Crisis Intervention

A family sitting together

There are organizations across the city that provide counselling for newcomers who experience a crisis. They provide emotional support, safe spaces and tips on how to cope with stress. Additionally, there are specific supports available for newcomers who experience gender-based violence.

In an emergency where someone may be hurt (for example serious medical problems, fire, or to report crime in progress) call 911.

Programs

2SLGBTQIA+ Newcomer Program

Speqtrum Hamilton
289-439-6154, newcomer@speqtrum.ca
 
75 MacNab St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 3C1, Canada

An immigration and newcomer program designed for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth who are newcomers to Hamilton.

Services include:

  • monthly community kitchens
  • workshops and social events
  • peer support
  • community referrals

This program is offered through the YWCA's Join Immigration and Settlement Program in collaboration with Speqtrum Hamilton.

9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline

988 (Call or text)
 

Offers confidential telephone and text services for anyone having thoughts of suicide, or who are worried about someone else. Trained responders will listen without judgement, provide support and understanding, and can offer local support resources.

Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Program

Hamilton Regional Indian Centre
905-548-9593
 
34 Ottawa St N, Hamilton, ON L8H 3Y7, Canada

Focused on improving Indigenous health and the reduction of family violence through the provision of services for those most at risk, notably women and children. The delivery of programs and services are culturally appropriate and address the prevention, aftercare, and concurrent impacts of family violence on health.

Services can include:

  • healing circles
  • peer counselling
  • crisis intervention
  • education and training

Action Canada Access Line

Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights
1-888-642-2725, 613-800-6757 ext. Text, info@actioncanadashr.org
 

A free and confidential service that provides information and referrals on sexual health, pregnancy options, abortion, and safer sex.

Assaulted Women's Helpline

Ontario Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services
#7233 (Text on Bell, Rogers, Fido, or Telus mobile phone), 1-866-863-0511, 1-866-863-7868, 416-364-4144 (Administration), 416-863-0511
 

Confidential and anonymous telephone crisis line for individuals experiencing domestic violence.

Services offered include:

  • crisis counselling
  • emotional support
  • information and referrals to emergency shelters, legal information, and community services
  • culturally appropriate resources for abused women

Also offers workshops and training seminars on topics such as elder abuse, partner abuse, criminal harassment, legal issues and resources for abused women, anti-violence initiatives and more. Visit website or contact for more information.

Banyan Community Services, Partner Assault Response

Banyan Community Services
1-866-545-0133, 905-545-0133, info@banyancs.org
 
688 Queensdale Avenue East, Suite 2B, Hamilton, ON L8V 1M1

12 week group education and counselling program on intimate partner violence and non-abusive ways of resolving conflict

Survivors/partners of the offender provided with support including safety planning, referrals to community resources, and information on offender’s progress

Black Youth Helpline Support Services

Black Youth Helpline
1-833-294-8650, info@blackyouth.ca
 
1111 Finch Ave W, North York, ON M3J 2E5, Canada

A national phone line that offers support services for Black youth in Canada. Services include: 

  • youth and family situation professional assessment
  • support plan development 
  • stay-in-school initiatives
  • parent and family support including coaching, health counselling, parental guidance
  • referral assistance

Counselling and Community Services

Interval House of Hamilton
289-895-8580 (Flamborough), 905-387-8881, 905-522-0127 (Hamilton), info@intervalhousehamilton.org
 
100 Main St E, Suite 205, Hamilton, ON L8N 3W4
17 Main St S, Unit C, Waterdown, ON L0R 2H0, Canada

Services provided by Interval House of Hamilton at Women's Centre of Hamilton and Flamborough Women's Resource Centre. Provides support for women and their children who are experiencing domestic violence and abuse including:

  • community counselling services
  • individual counselling
  • employment counselling
  • peer support
  • wellness and recovery groups
  • safety planning
  • housing services

Cravings Hotline

City of Hamilton, Healthy and Safe Communities Department, Public Health Division
905-546-3606 ext. 6
 
21 Hunter St E, Hamilton, ON L8N 3W8, Canada

A free and confidential hotline that people with addictions can call to hear messages to help with cravings for alcohol, drugs, or gambling.

Crisis / Hope Line

Salvation Army Ontario Division
1-855-294-4673, 905-522-1477, hopesalive@can.salvationarmy.org
 
80 Bay St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 3N3, Canada

The Salvation Army Crisis / Hope Line providing telephone and intervention to individuals experiencing crisis.

