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CMHA Nova Scotia Division

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You are not alone

Each year, 1 in 5 people in Canada experiences a mental illness or mental health issue, but 5 in 5 of us — that’s all people — have mental health. And we all need to take care of it.

It is possible to enjoy positive mental health and live the life you want while dealing with mental illness and addictions. In fact, you can take steps toward a life of meaning and purpose today. The experience of recovery is rarely an event that happens in a single moment.

Most often, it is a journey that takes place over a period of time. Sometimes this journey is brief, other times it may be lifelong; however, it all starts with a single, hopeful step towards better health, managing change, reaching goals, and maintaining hope requires personal effort as well as support from knowledgeable and trustworthy connections.

As you search through the content below, our hope is that you find the opportunities, resources, and support you and your loved ones need to live well. If you need help with navigating the mental health system, please do not hesitate to contact the Canadian Mental Health Association via phone at 877.466.6606 ext.102.

Download our Resource Guide

Crisis Services

Crisis is self-defined, but it can be:

  • A time of difficulty or change
  • A disruption or breakdown in your daily living pattern.
  • A temporary inability to cope by your usual ways of problem solving.
  • A feeling of being out of control.

If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate assistance:

Call or Text:

Going to the Emergency Department

Sometimes going to an emergency department is necessary. It can be a very distressing. Because it can be a distressing experience, we want to help you understand what will happen there.

When you arrive at the emergency department you will go through steps of care:

  • Triage: A nurse or paramedic will ask you why you are there and take your temperature.
  • Registration: Clerical staff will ask questions like where you live, do you have insurance.
  • You will then be placed in the queue; the sickest patients are seen first.
  • A nurse will also ask you questions about what is wrong.
  • An emergency physician will spend more time with you asking questions and examining you. You then may see a specialist if necessary.
  • Bring your health card with you (insurance card if from out of country), however, you will not be turned away without it.
  • Dress in layers and bring a sweater, it is sometimes cold.
  • Bring a book or magazine, sometimes the waits are long.
  • Bring some money for the vending machines or food vendors.
  • Bring your phone and charger if that is important to you.
  • To ensure you get the right care, you may have to speak to several healthcare providers in the department, the staff knows how taxing this can be and appreciate your patience.
  • If you are not sure of something, ask.
  • The physicians and nurses cannot share your health information without your permission so please be open and tell them everything; it’s the only way they can provide good care.
(Information provided by the Stay Connected Mental Health Project)

BounceBack

  • BounceBack is a free, guided self-help program that helps adults and youth 15+ learn to manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Through telephone coaching and skill-building workbooks, participants can learn ways to overcome their symptoms and improve their mental well-being. Learn more HERE

Community Supports and Services

  • 211 Nova Scotia | Call or text 2-1-1 for in-person assistance or search the online 211 database. *You do not need to be in crisis to connect.*
  • 211 is a 24/7 connection to the programs and services in the community. Their network includes everything from local community groups and non-profits to government departments across Nova Scotia. Services are available in over 150 languages.
  • 211 Helplines *The Helplines are not crisis lines. If you are experiencing a crisis please call the 24-Hour Provincial Crisis Line at 1-888-429-8167 or call 9-1-1.*
  • If you have concerns about your own well-being, or that of someone else, 2-1-1 can connect with a Helpline. The Helplines were created in partnership with the Eastern Shore Family Resource Centre. Anyone can access a variety of supports and services specific to their needs, including information, navigation, referrals and brief intervention counseling.
  • Men’s Helpline | Call or text 2-1-1 | [Toll Free] 1-855-466-4994
  • A free, confidential service for adult men, and individuals who identify as men, who have concerns about their well-being, safety, and/or the safety of others. Eligibility: Men, and individuals who identify as men, can access a variety of supports and services specific to their needs, including information, navigation, referrals, and brief intervention counselling.

 

  • Women’s Helpline | Call or text 2-1-1 | [Toll Free] 1-855-466-4994
  • A free, confidential service for adult women, and individuals who identify as women, who have concerns about their well-being, safety, and/or the safety of others. Eligibility: Women, and individuals who identify as women, can access a variety of supports and services specific to their needs, including information, navigation, referrals, and brief intervention counselling.
  • All Genders Helpline | Call or text 2-1-1 | [Toll Free] 1-855-466-4994
  • A free, confidential service for adults of all genders, including non-binary and trans individuals, who have concerns about their well-being, safety, and/or the safety of others. Eligibility: People of all genders can access a variety of supports and services specific to their needs, including information, navigation, referrals, and brief intervention counselling.
  • Affordable Therapy Network | www.affordabletherapynetwork.com
  • The Affordable Therapy Network is an initiative to increase access to affordable therapy and counselling services across Canada. Therapists listed on the database offer:
  • LOW-COST RATES: Many listed therapists offer sessions at a low-cost rate ranging between $50- $65 to support those experiencing financial difficulty.
  • SLIDING SCALE FEES: All listed therapists offer sliding scale rates for those who do not require the low-cost rate but cannot access standard therapy fees. These generally range between $70-$120 and varies between individual therapists.
  • STANDARD RATES: For those who can pay standard rates, you are helping our therapists provide more options to those who otherwise would not be able to access support.

