Mental Health Services
Approximately 1 in 5 children and youth in Ontario have a mental health challenge. About 70% of mental health challenges have their onset in childhood or youth. That’s why early identification and intervention is so critical and can lead to improved achievement in school and better health outcomes in life.
Info for kids and teens
Kids Help Phone offers direct and free counselling support to children and youth in need at 1-800-668-6868. They also provide educational resources and tools designed specifically for young people who need help.
Our Commitment
Ontario is investing in a mental health and addictions services that puts children and youth first.
Services and supports for children and youth and their families include:
- targeted prevention services
- family capacity building and supports
- crisis services
- brief services
- counselling and therapy services
- intensive services
- specialized consultation and assessment
This includes a youth suicide prevention plan which helps communities to better respond to young people in crisis.
Find free child and youth mental health services across Ontario through Health Care Options.
Understanding Mental Health
The Canadian Mental Health Association provides information for parents to better understand the symptoms and conditions of children and youth mental health illnesses. This includes:
- depression
- anxiety
- stress
- self-harm
- psychosis and early intervention services
- eating disorders
- anger management
- substance abuse
- loss and grief
- suicide
Online Resources and Publications
Watch these videos featuring Dr. Ian Manion, Executive Director of the Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario.
What’s normal teenage behaviour
Spot the signs
- Moving on Mental Health: A system that makes sense for children and youth
- A Shared Responsibility – Ontario’s Policy Framework for Child and Youth Mental Health