Mental Health Resources in Oshawa and Durham Region
Finding mental health support isn't always straightforward. Depending on what you're experiencing, you might be looking for individual counselling, support for a child or family member, help with substance use, or just someone to talk to.
There are a number of organizations offering mental health and related support services across Oshawa and Durham Region, including free and low-cost options.
We've put together a list of local resources to help you understand what's available and where to start.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency department. For suicide-related concerns, you can call or text 988 at any time.
Youth and Family Mental Health Resources
The Refuge Youth Outreach Centre (Oshawa)
The Refuge supports youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability, primarily between the ages of 16 and 26. Alongside meals, showers, laundry facilities, and other basic necessities, the centre offers access to social work support, online counselling, and intervention and prevention programs.
Contact: 905-404-2420
Website: https://www.refugeoutreach.com/
Frontenac Youth Services (Oshawa)
Frontenac provides mental health services for adolescents aged 12–18 and their families throughout Durham Region. Services include individual and family counselling, day treatment, live-in treatment, a Quick Access Clinic, and telephone crisis support.
Youth and caregivers can initiate a referral through Central Intake.
Central Intake: 1-888-454-6275
General inquiries: 905-579-1551
Website: https://frontenacyouthservices.org/
Durham Counselling Walk-In Clinic (Oshawa)
Operated through a community partnership at Durham Community Health Centre, this clinic provides free, confidential single-session counselling for children and youth aged 3–19 and their families.
Sessions are available in person or virtually. Despite the walk-in name, clients are asked to call ahead to arrange an appointment.
Appointments: 289-509-0603 ext. 3203
Website: https://www.durhamchc.ca/our-services/integrated-clinical-and-wellness-care-services/mental-health/
One Stop Talk (Ontario-wide)
One Stop Talk provides free, immediate mental health support for children and youth under 18. Young people can connect with a registered therapist or clinician by phone or online, without needing a referral.
Parents and caregivers can also participate with their child. The service can help families access additional local resources when ongoing support is needed.
Contact: 1-855-416-8255
Website: https://onestoptalk.ca/
Community Mental Health Support
Durham Community Health Centre (Oshawa and Pickering)
Durham Community Health Centre offers free brief counselling for individuals, couples, and families, including support for everyday challenges and mild to moderate mental health concerns.
Services prioritize people experiencing financial or other barriers to accessing counselling. The organization also offers primary health care, gender-affirming care, and a range of culturally responsive health and wellness programs.
No doctor's referral is required for its general counselling service, although eligibility criteria apply.
Counselling inquiries: 1-877-227-3217
Website: https://www.durhamchc.ca/
Canadian Mental Health Association Durham (Oshawa)
CMHA Durham provides community-based mental health, addiction, and housing services.
Programs include case management, community support, supportive housing, and assistance for families and caregivers supporting someone with mental health concerns.
If you're unsure where to begin, CMHA's Community Connection Services can help assess your needs and connect you with appropriate programs, either through CMHA or another service provider.
Contact: 905-436-8760
Family Services Durham (Region-wide)
Family Services Durham provides individual, couples, and family counselling and psychotherapy to eligible Durham residents and people who work in the region.
Support is available for a range of concerns, including anxiety, stress, grief, relationship difficulties, and family challenges.
Counselling fees are determined on a sliding scale based on income. Appointments are available in person, by telephone, or virtually.
Contact: 311 or 1-888-721-0622
John Howard Society of Durham Region
The John Howard Society offers community and justice-related support for youth and adults across Durham.
Its programs include counselling, anger management, parenting and co-parenting groups, employment assistance, housing support, and services for youth involved with the justice system.
Some services have specific eligibility requirements or fees.
Contact: 905-579-8482 (Oshawa office)
Website: https://johnhoward.on.ca/durham/
Ifarada Institute (Ajax)
Ifarada offers culturally informed counselling, therapeutic groups, mentorship, and community programming for children, youth, adults, and families.