Crisis Line for Sexual Assault Centre Hamilton and Area

Sexual Assault Centre Hamilton and Area
905-525-4162, sacha@sacha.ca
 

24 hour crisis line offering confidential support for survivors of all genders who have experienced sexual violence as well has friends, family, and any others seeking information. Can organize accompaniment to the hospital or the police.

Crisis Outreach and Support Team

1-844-972-8338, 905-972-8338
 

Emergency crisis line and response team to assist individuals who have serious mental health issues and who are in crisis. Also supports caregivers in the management of acute mental health concerns and crisis.

Intake can be initiated by individuals directly or through their family members and caregivers. Referrals are accepted from community agencies and professionals. 

If anyone is at immediate risk of serious harm, CALL 911 instead. This includes medical distress or injuries, violence/use of weapons, or any immediate threat to someone’s physical safety. 

Distress Centre Halton Services

Distress Centre Halton
905-561-5800, info@dchalton.ca
 

Distress Centre Halton is a non-profit charitable organization that provides telephone and online support to people 365 days of the year. All services are confidential, anonymous, free and available to all age groups. They are staffed by volunteers who receive extensive training including communication, sensitivity, crisis management, and active listening.

Programs include:

  • Distress Line: providing emotional support and encouragement, suicide risk assessment and prevention, as well as community resource and information referrals.
  • TeleCheck: outbound call program offering telephone support and friendly social connections through regularly scheduled check-in calls to individuals experiencing isolation, and emotional and mental health concerns.
  • Speaking Engagements: available to speak with a club, class, or group about the services provided by Distress Centre Halton, or to teach courses on active listening skills, de-escalation techniques, and mental health in general.
  • Volunteer Opportunities: see website for information.

Elder Abuse Prevention Training and Webinars

Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario
 

Offers a variety of recorded training videos and educational resources to help prevent elder abuse in Ontario.

Materials cover the following forms of abuse:

  • financial abuse
  • emotional abuse
  • physical abuse
  • sexual abuse
  • neglect

Fem'aide

Ontario Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services
1-866-860-7082, 1-877-336-2433, info@femaide.ca
 

Confidential helpline for Francophone women dealing with violence that offers:

  • crisis intervention
  • support and referral to community agencies
  • educational workshops

Gamblers Anonymous Meetings

Gamblers Anonymous
1-855-222-5542
 

Offers support groups for people living with a gambling addiction. Services are available in-person, online, and over the phone. Visit the website for a full list of meetings in Ontario.

Good Shepherd Centres, 24 Hour Women's Crisis Line Services

Good Shepherd Centres
905-523-6277
 

24 hour confidential crisis line offering support for individuals experiencing domestic violence. Offers emergency counselling, crisis intervention, safety planning, and referral to community services or other emergency shelters.

Good Shepherd Centres, Mental Health Crisis Line

Good Shepherd Centres
1-844-777-3571, 905-529-7878
 

24 hour confidential telephone support and crisis intervention. Provides referrals to local community supports and inpatient programs, including the Good Shepherd Barrett Centre for Crisis Support.

Good Shepherd Women's Emergency Services, Martha House

Good Shepherd Centres
905-523-6277, 905-523-8895, info@gsch.ca
 
25 Ray St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 2X5, Canada

A 40-bed emergency shelter for individuals and their children who are fleeing violence and abuse.

Programs and service:

  • Safe, short-term accommodation in private family-style units
  • Safety planning and emergency transportation to the shelter, if needed
  • Referrals and advocacy for legal, medical, financial, employment, housing and community services
  • Recreational and therapeutic programs for children
  • Counselling
  • Access to cultural interpreters

Good Shepherd Women's Emergency Services, Mary's Place

Good Shepherd Centres
905-523-6277, 905-540-8000, info@gsch.ca
 
20 Pearl St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 2Y8, Canada

An emergency shelter, providing safety, support, and emergency accommodation to women who are dealing with homelessness, poverty, mental illness, and/or violence.

Programs and services: 

  • Emergency accommodation and safety planning
  • Referrals and advocacy for medical, legal, and other community services
  • Assistance in establishing permanent housing
  • Recreational and educational daily activities for residents and women living in the community

Good2Talk

Kids Help Phone
1-866-925-5454 (24/7 support), 686868 (Text GOOD2TALKON)
 

Free and confidential helpline that provides professional counselling, information, and referrals for mental health, addictions, and well-being to post-secondary students in Ontario. Operates in partnership with Kids Help Phone, ConnexOntario, Ontario 211, and the Knowledge Institute on Child and Youth Mental Health and Addictions.

