310 | Indigenous peoples, 24/7 |
Ottawa Region Crisis Lines
| Service | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Ottawa Region Crisis Line | 613-722-6914 | 24/7, ages 16+ |
| Distress Centre Ottawa | 613-238-3311 | 24/7 |
| Youth Services Bureau Crisis | 613-260-2360 | 24/7, ages 12-20 |
| Tel-Aide Outaouais (French) | 613-741-6433 | 24/7, French |
| Gee-Gees Student Crisis Line | 613-562-5200 | 24/7, uOttawa students |
Text and Chat Options
If calling feels overwhelming, text-based support is available:
- 988: Text for crisis support (same as calling)
- Kids Help Phone: Text CONNECT to 686868
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Distress Centre Ottawa Text: 343-306-5550 (10 AM - 11 PM)
Walk-In Crisis Services
The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre provides walk-in crisis services without an appointment.
Sometimes you need face-to-face support. Ottawa has several locations offering walk-in crisis assessment and stabilization without requiring an appointment or referral.
The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre
Address: 1145 Carling Avenue, Ottawa Phone: 613-722-6521 Hours: 24/7 for crisis services
As of January 2026, The Royal offers:
- Psychiatric emergency services
- Crisis stabilization units
- Walk-in crisis assessment
- Mobile crisis intervention team (call ahead)
How to access: Walk into the main entrance and go to the Crisis Unit. Staff will assess your situation and connect you with appropriate care. Bring your health card if possible, but it’s not required for crisis services.
Ottawa Hospital Emergency Departments
For severe mental health emergencies requiring medical attention:
| Campus | Address | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Civic Campus | 1053 Carling Ave | Adult psychiatry |
| General Campus | 501 Smyth Rd | Adult psychiatry |
| CHEO | 401 Smyth Rd | Ages 0-18 |
Wait times: Emergency departments often have long wait times—typically 2.6 to 3.5+ hours for first assessment. For non-emergency mental health needs, consider walk-in counselling options first.
Free Counselling Services
Free counselling is available across Ottawa for individuals facing mental health challenges.
Ottawa offers several free counselling options for those who cannot afford private therapy or are waiting for other services.
Walk-In Counselling
| Organization | Address | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMHA Ottawa | 311 McArthur Ave | Weekdays, call ahead | Single-session counselling |
| Family Services Ottawa | Multiple locations | By appointment | Sliding scale fees |
| Carlington CHC | 900 Merivale Rd | Walk-in hours vary | No health card needed |
CMHA Ottawa (Canadian Mental Health Association)
Phone: 613-737-7791 Website: cmhaottawa.ca
CMHA Ottawa provides:
- Case management
- Peer support programs
- Recovery-oriented services
- Housing stability support
- Employment programs
Ottawa Community Health Centres
Community Health Centres offer free mental health services regardless of immigration status or health coverage:
- Carlington CHC: 613-722-4000
- Centretown CHC: 613-233-4443
- Sandy Hill CHC: 613-789-1500
- Somerset West CHC: 613-238-8210
Youth Mental Health Services
Specialized services support Ottawa’s young people through mental health challenges.
Young people in Ottawa have access to age-specific mental health resources designed to meet their unique needs.
Youth Services Bureau (YSB)
Crisis Line: 613-260-2360 (24/7, ages 12-20) Walk-In: 2675 Queensview Dr
YSB offers:
- Crisis intervention
- Counselling and therapy
- Substance use support
- Housing for at-risk youth
- LGBTQ2S+ specific programming
School-Based Mental Health
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and Ottawa Catholic School Board both have:
- School social workers
- Mental health nurses
- Crisis response teams
- Referral pathways to community services
Contact your child’s school office to access these services.
Post-Secondary Students
| Institution | Service | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| University of Ottawa | SASS Counselling | 613-562-5200 |
| Carleton University | Health and Counselling | 613-520-6674 |
| Algonquin College | Counselling Services | 613-727-4723 ext. 7200 |
Specialized Support Services
Indigenous Mental Health
Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health Phone: 613-748-5999 Address: 299 Montreal Rd
Wabano provides culturally safe mental health services including traditional healing, counselling, and crisis support.
Francophone Services
- Tel-Aide Outaouais: 613-741-6433 (24/7 French crisis line)
- Centre de santé communautaire de l’Estrie: 613-443-3888
- Valoris: 613-673-5148 (Prescott-Russell)
Seniors Mental Health
- Connect Hearing Ottawa: 613-789-0123 (seniors counselling)
- Good Companions: 613-236-0428 (social support)
- Council on Aging: 613-789-3577 (resources and referrals)
LGBTQ2S+ Support
- Kind Space: 613-563-4818
- Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366
- LGBT Youthline: 1-800-268-9688
When to Call 911
Mental health emergencies sometimes require emergency medical services. Call 911 if someone:
- Has made a suicide attempt
- Has seriously injured themselves
- Is unconscious or unresponsive
- Is actively violent or threatening harm to others
- Is experiencing a medical emergency alongside mental health symptoms
Police Mental Health Response: Ottawa Police have Crisis Intervention Team officers trained in mental health response. When calling 911, mention that the situation involves mental health to request appropriate support.
Ongoing Support Programs
Support groups and ongoing programs help maintain mental wellness long-term.
After a crisis stabilizes, ongoing support is essential for recovery. Ottawa offers many free and low-cost programs.
Support Groups
| Group | Focus | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Mood Disorders Ottawa | Depression, bipolar | mooddisordersottawa.ca |
| Schizophrenia Society | Psychosis, family support | 613-737-7774 |
| CMHA Family Program | Family members | 613-737-7791 |
| Bereaved Families Ottawa | Grief support | 613-567-4278 |
Peer Support
CMHA Ottawa and The Royal offer peer support programs where individuals with lived experience help others navigate recovery.
Ottawa Public Library Programs
Ottawa Public Library hosts free mental health programs including:
- Mindfulness sessions
- Support group meetings
- Wellness workshops
- Digital mental health resources (free apps and e-books with library card)
FAQ
Q: What number do I call for a mental health crisis in Ottawa?
For immediate crisis support in Ottawa, call 613-722-6914, the 24/7 Ottawa Region Crisis Line for adults 16 and older. For national support, call or text 988, Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline. Both services are free, confidential, and available around the clock with trained counsellors.
Q: Is the 988 crisis line available in Ottawa?
Yes, 988 works across Canada including Ottawa. You can call or text 988 for suicide crisis support 24 hours a day. The service connects you with trained responders who can provide immediate support and referrals to local resources.
Q: Where can I get free mental health help in Ottawa?
Ottawa offers many free mental health options including CMHA Ottawa (613-737-7791), Community Health Centres (no health card required), walk-in counselling at Family Services Ottawa, and crisis services at The Royal Ottawa. University and college students can access free counselling through their institutions.
Q: What should I do if someone is threatening suicide?
Stay with the person and listen without judgment. Remove access to any means of harm if safely possible. Call 988 together or the Ottawa Crisis Line at 613-722-6914. If there’s immediate danger, call 911. Your calm presence and willingness to get help can save a life.
Q: Are Ottawa mental health crisis lines confidential?
Yes, crisis lines in Ottawa are confidential. Counsellors will not share your information without permission except in situations involving immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, suspected child abuse, or court orders. You can remain anonymous if preferred.
Q: Does The Royal Ottawa have walk-in crisis services?
Yes, The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre at 1145 Carling Avenue offers 24/7 walk-in crisis services. No appointment or referral is needed. Staff will assess your situation and provide immediate support, stabilization, or admission if required.
Q: What mental health services are available for youth in Ottawa?
Youth in Ottawa can access Youth Services Bureau (613-260-2360, 24/7 for ages 12-20), Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868), CHEO Mental Health services, and school-based social workers. Many services are free and confidential.
Q: Can I get mental health help without a health card?
Yes, Community Health Centres across Ottawa provide mental health services regardless of health card status. Crisis lines like 988 and 613-722-6914 require no identification. The Royal’s crisis services will not turn you away for lack of documentation in emergencies.
Q: What mental health apps are available free through Ottawa?
Ottawa residents can access free mental health apps through their Ottawa Public Library card including Headspace, Calm, and cognitive behavioral therapy apps. Some workplaces also provide Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) with free counselling sessions.
Q: How long are mental health wait times in Ottawa?
Emergency department waits range from 2-4+ hours for assessment. Outpatient psychiatry can have months-long waitlists. Crisis lines answer immediately. Walk-in counselling typically has same-day access during operating hours. CMHA intake varies by program.
Q: Is there French-language mental health support in Ottawa?
Oui! Tel-Aide Outaouais (613-741-6433) provides 24/7 French crisis support. Many Ottawa services offer bilingual counsellors. Community Health Centres in designated areas provide French-language services, and 988 can connect you with French-speaking responders.
Q: What should I bring to a mental health crisis appointment?
Bring your health card if available (not required for crisis services), list of current medications, emergency contact information, and any relevant medical history. If possible, bring a support person. The most important thing is getting there—staff will help with the rest.
Final Thoughts
Mental health crises can feel isolating, but Ottawa has built a comprehensive support network ready to help at any hour. Whether you need someone to talk to at 3 AM via the 988 crisis line, walk-in counselling during the day, or emergency psychiatric care at The Royal, resources exist for every situation.
The hardest part is often reaching out. If you’re struggling, please use these resources. If someone you know is in crisis, share this guide with them. Recovery is possible, and Ottawa’s mental health community is here to help every step of the way.
Sources: The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, CMHA Ottawa, Ottawa Public Health, Kids Help Phone, Canada.ca
For more Ottawa safety and wellness resources, visit Ottawa Beware for scam alerts and community warnings, or check our Ottawa local news for the latest city updates.