 

  • Caregivers Nova Scotia | https://caregiversns.org/
  • Caregivers Nova Scotia provides programs, services, and strong advocacy for caregivers. With ongoing support from our funders, Board of Directors, allied organizations, volunteers, and caregivers themselves, we provide recognition and practical assistance to friends and family giving care.
  • Trans Life Line | (877) 330- 6366 | www.translifeline.org.
  • Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and microgrants 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.

 

  • Canada Suicide Prevention Service and Crisis Services Canada | 1-833-456-4566 | Text 45645 – available 24/7/365 days a year EST (standard text messaging rates apply)
  • This service is available across Canada via toll-free phone, or text in English. The toll-free phone service is also available in French. This means anyone in Canada that is thinking about, is or has been affected by suicide, can reach out across a variety of media, and feel supported 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Anyone can have suicidal thoughts for a number of reasons. CSPS offers a barrier-free, non-judgmental space with supportive and responsive responders.
  • Eating Disorders Nova Scotia | 902-229-8436 | www.eatingdisorderns.ca | info@eatingdisorderns.ca
  • Eating Disorders Nova Scotia offers support through nutrition counselling, a mentor program, peer support and friends and families peer support.
  • Eskasoni Crisis and Referral Center | 902-379-2099 | [Toll Free] 1-855-379-2099 | www.eskasonimentalhealth.org | Connect on Facebook messenger
  • 24-hr Crisis and support line available to members of Mi’kmaq communities. Provides emotional, social and educational support. Assists individuals with referrals to counselling and helps to navigate agencies and services. Services are provided in Mik’maw and English.

 

  • IWK Mental Health and Addictions Intake Service | 1-855-922-1122 | www.mha.nshealth.ca/en/tools
  • If you need help with a mental health and addictions concern our team is here to help. Real people Monday – Friday, 8:30 a..m to 4:30 p.m., Voicemail evenings, weekends, and holidays.

 

  • First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Helpline | 1-855-242-3310 |Online chat: Hope for Wellness Chat
  • The Hope for Wellness Help Line was established as a specific resource for First Nations and Inuit to provide immediate, culturally competent telephone counselling, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is available in English, French, and upon request in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. Online chat services are currently available in English and French, with expansion to Indigenous languages currently being explored as this new service launches.
  • Good 2 Talk | 1-833-292-3698 | Text: GOOD2TALKNS to 686868
  • Provides confidential support services for post-secondary students in Ontario and Nova Scotia.
  • IBPOC (Indigenous, Black & People of Color) Service Provider Database www.khyber.ca/ibpoc-mental-health-database/
  • Resource to share information and highlight IBPOC mental health workers and services local to Kjipuktuk/Halifax. This database was created to highlight a range of local services, programs and IBPOC mental health workers for IBPOC residents of Kjipuktuk/Halifax. It is updated regularly. To learn more, visit www.khyber.ca
  • Kids Help Phone | 1-800-668-6868 or Text 686868 | www.kidshelpphone.ca | Connect with Kids Help Phone on Facebook Messenger
  • Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7, national support service. They offer professional counselling, information and referrals, and volunteer-led, text-based support to young people in both English and French. Their service is completely confidential – you don’t even have to give them your name if you don’t want to.

 

  • Lifeline Canada App | Available for free download on Google Play or Apple Store
  • The LifeLine App is the national free Suicide Prevention and Awareness App that offers access and guidance to support for those suffering in crisis and those who have suffered the devastating loss of a loved one from suicide. The LifeLine App also provides awareness education and prevention strategies to guide people in crisis all across the Globe.
  • Mental Health and Addictions Tools | www.nshealth.ca
  • A comprehensive resource list of free online resources available through NSHA and other community partners.
  • National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) | 1-866-633-4220 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fri. EST Instant chat available at nedic.ca | nedic@uhn.ca
  • NEDIC provides information, resources, referrals and support to Canadians affected by eating disorders through their toll-free helpline and instant chat. Outreach and education programming focuses on the awareness and prevention of eating disorders and is available online across Canada and in-person in the Greater Toronto Area. NEDIC has a non-dieting, client-centered, feminist philosophy. They promote healthy lifestyles, including appropriate, enjoyable exercise and eating. NEDIC recognizes that the determinants of health are varied, and that weight is not an effective gauge of health, so do not endorse dieting or diet centers.

