If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency situation, you may wish to contact 9-1-1 or your nearest emergency department. We acknowledge that not all police teams are equipped to offer proper mental health support and compassionate care, particularly for BIPOC, queer, and neurodivergent individuals. If possible, arranging for community members, friends, family, or another trusted person or people to be present when the police arrive can promote safety. This list proposes several additional supports that may be alternatives to police intervention.

Warm lines that do not call the police (list sourced from Inclusive Therapists crisis resources, linked in full here):

• Blackline at 1-800-604-5841 or download the app, run by and for BIPOC

• Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366, run by and for trans people.

• Wildflower Alliance Peer Support Line: 1-888-407-4515, run by trained peer supporters.

The following options may also be appropriate depending on the nature of your emergency. Please note that some of these services may involve police, so arrange additional safety measures if necessary:

• 9-8-8: A national suicide crisis helpline available by phone or text 24/7 in English and French.

• 1-800-668-6868: Kids Help Phone. Also available by text at 686868.

• 741741: Ontario Crisis Text Line.

• 905-278-4890: Distress Centres of Greater Toronto helpline. Available in English 24/7 as well as in Cantonese, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish, Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu from Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 10 PM.

• 2-1-1: A resource hub available 24/7 with service in over 150 languages.

• 8-1-1: Telehealth Ontario for non-urgent medical support.

• 1-877-338-3398 : Emergency shelter support in Ontario, available 24/7.

• 1-866-863-7868 : Assaulted Women’s Helpline in Ontario.

• 1-855-242-3310: Hope for Wellness Helpline, available 24/7 for Indigenous peoples in Canada.

We acknowledge the importance of community care during periods of crisis, and recommend connecting with your doctor or healer, cultural leaders, friends and family, as well as your therapist during challenging periods of your life.

Counterspiral Care is not a crisis service, and is not a substitute for emergency care. In sessions with your therapist, you may develop safety plans together to support you if a crisis arises in a way that feels safe and supportive for you.

Please check back soon for an updated list!

Please check back soon for an updated list!

Please check back soon for an updated list!