External Support Services

We understand that many clients come to us during some of the most stressful and uncertain times in their lives. While our role is to provide strong legal support, we also recognize that legal challenges often come with personal, emotional, and practical challenges as well.

Whether you’re facing family difficulties, financial hardship, mental health issues, or navigating the care for a loved one, we hope this non-exhaustive list of services can help you feel more supported as we work to find a path forward.

Family and Social Services

The City of Ottawa has resources for employment Ontario, financial and social assistance, housing and homelessness, children’s services, and services for older adults and youth depending on your specific needs. 

Psychology Today helps connect you with a therapist, treatment centres, or support groups by city and desired topic.

Family Services Ottawa provides counselling and support services for all members of the Ottawa community with staff trained in a wide range of mental health and wellness issues. They offer various programs such as counselling services, educational workshops, and support programs.

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Ottawa Branch (CMHA Ottawa), is an independent, community-based non-profit organization that provides services for eligible individuals in the Ottawa area with severe and persistent mental illness and/or substance use disorder, many of whom are experiencing chronic homelessness or are vulnerably housed.

Counselling Connect provides free individual counselling and support groups. Its services are for people of all ages in Ottawa and the surrounding area, from Renfrew to Cornwall and the places in between. Services are offered in several languages.

Distress and Crisis Lines

The Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region answers calls 24/7, with distress and crisis line specialists providing confidential, bilingual support. Call 613-238-3311.You can also text and chat with the Distress Centre between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., seven days a week. Text 343-306-5550 or chat www.dcottawa.on.ca.

The Mental Health Crisis Line is bilingual and answers calls for people ages 16 or older 24/7. Callers can reach the line at 613-722-6914.

9-8-8 is for anyone who is thinking about suicide, or who is worried about someone they know. Connect to a responder to get help without judgement. Call or text 9-8-8 toll-free, anytime for support in English or French. 

Tel-Aide Outaouais offers French-language mental health telephone support 24 hours a day. Ottawa residents can call 613-741-6433 and Gatineau residents can contact 819-775-3223.

Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) provides confidential phone and web counselling for children ages 20 and under, 24/7.

Youth Services Bureau (YSB) provides youth and family counselling, crisis support, a 24/7 crisis line at 613-260-2360, walk-in counselling and an online crisis chat service for youth.

The external resources and links provided on this page are for informational purposes only. Mann Lawyers LLP does not own, operate, or control the content of these websites and cannot guarantee their accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness. Inclusion of a link does not imply endorsement of the organization or its services. Please use your discretion and consult a qualified professional where appropriate.

If you are in crisis or need immediate support, please contact a qualified professional or emergency services. These resources are not a substitute for professional advice or care.