What to Expect

Do I have to give my name?

No, system navigation and information is a free and confidential service. We will ask you for non-identifying information (like your postal code). This helps us find treatment services in your community. We will still help you if you don't want to provide this information. We are funded by the Government of Ontario.

Do you have Call Display?

The Call Display feature is enabled on our system, for the prime purpose of assisting individuals contacting us who are at risk of self-harm.

Do you provide counselling?

We offer listening, support and information about counselling and other treatment services in your community. We do not provide counselling.

What happens when I call the system navigation and information service?

A system navigation specialist answers your call 24/7. We will ask you for some non-identifying information like the name of your city or town. This helps us give you information about treatment services where you live.

We also listen, provide support, and offer strategies to help you get started. We are here to help you with information, not to judge.

Who can call for treatment service information?

Anyone! You can call for yourself or for someone you care about. Almost 50% of our calls come from family members or concerned friends of those experiencing mental health and/or addiction issues.

Is your service free?

Yes! Our service is free and confidential. We are funded by the Government of Ontario.

How can you help me?

The system navigation and information service can:

  • Provide information about counselling services and supports in your community
  • Listen, offer support and provide strategies to help you meet your goals
  • Provide basic education about mental health, drug, alcohol, and problem gambling treatment services

What kind of mental health and addiction information do you provide?

We can provide up-to-date, community-based details about:

  • Treatment Services
  • Crisis Lines
  • Self-Help Groups
  • Distress Centres
  • Family Services

I'm not ready to get help, can I still call you?

We're happy to talk to you, even if you're just looking for general mental health, drug, alcohol and problem gambling treatment information. No question is too small. We're here to help.

What does a system navigation specialist do?

All calls are answered live, 24/7 by professionally trained system navigation specialists. Our system navigation specialists listen, provide support, offer strategies, and give you information about treatment services in your community.

System navigation specialists are experts who can quickly access our comprehensive health services database. Our centralized database primarily regards mental health and addictions treatment programs and services funded by the Government of Ontario.

I don't speak English—can you help me?

Yes! We provide services in French, too. If you don't speak English or French, we will access a translation service for you.

Here's how it works:

  1. Call us at 1-866-531-2600
  2. Identify your language
  3. Participate in a three-way call with a translator

We can provide service in over 170 languages, including Mandarin, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Vietnamese, Greek, Polish, Russian, and Serbian.

Do you have information about services outside of Ontario?

Our system navigation specialists provide information about mental health, drug, alcohol, and problem gambling treatment services in Ontario. We can sometimes provide contact information for services outside of Ontario. See Helpful Links for a list of organizations and resources across Canada, in the U.S., and internationally.