Good mental help helps seniors stay physically healthier longer, which in turn allows them to maintain their independence and stay in their homes longer.
If you or an ageing loved one has mental health concerns, you can also speak to your family doctor or contact your local hospital for support.
211
211 is a free and confidential service that can be accessed by phone, text, chat, and online for information on government and community-based, non-clinical health and social services.
You can access it in any province or territory by dialing 211 on your phone or go to 211.ca to find your local service provider.
Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)
You can use the CCPA website to find a certified counselor/psychotherapist in your area for in-person counseling or to access online counseling or tele-counseling.
When using their online search tool, you can search by specialization area. For instance if you search “seniors”, you will be given related options to choose from, such as Older adult/Aging issues and Geriatric counseling. You can also search by conditions, such as anxiety, or types of therapy, such as grief counseling.
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
CMHA is a community mental health organization available in more than 330 communities across every province and one territory.
Visit the CHMA website at cmha.ca to find information on mental health conditions and to find a CMHA branch in your area.
Canadian Red Cross
The Canadian Red Cross offers support services for seniors who are living at home, including the Telephone Assurance Program which provides regularly scheduled friendly calls and safety checks.
Visit the Canadian Red Cross website to find senior support services in your area.
Crisis Services Canada
Crisis Services Canada provides access to local distress centers and crisis organizations.
People in crisis and having thoughts of/contemplating suicide can access support by chat, text, or phone through the Crisis Services Canada website or by calling toll-free anytime at 1.833.456.4566.
eMentalHealth.ca
eMentalHealth.ca is an online portal for anyone looking for information about mental health, including:
- A directory of mental health services and organizations
- Free online screening tools to help you determine if you or your aging loved one has a mental health concern
- Info sheets on a variety of mental health conditions and topics
Government of Canada
The Government of Canada website offers reliable information on mental health and wellness topics for all ages.
Visit the Government of Canada Mental Health and Wellness page to access information and services.
Wellness Together Canada
Wellness Together Canada provides free mental health and substance abuse support to Canadians.
The service was created in response to the rise in mental health and substance abuse concerns due to the pandemic, with funding from the Government of Canada.