Mental Health Support for Adults

You can find support for things like stress, anxiety, depression, anger, family conflict, work pressure, identity questions, substance use, and major life changes. Some services offer one-on-one counselling, others support families or groups, and some provide tools you can use on your own.

No. You don’t need to know the “right” service or use the “right” words. Many people start by exploring what’s available near them or talking with a counsellor who can help guide them to the right kind of support.

Most counselling services are confidential, meaning what you share stays private. There are some limits if someone is worried about your safety or the safety of others, but counsellors will explain this clearly before you begin.

Yes. You don’t need to be in crisis to ask for help. Counselling and support can be useful for everyday stress, relationship challenges, feeling overwhelmed, or just needing someone to talk to.

Counseling (like our Ready2Talk sessions) often focuses on specific immediate issues or life stressors. Psychotherapy (like the OSP program) typically involves more in-depth, structured treatment for diagnosed conditions like clinical depression, PTSD, or social anxiety.

Research shows that for many conditions, including anxiety and depression, virtual therapy is just as effective as in-person care. Our partners offer secure video, phone, and in-person options to suit your comfort level and schedule.

What if I need help with something other than anxiety or depression? 

Many counselling services are free, publicly funded, or covered through community programs. Some services may have waitlists, while others focus on short-term or immediate support. You can explore options using the search tool to see what’s available near you.

That’s okay. The resources section includes worksheets, tools, and exercises you can use on your own. These can be helpful while you’re waiting for services, deciding what you need, or just looking for ways to cope right now.

Yes — many counselling services let you reach out directly without a referral. This means you can contact the service yourself, or sometimes with help from a parent, caregiver, or trusted adult.

A referral simply means that someone like a doctor, nurse practitioner, school staff member, or another service helps connect you to support. Some programs ask for a referral because it helps them make sure you’re matched to the right type of care — but it doesn’t mean your needs aren’t valid.

Each service explains whether a referral is needed before you start, and if you’re unsure, many services can help you figure out the next step.

That doesn’t mean that counselling won’t ever work for you. Different counsellors, approaches, or types of support can feel very different. Many people try more than one option before finding the right fit.

You can:

• Explore services using the map and filters
• Read about different types of support
• Use resources right away
• Reach out to a service that feels like a good fit

There’s no single “right” first step.

Yes. Caregivers, family members, and supporters can explore services and resources to better understand what help is available for people in their life.