Mental Health: What Resources Are Available to Support You?

Crisis Centres and Suicide Prevention

Crisis centres provide immediate help to people in psychological distress. Support is available by phone, in person, and sometimes includes short-term accommodation. These services are open 24/7 and don’t require a referral.

They also offer support to loved ones and frontline workers. For example, the Association IRIS in Montréal emphasizes “the power of being heard” and offers a wide range of services including assessment, treatment (with or without accommodation), phone support, referrals, and training.

Mental Health Peer Support Groups

Peer support groups offer a safe space for people going through similar experiences to share and support each other. They foster mutual understanding, empowerment, and the feeling of not being alone.

Often led by trained peers or professionals, these groups are welcoming and confidential. For instance, Groupe d’Entraide pour un Mieux-Être (G.E.M.E) in Laval offers peer support and many personalized services.

Community-Based Mental Health Support

Many local organizations offer psychosocial support, including one-on-one meetings, workshops, social activities, confidence-building programs, and housing assistance.

These services are usually low-cost or free and do not require a medical referral. They play a key role in prevention and day-to-day support.

In Montréal, L’Impact serves the Saint-Henri and Little Burgundy neighbourhoods, offering low-cost or free activities like cooking classes, yoga, apple picking, massage therapy, and even bingo nights.

Helplines

Need to talk, vent, or feel heard without being judged? Listening lines are here for you. They’re confidential, anonymous, and help break isolation — even from a distance.

Some are general; others are tailored to youth, caregivers, seniors, LGBTQ+ people, and more. Many operate 24/7.

Many Specialized Services

While some organizations support anyone dealing with mental health issues, many specialize in serving specific populations.

For example:

• L’Apogée in Gatineau focuses exclusively on families of people with mental health issues.
• Aire ouverte centres across Québec serve youth aged 15–25.
• Other services are tailored for men, people grieving, or LGBTQ+ communities.

Some groups focus on specific conditions like:

• anxiety (e.g., Phobies-Zéro),
• borderline personality disorder (Maison 100 limites in Laval),
• autism spectrum disorder,
• bipolar disorder,
• schizophrenia, and more.

For individuals struggling with addiction or gambling, Drugs: Help and Referral and Gambling: Help and Referral offer specialized support — including for loved ones.