Free and low cost help options in Ontario
If you are trying to work out who to call, what it costs, or how to start, this guide lays out practical options for men in Ontario. Some details are not specified; where that is the case, it is stated plainly.
If this is urgent
If you or someone else may be in immediate danger, use the crisis options below.
Crisis resources
If there is immediate danger, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Canada's 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
Call 9-8-8Free support, 24/7/365.
Canada's 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
Text 9-8-8Free support, 24/7/365.
ConnexOntario
Call 1-866-531-260024/7 navigation for mental health, addiction and gambling support.
ConnexOntario
Text 24724724/7 navigation for mental health, addiction and gambling support.
ConnexOntario
Visit ConnexOntario live chat24/7 navigation for mental health, addiction and gambling support.
211 Ontario
Dial 2-1-1For community and social services.
211 Ontario
Visit 211 OntarioCommunity and social services.
Start with the option that fits your question
Compare the cost, who each service is for, and the first step. These services have different roles; the page does not assume that one option fits everyone.
A free phone and text service available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
- Cost
- Free.
- Who can use it
- Anyone thinking about suicide or worried about someone.
How to start
- Call or text 9-8-8 at any time.
If there is immediate danger, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Verified 2026-09-26
Free, 24/7/365 information and referral for mental health, addiction, and problem gambling services in Ontario.
- Cost
- Free.
- Who can use it
- Eligibility details are not specified here; ConnexOntario provides information and referral for Ontario mental health, addiction, and problem gambling services.
How to start
- Call 1-866-531-2600, text 247247, or use live chat.
- Search the service directory at connexontario.ca.
Verified 2026-09-26
A phone service for navigating community and social services.
- Cost
- Free.
- Who can use it
- People across Ontario looking for community and social services for themselves or someone else.
How to start
- Dial 2-1-1.
- Find more information at 211ontario.ca.
Verified 2026-09-26
A publicly funded cognitive-behavioural therapy program with services ranging from guided self-led resources to individual or group therapy.
- Cost
- Free.
- Who can use it
- Adults 18+ experiencing depression or anxiety-related concerns.
How to start
- Use a self-referral path or ask a primary-care provider about referral.
- Check the Ontario Health program page and your regional OSP service to see what is offered.
A mental health professional will assess whether the program fits your needs. Ask your regional service about current availability and wait times.
Verified 2026-09-26
A free guided self-help and coaching program.
- Cost
- No cost to participants.
- Who can use it
- Adults and youth 15+ experiencing low mood, depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Check the program's suitability criteria before starting.
How to start
- Visit the BounceBack Ontario website to learn about the program and how to start.
Verified 2026-09-26
If your employer offers an EAP, it may include a set number of free confidential counselling sessions.
- Cost
- Some employers provide a set number of free confidential counselling sessions; confirm details with your employer.
- Who can use it
- Check whether your employer offers an EAP and what access it provides.
How to start
- Check your workplace benefits portal or ask HR whether your employer offers an EAP.
- Ask what counselling sessions are included and how to access them.
Verified 2026-09-26
A public register for checking whether a therapist is a Registered Psychotherapist and in good standing.
- Cost
- Cost details are not specified here.
- Who can use it
- Members of the public can use the register to check a therapist's status.
How to start
- Open the Registered Psychotherapist status check.
- Search for the therapist and check their registration status.
CRPO does not refer members of the public to a therapist.
Verified 2026-09-26
What to say when you call
You can keep the first conversation practical. Use any of these lines as they are, or change them to sound like you.
- “Hi, I’m a man in Ontario looking for support. Can you help me understand what options are available?”
- “What does it cost, and is there a free option?”
- “How do I start, and do I need a referral?”
- “I’m not sure what I need yet. Can you help me sort through the options?”
Check whether benefits cover therapy
Before booking, ask your insurer whether the plan reimburses care from a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying).
Ask the provider for a receipt so you can submit it to your insurer. The amount covered, if any, is not specified here; confirm it with your plan.
Want to talk about therapy with Umair?
Resolve offers virtual psychotherapy for men in Ontario. A free 30 minute consultation is a chance to ask questions and discuss whether working together feels like a fit. Paid sessions are $150 for 50 minutes.
You can use the resources above without booking a consultation. Resolve is not a crisis service.