You don't have to be sure it's 'bad enough'
Crisis lines exist for exactly the moments when things feel unclear, heavy, or unsafe. You do not need a diagnosis, a plan, or the right words. If you reach a line that isn’t the best fit, they will help you get to one that is.
Do this first
Call or text 988
Canada's suicide crisis helpline — trained responders by phone or text, 24/7/365, English and French.
Call or text 988Or call Gerstein Crisis Centre
24/7 telephone crisis support for adults in Toronto dealing with mental health and/or substance-use crisis. Interpretation in 180+ languages.
Call 416-929-5200For an in-person, non-police response
Call 211 and ask for the Toronto Community Crisis Service — free, confidential, city-wide for Toronto residents 16+.
Call 211
Which line fits the situation
- Immediate danger or urgent medical emergency → 911.
- You need to talk to someone, by phone or text → 988.
- Adult in Toronto, mental health and/or substance-use crisis → Gerstein Crisis Centre, 416-929-5200.
- A mobile, in-person crisis team may help (Toronto, 16+) → 211, ask for the Toronto Community Crisis Service.
- Abuse or violence at home → Assaulted Women's Helpline, 416-863-0511 — see the women's safety guide.
CAMH’s crisis resources page also lists Distress Centres, Spectra, Kids Help Phone, and Access CAMH for mental health and substance-use navigation.
What to say
“I’m in crisis and need support. I’m in Toronto at [location]. I am [alone / with someone]. I need [someone to talk to / mobile crisis support / help staying safe tonight].”
If talking isn't safe or possible
988 works by text too. Short messages are fine — the responder will carry the conversation.Supporting someone in crisis
- Ask consent before calling with or for them, unless there is immediate danger.
- Stay beside them if they want support — being present matters more than saying the right thing.
- Don't force disclosure. They can share as little as they want.
- Use the least escalatory pathway that fits: talking line first, mobile team if needed, 911 only for immediate danger.
- Afterwards, help them plan one concrete next step — and look after yourself too.
Key contacts
988 — Suicide Crisis Helpline
Trained crisis responders by call or text, anywhere in Canada.
Text 988 also works.
Gerstein Crisis Centre
24/7 telephone crisis support for adults 16+ in Toronto — mental health and/or substance-use crisis. Interpretation in 180+ languages.
- Address
- 100 Charles St E, Toronto
Toronto Community Crisis Service
Free, confidential, in-person mental health crisis support city-wide for Toronto residents 16+. Mobile crisis worker teams, accessed through 211.
For immediate danger, call 911. Mobile response depends on triage.
CAMH Crisis Resources
Reference list of crisis supports: 988, Distress Centres, Gerstein, Spectra, Assaulted Women's Helpline, Kids Help Phone, and Access CAMH.
camh.ca/en/health-info/crisis-resources — a directory, not an emergency line.
For every urgent number in one place, see the urgent help guide.
Sources
All sources accessed July 2, 2026. Service details change often — call first to confirm hours, intake, and availability before travelling.
- 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline — 988 Canada
- Telephone Crisis Support — Gerstein Crisis Centre
- Toronto Community Crisis Service — City of Toronto
- Crisis Resources — CAMH