Hamilton Police Service, Seniors Safety Program

Hamilton Police Service
905-546-4925 (Senior Support Officer), info@hamiltonpolice.on.ca
 
155 King William St, Hamilton, ON L8R 1A7, Canada

Address issues, concerns, and challenges affecting seniors and disabled adults with respect to the law. This position is a community-based and community-driven initiative. 

Information and support is available to seniors, their families or service providers. Programs and presentations are researched, developed and presented on a variety of topics (such as quality of life issues, frauds and scams, personal/home safety, etc.). Reports of abuse (physical, financial, psychological, or neglect) are forwarded to the officers for assessment and further investigation if required. Cases identified as criminal offences are followed up. Major cases may be referred to the Crimes Against Seniors Unit for further investigation.

Honouring the Circle Transitional Housing

Native Women's Centre
1-888-308-6559, 905-318-1822, 905-664-1101, htcpm@nativewomenscentre.com
 

Offers transitional housing and support programs for up to 12 months for Indigneous women and children who are at risk of homelessness and poverty. The supportive housing facility is geared towards women and children who have been victims of violence.

Hope for Men Peer Support Group

Hope for Men
289-698-4416
 
165 Charlton Ave W, Hamilton, ON L8P 2C8, Canada

Offers peer support groups to adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse and adult male victims of sexual assault.

Inasmuch House Crisis Line Services

Mission Services of Hamilton
905-529-8600 (Text: 289-212-6399)
 

Offers text message and web chat support for women experiencing abuse and homelessness. Provides confidential emotional support, practical advice, safety planning, and referrals to other local services.

Inasmuch House Women's Shelter Services

Mission Services of Hamilton
905-529-8149, 905-529-8600 (Text: 289-212-6399), inasmuch@mission-services.com
 

An emergency shelter for women and non-binary people, with or without children, who are experiencing domestic abuse and/or homelessness.

Services available for residents include:

  • safe shelter with access to meals, clothing, laundry, and other personal supports
  • child and youth workers
  • legal advocacy
  • transitional housing support worker
  • safety planning
  • referral to other community services

Indian Residential School Survivor Crisis Line

Indian Residential School Survivors Society
1-800-721-0066 (Lamathut 24/7 Crisis Line), 1-866-925-4419 (National Crisis Line)
 

A 24/7 free and confidential crisis line that offers emotional support and assistance to survivors of Canada's Residential Schools.

Institute for Advancements in Mental Health Support Hotline

Institute for Advancements in Mental Health
 

A support line staffed by a team of mental health counsellors who provide individualized support counselling, system navigation, and customized information and education to caregivers, and individuals living with chronic mental illness.

Counsellor support includes:

  • First episode or new diagnosis of schizophrenia/psychosis
  • Persistent, ongoing situations of schizophrenia and related mental illness
  • Addictions and substance abuse concerns
  • Justice and mental health concerns
  • Housing, employment/ODSP issues
  • Early intervention for psychosis
  • Support with medication and treatment
  • Crisis planning
  • Coping and support for individuals and caregivers
  • Advocacy
  • System navigation/connecting with resources in the local community

Please note this is not a crisis or distress support line. For mental health crisis, call COAST Hamilton at 905-927-8338. For immediate risk of serious harm, call 911. 

Interval House of Hamilton Crisis and Support Line

Interval House of Hamilton
905-387-8881
 
630 Sanatorium Rd, Hamilton, ON L9C 7S7, Canada

Provides anonymous and confidential crisis support, counseling, safety planning, information, and referrals for women that have experienced abuse or violence. 

John Howard Society Family Support Program

John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington & Area
905-522-4446 ext. 255, mrichardson@jhshamilton.on.ca
 
654 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON L8L 3A2, Canada

The Family Support program provides support, information, early intervention, and referral to other services for parents with youth ages 12 to 17 who are experiencing parenting challenges or parent/child conflicts. This is a strength-based, family-centered service offered in individual and group formats. This program is delivered on- and off-site throughout Hamilton, Burlington, and area. 

Funded by the United Way of Halton & Hamilton.

