Mental health crisis: who to call in Canada (9-8-8 and other help)

The 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline, when to call 9-1-1 instead, and where to find local mental health help.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger

Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. If you have seriously hurt yourself or tried to end your life in the last few hours, the official guidance is to call 9-1-1 right away or go to emergency.

9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline

Call or text 9-8-8, any day, at any hour, in English or French. It is free and open to anyone in a suicide crisis or worried about someone close to them. Calls are toll-free from any phone; texting is free only if your plan includes unlimited texts, and texting needs a cell phone. The helpline launched on November 30, 2023.

You reach someone trained in suicide prevention; other languages are available on request.
If responders are busy, you wait in a queue.
Emergency services are involved only in serious cases; responders call you back only if they are concerned about your safety.
Deaf and hard-of-hearing people can use Canada Video Relay Service, or dial 7-1-1 first for TTY/IP relay.

What to expect when you call or text 9-8-8 ↗ · I need help right now ↗

Other help

For local services (counselling, food, housing), dial 211 or use 211.ca ↗.
The federal page Mental health support: get help ↗ lists national and provincial resources.
Your family doctor or walk-in clinic can refer you; some provinces fund counselling through the health plan (see our health pages by province).

Sources and limits

Read on November 14, 2026. If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

General information based on federal and national rules; provincial rules may differ. Confirm with the official body before acting. Last reviewed : 2026-11-14.