Kristen maccarthy

MSW, RSW

A soft, calming abstract nature photograph in warm muted tones — gentle morning light filtering through out-of-focus soft foliage or a calm still lake at dawn, warm cream and muted sage green palette, serene and grounding, no people, soft natural blur, reassuring atmosphere

Crisis Support

You reached out. That took courage.

If you’re going through something hard right now, you’re not alone. The support below is here for you — available any time, day or night. Take a breath. Help is closer than it feels.

If you need help right now

These are available 24/7. You can call or text — whatever feels easier.

911

For emergencies, immediate danger to life or safety. Stay calm and provide the operator with clear information.

988

Suicide Crisis Helpline
Call or text, 24/7

1-800-668-6868

Kids Help Phone
Call or text, 24/7

More ways to find support

Free, confidential lines across Ontario and Canada — organized by area so you can find the right one quickly.

Emergency & Canada-Wide

  • ConnexOntario
    1-866-531-2600
    Mental health & addiction support — free & confidential
  • 211 Ontario
    Call 2-1-1 for community, social, and health services.
  • Hope for Wellness Helpline
    1-855-242-3310
    (for Indigenous peoples)
  • Residential Schools Crisis Line
    1-866-925-4419 · Available 24/7
    Confidential support for survivors and their families.
  • LGBT YouthLine
    Text: 647-694-4275
    Website: youthline.ca
  • Assaulted Women’s Helpline
    Phone: 1-866-863-0511
    TTY: 1-866-863-7868

Belleville / Quinte Area

  • Quinte Health – Crisis Intervention Centre
    (613) 969-7400 (ask for crisis centre)
    Toll-free: 1-888-757-7766
  • Children’s Mental Health Services – Belleville
    1-844-462-2647
  • CMHA HPE (Belleville Office)
    1-888-292-0208

Toronto

  • Toronto Community Crisis Service (TCCS)
    Mobile, non-police crisis response (via 2-1-1 or 9-1-1 in covered areas)
  • Distress Centre of Toronto
    416-408-HELP (4357)
  • Gerstein Centre
    416-929-5200
  • Spectra Helpline
    Toronto: 416-920-0497
    Brampton/Mississauga: 905-459-7777

Kingston / Frontenac / Lennox & Addington

  • AMHS-KFLA Crisis Line
    613-544-4229
    Toll-free: 1-866-616-6005
  • AMHS-KFLA Crisis Programs
    Urgent support · De-escalation · Safety planning · Referrals
  • Lennox & Addington Crisis Line
    613-354-7388
    1-800-267-7877

If your region is not listed, click here.

International supports: findahelpline.com

Screenshot of the Reasons to Stay website showing a heartfelt letter

Featured Resource

Reasons to Stay

A beautiful online space where strangers write letters of hope to one another. Each time you visit, a new letter — written by someone in the world who cares — is waiting for you. You can also receive personalized ones daily, weekly, monthly- whatever you need to keep you going in whatever phase you are in.

Read a Letter

A note from Kristen

Your safety matters to me

My therapy practice is not a crisis service, and I’m not able to provide immediate emergency support. But I care deeply about your safety and well-being. If you’re in crisis, please reach out to one of the lines above — they have trained people ready to help, any time. When you’re ready for ongoing support, I’ll be here. If you are working with me and utilize any of these services, please let me know so I can keep updated with what you’re experiencing. You’ve got this one day or one hour at a time.