John Howard Society Intimate Partner Violence Program

John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington & Area
905-522-4446 ext. 225, reception@jhshamilton.on.ca
 
654 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON L8L 3A2, Canada

An 8 session program developed utilizing restorative practice principles and the Duluth Model to assist individuals who have been involved in incidents of intimate partner violence. 

Sessions include:

  • Defining domestic violence and understanding anger
  • Understanding power and control, cycle of abuse, and intergenerational trauma
  • How beliefs and attitudes influence behaviour
  • The effect of abuse on children, partner, self, and family
  • Impacts of substance use/abuse
  • Building healthy relationships and respectful communication
  • Effective conflict resolution skills

Kids Help Phone

1-800-668-6868, 686868 (Text)
 

National call, text, and live chat counselling services for youth. Services are free, anonymous, and confidential.  Professional counsellors are available 24/7 for support, information, and referrals. Services include: 

  • Mental health tips and info
  • Crisis support
  • Professional counselling
  • Support forums and real-life stories
  • A support service directory

Kizhaay Anishinaabe Niin (I am a kind man) Program

Hamilton Regional Indian Centre
905-548-9593
 
34 Ottawa St N, Hamilton, ON L8H 3Y7, Canada

Provides an opportunity for communities to engage Indigenous men and youth in understanding violence against Indigenous women and support them in joining together to end the violence. Kizhaay Anishinaabe Niin workers provide one-on-one peer counselling and group activities to assist men who are committed to ending violence against Indigenous women in their personal lives and within their community.

Learning Effective Anti-Violence in Families

Banyan Community Services
905-523-8766 ext. 5227 (Mary's Place), 905-528-5100 (Inasmuch House), 905-545-0133 (Banyan Community Services)
 
688 Queensdale Avenue East, Suite 2B, Hamilton, ON L8V 1M1
20 Pearl St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 2Y8, Canada

An early intervention program that provides group supports for children and youth who have witnessed violence, by offering opportunities to share their feelings regarding the abuse and violence they have witnessed in a creative and supportive environment.

The specifics of the course vary slightly by organization. Contact each site for specific details.

LGBT YouthLine

647-694-4275 (Text), askus@youthline.ca
 

Provides confidential, anonymous, and non-judgmental peer support and information and referral service via text and internet chat. Service is provided for youth by youth, and for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, intersex, two-spirited, queer, and questioning youth.

Visit the website for online chat service. Text support is available by texting 647-694-4275.

Volunteer opportunities are available across Ontario.

Psychiatric Emergency Service (PES), St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
905-522-1155 ext. 32197
 
50 Charlton Ave E, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada

Provides care by clinicians and psychiatrists who assess and treat patients with acute mental health problems who have presented to the emergency department. Works in partnership with other inpatient and outpatient mental health services to assist individuals in finding the right level of care.

SACHA Counselling and Support Groups

Sexual Assault Centre Hamilton and Area
905-525-4162 (24 Hour Support), 905-525-4573, 905-525-4592, sacha@sacha.ca
 
75 MacNab St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 3C1, Canada

Offers con­fi­den­tial trau­ma-informed support services for survivors of sexual violence, 16 years of age and older, who have experienced sexual violence at any point in their lives. Services include individual and group counselling.

SACHA Diverse Communities Outreach Program

Sexual Assault Centre Hamilton and Area
905-525-4573 ext. 230, 905-525-4592, sacha@sacha.ca
 
75 MacNab St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 3C1, Canada

Offers supportive programming for women from Hamilton's diverse racial and cultural communities, in particular women who are immigrant, newcomers, and refugees. Services include: individual support, women's support groups, information and referral, advocacy and accompaniment, and practical assistance such as childcare, bus tickets, and snacks. 

Senior's Safety Line

Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario
1-866-299-1011 (Call 911 in emergencies), info@elderabuseontario.com
 

24/7 phone line offering contact and referral information for local agencies across Ontario that can assist in cases of elder abuse. Trained counsellors also provide safety planning and supportive counselling for older adults who are being abused or at-risk of abuse. 

The Seniors Safety Line can address the diverse needs of those with disabilities, immigrants, persons of colour, LGBTQ individuals, and two-spirit persons. Also offers information to relatives, friends, caregivers, and other service professionals who may have questions or concerns about an elderly person in their life.

