Distress Contacts & Resources
If you are in crisis and need to talk to someone, please call the Mental Health Crisis Line at 613-722-6914 (within Ottawa), or 1-866-996-0991 (outside Ottawa). The support is available 24 hours a day.
Please also consider other supports:
- Ottawa Distress Centre 613-238-3311 (24 hours a day)
- Homewood Health Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provider at 1-800 663-1142 (24 hours a day)
- Badge of Life Ontario Rehab Helpline 1-888-459-5511 (24 hours a day). For further information on Badge of Life police informed resources in Ontario, please access Badge of Life at the following link: https://badgeoflifecanada.org/ontario-crisis-resources/
- With the exception of Monday, there are walk in clinics across the city, where you can meet with a professional mental health worker to assess your needs and connect you for longer term support. https://walkincounselling.com
- To find your local resources and support within the city of Ottawa, please access the Coalition of Community Health and Resource Centres of Ottawa. The link asks you to enter your residential address to get connected to the community health centre nearest you with free resources.
- The Ottawa Police Chaplain, Rev. Robert Heard, is available to listen to any retirees or former members, and to provide guidance or just to talk. His contact information is found within the ‘Members’ side of this website. Simply register to access, or contact the OPVA through our contact below, for a referral and Rev. Heard will return your call.
- For those retirees or former members looking for assistance with substance or alcohol abuse, use the contact form below. You will be immediately referred to our “Badge of Courage” Alcoholics Anonymous group representative, Dale Hayes, who will return your call.