 

  • National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Residential School Survivor Support Line | 1-866-414-8111
  • If you are a Residential School Survivor and need emotional support, a national crisis line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Emotional, cultural and professional support services are also available to Survivors and their families through the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program. Services can be accessed on an individual, family or group basis.
  • In recognition of intergenerational impacts of Residential School, family is defined as: “A spouse or partner those raised by, or in, the household of a former Indian Residential School student or any relation who has experienced effects of intergenerational trauma associated with a family members time at an Indian Residential School.
  • Indigenous Services Canada verifies eligibility of persons requesting Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program services with Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, which holds data on former students who attended those Indian Residential Schools that are part of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.

 

  • Nova Scotia Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line | 1-888-429-8167 available 24/7
  • The Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line provides crisis intervention for children, youth and adults experiencing a mental health crisis or mental distress. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to support callers who present with suicidal thoughts, self-harming thoughts or behaviors, overwhelming anxiety, difficulty coping with distress, psychotic or distorted thinking, depression, substance use difficulties, or any other self-identified mental health concerns. Crisis is self-defined by the individual calling for support. The crisis line also supports families, friends, community agencies and others to manage mental health crisis through education, outreach and consultation.
  • Pride Health | www.nshealth.ca/content/pridehealth | 902-487-0470 | Email: prideHealth@nshealth.ca
  • Pride Health works to improve access to health services in Nova Scotia which are safe, coordinated, comprehensive, and culturally appropriate for people who are two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual (members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community). Offers health resources, navigation and referrals for addictions, mental health and other health services.
  • Red Cross Friendly Calls | 1-833-729-0144 Mon. – Fri. 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. AST to register | www.www.redcross.ca [Not A Crisis Line]
  • Red Cross friendly calls are available to anyone who is feeling isolated or lonely due to COVID-19. To receive friendly calls Red Cross asks that people register. Red Cross staff and volunteers can often accommodate calls in English and French, as well as languages other than English and French but unfortunately cannot guarantee this. If desired, Red Cross can also provide contacts for other support services in your community.

 

  • Post-Partum Support International Helpline | Call or text 1-800-944-4773 #1 in Spanish and #2 in English | www.postpartum.net [Not A Crisis Line]
  • The PSI Help Line is a toll-free telephone number anyone can call to get basic information, support, and resources. It is based in the USA but helpline and support groups are available to Canadians. Messages are returned everyday of the week. You can leave confidential messages anytime and a HelpLine volunteer will get back to you as soon as possible. If you are unavailable when they call you can setup an alternate time. The volunteer will give you information, encouragement, and names of resources near you. PSI also hosts weekly chats with experts, online postpartum peer support groups, and online meetings on various topics. Specific groups include support for adoptive parents, queer parents, groups for dads, support groups for pregnancy loss and more.

 

  • SOAR [Survivors of Abuse Recovering] | 902-679-7337 | [Toll free] 1-877-679-SOAR (7627) | www.survivorsofabuserecovering.ca
  • A community-based peer support service for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse in West Hants, Kings & Annapolis Counties (Nova Scotia, Canada). They offer peer counseling, support groups and community awareness training.

 

  • Thoughtful Changes | 902-932-7122 | www.thoughtfulchanges.org
  • A non-profit group of counselors dedicated to providing affordable care to Nova Scotians. Intake appointments are $50, ongoing services are provided on a sliding scale from $50-$80/session. They also offer a pay-it-forward program where people who can afford to pay higher than the regular feel can contribute to reducing costs for people who struggle to pay the $50 minimum.
  • Togetherall | www. togetherall.com/en-us
  • Togetherall is a safe and anonymous online community where people can share what’s troubling them. The service is free to all youth and young adults aged 16 – 29 in Nova Scotia and allows people to get support, take control and feel better- all in a way that is most comfortable to the individual. Peer support is moderated by trained counselors. To access Togetherall, simply go to the homepage, click on Register, and register under the “your area” button. All postal codes in Nova Scotia are registered to have access to this resource.
  • Unison Benevolent Fund | 1-855-986-4766 | www.cimpleo.com/projects/unison/
  • The Unison Benevolent Fund offers a toll-free number to connect Canadian music professionals with resources and support for personal and practical issues. This service is free, anonymous, confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Before you make the call, please register with Unison on their website. Service is available in English and French.
  • Wellness Together Canada | www.wellnesstogether.ca/en-CA | Phone: 1-866-585-0445 |1-888-668-6810 (Youth) | Text: WELLNESS to 741741 (Adults) or 686868 (Youth) | Frontline Workers text: FRONTLINE to 74174
  • Wellness Together Canada was created in response to an unprecedented rise in mental health and substance use concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with funding from the Government of Canada. Services include: online community of support and coaching, one-to-one counselling, self-guided courses and apps and more.
  • Strongest Families Institute | 1-866-470-7111 | Provincial Intake Line: 1-855-922-1122 | www.strongestfamilies.com
  • Programs include learning anxiety coping skills or behavior management tools and weekly telephone coaching sessions. Referrals required via family doctor or provincial intake line.