Sex-Trafficking Survivor Counselling

Sexual Assault Centre Hamilton and Area
905-525-4162 (24 Hour Support), 905-525-4573 ext. 224, 905-525-4592, sacha@sacha.ca
 
75 MacNab St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 3C1, Canada

Offers confidential support services for survivors of sexual violence, 16 years of age and older, who have left sex-traf­fick­ing at any point in their lives. Services include individual, group counselling and advocacy.

Sexual Assault Centre Hamilton and Area Chat Support

Sexual Assault Centre Hamilton and Area
289-207‑7790 (SMS text line)
 

A free, anony­mous, con­fi­den­tial chat for people who have or are experiencing sexual violence, and those who are supporting them.  

Service offered to:

  • sur­vivors of sex­u­al vio­lence
  • family or friends of survivors
  • professionals helping survivors
  • other allies

  • Services include:

  • Non-judg­­men­­tal listening
  • Help with explor­ing options
  • Infor­ma­tion and resources
  • Coping and recovery strategies

St. Matthew's House Housing Focused Street Outreach Team

St. Matthew's House
905-546-2424 ext. 2828, unsheltered@hamilton.ca
 
414 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON L8L 2Y3, Canada

Outreach workers connect clients experiencing chronic or episodic homelessness to immediate support, including shelter, food, and income support, and engage with those experiencing longer-term homelessness, providing assistance to rapid re-housing and housing first support. 

In partnership with the City of Hamilton Public Health Unit.

Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Program

Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General
1-866-887-0015
 

A 24-hour, multilingual, toll-free service for immediate crisis and referral that supports male survivors of sexual abuse, both recent and historical. Services include: 

  • a 24/7 crisis and referral hotline
  • individual and group counselling
  • peer support
  • telephone and online counselling
  • referrals to other appropriate community support services to meet other long-term needs that clients may have

Talk4Healing

Ontario Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services
1-855-554-4325
 

Offers culturally appropriate counselling services, advice, and support to Indigenous women by Indigenous women, via telephone, text, or online chat. 

Trans Lifeline Hotline

Trans Lifeline
 

Peer support phone service run by transgender/non-binary people for transgender and questioning peers, offering confidential and anonymous emotional support.

Victoria and Friends Women's Shelter

Interval House of Hamilton
905-387-8881
 
630 Sanatorium Rd, Hamilton, ON L9C 7S7, Canada

An emergency 22-bed shelter for women, with or without children, who are experiencing family violence, abuse and/or human trafficking. Offers emergency shelter, a safe environment, meals, and access to support workers.

Violence Against Women Counselling

Banyan Community Services
 
688 Queensdale Avenue East, Suite 2B, Hamilton, ON L8V 1M1

Offers support to women who have been exposed to abuse and violence, whether physical, sexual, emotional, or financial. Programs provide knowledge and understanding of abuse, safety planning, and access to community resources.

Wasa-Nabin Youth Program

Hamilton Regional Indian Centre
905-548-9593
 
34 Ottawa St N, Hamilton, ON L8H 3Y7, Canada

Program that assists the Urban Indigenous youth at risk in providing access to activities that will ensure choices to healthy lifestyles. Client-based support objectives general social supports, youth in care, healthy eating and physical development, education, justice intervention, and violence prevention.

Willowbridge Community Services Counselling Services

Willowbridge Community Services
1-855-755-4173, 519-753-4173, hello@willowbridge.ca
 
54 Brant Ave, Brantford, ON N3T 3G8, Canada

Provides confidential counselling and psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families to explore the strengths and resources they can use to overcome the challenges they are facing.

Services are available for:

  • Family and Children
  • Couples
  • Group Therapy
  • Individuals
  • 2SLGBTQIA+
  • Indigenous
  • Multicultural
  • Men's/Women's Specific

Youthdale Crisis Hotline

Youthdale
416-363-9990
 
229 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 1N9, Canada

A 24-hour confidential hotline offering mental health services and crisis support to youth. Also acts as the access point for Youthdale's inpatient mental health services.

YWCA Hamilton Violence Against Women and Gender-Based Violence Services

YWCA Hamilton
905-522-9922 ext. 112, adeschamps@ywcahamilton.org
 
75 MacNab St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 3C1, Canada

Services designed to help newcomer, immigrant, and refugee women address their unique needs through community resources and referrals, short term sessional counseling, and workshops.

Supports and services offered: 

  • One-on-one counseling
  • Specialized workshops
  • Needs assessment and referrals
  • Enhanced supports (child care access, transportation, translation services)