If strategies you have tried at home or at school do not appear to be helping, and you still have concerns about your child’s mental health, substance use and/or technology use, there are many ways to get connected with professional support for your child. Some options include:
- Speak to your child’s classroom teacher, school principal or a staff member you feel comfortable with about supporting a referral to a school mental health professional (e.g., school social worker, school psychologist) Ontario schools offer assessment and brief counselling intervention services. They also provide crisis support when needed.
- Speak with your family doctor as they can help connect your child with services.
- Visit Children’s Mental Health Ontario to access free mental health treatment in your area. No referrals are necessary.
- ConnexOntario provides a 24/7 helpline offering support and information on services for substance use-related problems, problem gambling and technology overuse.
- Visit One Stop Talk to instantly connect with a therapist from anywhere in Ontario.
- Youth Wellness Hubs offer a range of services in several Ontario communities. Free services for youth aged 12-25 can be easily accessed by walk-in or appointment.
- The Youth Vaping, Substance Use and Technology Dependence Program (YOUTH-VAST) offers assessment, individual and group treatment for youth aged 12-21 who are facing challenges related to vaping, substance use, and/or technology use.
What to do in a mental health emergency
If you are worried about your child’s safety, or the safety of those around them, it is important to seek immediate assistance. This could include:
- Calling an ambulance
- Contacting a local mobile crisis service (if available in your area)
- Calling 9-1-1
- Going to the emergency room of your local hospital
The following are considered mental health emergencies requiring urgent professional help:
- Your child has made a suicide attempt
- Your child has a suicide plan and intends to act on it right away
- Your child is threatening to hurt others and/or acting violently
- Your child is showing signs of a drug overdose
Supporting a child who is experiencing a mental health or substance use problem can be hard. Consider reaching out for your own support. You can contact Parent’s for Children’s Mental Health to connect with other parents and caregivers who have been through similar experiences.
