Counselling
Kids Help Phone – Counselling Available 24/7
Phone and web-based counselling available for children/youth up to the age of 20.
Phone: 24/7 at 1-800-668-6868
Web: Wed-Sun, 6pm-2am at KidsHelpPhone
Crisis Services – COAST’s 24/7 Crisis Line
To call COAST in a crisis: 24-Hour Crisis Line 905-972-8338.
Toll Free: 1-844-972-8338
COAST is a program through St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. It stands for “Crisis Outreach and Support Team”. They are a mobile crisis team made up of Crisis Workers who can assist in a mental health-related crisis situation.
The COAST Program provides service to all ages who reside in the Hamilton area. It also provides mental health information to parents or caregivers of a child or youth in a mental health crisis.
For more information, see www.coasthamilton.ca
Assessment and Treatment
There are a few different access points for mental health services should you suspect your child or youth is experiencing signs and symptoms of a mental health issue. Trained professionals will be able to direct you to the best place for services, depending on your circumstances.
- Family Doctor- contact your family doctor.
- School Social Worker- inquire at your school.
- CONTACT Hamilton provides information to anyone about available services for children, youth and their families, and referrals where appropriate. A phone intake is required. Call CONTACT Hamilton at 905-570-8888 or make an online referral https://contacthamilton.com/make-a-referral/.
What to do While Waiting
- Check out groups available for children, youth and teens.
- Connect with the Hamilton chapter of Parents for Children’s Mental Health, a local parent support group with the goal to support, educate and empower parents.
www.pcmh.ca/hamilton
- Check out online resources like these:
a. www.yourspacehamilton.ca
b. Anxiety
c. Depression
d. What to do while awaiting resource from CHEO
- A variety of resources and webinars on several mental health topics for both children/youth and caregivers are available at yourspacehamilton.ca
- Keep your family doctor, mental health professional or Resource Coordinator at Contact Hamilton updated on any changes.
Support for Parents
There are a number of different groups available to parents in the community:
Groups for Parents and/or Children available in the community without referrals: