You’re not alone.
Support for mental health, addictions and wellbeing is available for children, youth and adults.
If this is an emergency, or if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call the Provincial Mental Health Crisis Line toll-free at 1-888-429-8167 or call 911. You can also go to your nearest hospital or emergency department.
It’s important to get help if you or someone you know needs support for mental health, addiction or wellbeing. You don’t need to deal with a mental illness or addiction on your own. Resources, helplines, support groups, websites and counsellors are available to help you.
If you have a preexisting mental health condition or addiction, it’s important to continue with your treatment. Be aware of new or worsening symptoms and reach out for help and support.
Services and Community Resources
Mental Health and Addictions Services
If you or a family member needs help, you can self-refer to a mental health or addictions clinic, service or program through the Nova Scotia Health Authority or IWK Health Centre.
Call toll-free: 1-855-922-1122 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm)
Youth Outreach Programs
Youth outreach programs provide support like mentoring, referrals, food delivery and counselling.
Grief and Bereavement Services
Grief and bereavement services are available to the families and friends of patients referred to palliative care.
Helplines
811
For non-emergency advice and information about mental health and addictions, call 811.
Crisis Text Line
Crisis Text Line is available for adults who are going through a difficult time and need someone to text with. This service is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Special support is available for frontline workers
Text NSSTRONG to 741741
Frontline workers: Text FRONTLINE to 741741
Good2Talk Nova Scotia
Good2Talk Nova Scotia provides support for university and college students.
Call toll-free: 1-833-292-3698
Text GOOD2TALKNS to 686868
Kids Help Phone
Kids Help Phone is a national helpline for young people between the ages of 5 and 20. Confidential and anonymous support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can phone to speak with a trained counsellor. You can also text to reach a trained volunteer crisis responder.
Call toll-free: 1-800-668-6868
Text NSSTRONG to 686868
Provincial Mental Health Crisis Line
If you’re experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, or are concerned about someone who is, the Provincial Mental Health Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call toll-free: 1-888-429-8167
Online Support
First Responders’ Mental Health
Mental health resources for first responders and their families, employers and colleagues.
HealthyMindsNS
HealthyMindsNS provides online mental health support for university and college students.
MindWell-U
MindWell-U is a free 30-day mindfulness challenge that helps lower stress and improve wellbeing. It takes 5 minutes a day.
Self-Care During Grief
Advice for how to take care of yourself while you’re grieving.
Therapy Assistance Online
Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) is a free and confidential online resource with interactive activities and videos for people facing mental health challenges. It includes activities on a variety of topics, and you can choose which ones you want to explore.
Wellness Together Canada
Wellness Together Canada can connect you with support, resources and counselling for mental health and substance use.