Its approach incorporates African-centred and Indigenous-inspired tools, with an emphasis on equity, inclusion, and holistic mental wellness. Programming includes individual and family counselling, emotional regulation groups, and specialized youth supports. Contact the organization to confirm current group schedules and registration availability.
Contact: 905-250-0415
Website: https://ifaradainstitute.org/
Durham Mental Health Services (Region-wide)
Part of Lakeridge Health, Durham Mental Health Services provides free community-based mental health support for Durham residents aged 16 and older.
Services include individualized community support, assistance with daily living and housing-related needs, family and caregiver support, and crisis services. The organization also offers specialized programs for transitional-aged youth, seniors, and individuals with more complex mental health needs.
Service inquiries through Central Connect: 905-440-7534
Addiction and Specialized Care
Pinewood Centre, Lakeridge Health (Durham Region)
Pinewood provides addiction assessment, counselling, withdrawal management, and treatment services for people affected by substance use and behavioural addictions.
Services include individual and group treatment, residential withdrawal management, women's residential treatment, youth addiction services, and support for family members. Pinewood also provides programs addressing problem gambling, gaming, and technology use.
Contact: 905-721-4747 ext. 31229
Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic (Oshawa)
Lakeridge Health's RAAM clinic provides timely access to medical care and counselling for people experiencing substance use concerns, particularly alcohol and opioid-related difficulties. Services include assessments, medication-based treatment, withdrawal management, overdose prevention education, and referrals to additional addiction services.
No doctor's referral is required. Both in-person and virtual access options are available.
Contact: 905-721-4747 ext. 37226
Website: https://www.lh.ca/our-services/mental-health-and-addictions/addictions-care/rapid-access-addiction-medicine-clinic-raam/
Back Door Mission / Mission United (Oshawa)
Back Door Mission operates Mission United, a collaborative health and social services hub supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, mental health concerns, and addiction.
Through its partner organizations, visitors can access mental health and addiction support, medical care, harm reduction supplies, housing assistance, meals, hygiene facilities, and other practical resources.
Contact: 905-728-4664
Crisis Lines and Immediate Mental Health Support
You don't need to know exactly what's wrong or have a diagnosis before asking for support. The following services offer immediate assistance or can help connect you with appropriate resources.
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline
Free, confidential suicide crisis support available across Canada, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Call or text: 988
Website: https://988.ca/
Durham Mental Health Services Crisis C.A.L.L. Line
Free, confidential, 24-hour telephone crisis support for individuals aged 16 and older, as well as their support networks. The service can also help arrange mobile crisis assistance, follow-up support, and referrals when appropriate.
Contact: 905-666-0483 or 1-800-742-1890
Distress Centre Durham
Provides confidential emotional support for people experiencing distress, loneliness, mental health difficulties, or personal crises. Trained volunteers can offer emotional support, assess suicide risk, and help callers identify relevant community resources.
Contact: 905-430-2522 or 1-800-452-0688
ConnexOntario
A free, confidential service that helps individuals locate mental health, addiction, and problem gambling services throughout Ontario. Available 24/7 by phone, text, and online chat, ConnexOntario is particularly useful if you're unsure which organization or type of treatment would be appropriate.
Contact: 1-866-531-2600
Text: CONNEX to 247247
Website: https://connexontario.ca/
Kids Help Phone
Free, confidential support for children, teenagers, and young adults across Canada. Professional counsellors are available by phone 24/7, alongside additional digital mental health resources.
Contact: 1-800-668-6868
Website: https://kidshelpphone.ca/
Mental Health Mutual-Aid Hub Canada: Mandarin Hotline
Offers Mandarin-language mental health support for Chinese-speaking community members, including newcomers, young adults, and seniors. The service covers Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area.
Contact: 289-800-8818
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Website: https://www.mhmh.ca/
Where to Start Looking for Therapy
You don't need to have a diagnosis or be able to fit yourself neatly into one of the categories above before reaching out.
If you're having difficulty identifying what kind of help you need, a registered mental health professional can help you explore your concerns and determine which services might be appropriate.
Some places to start include:
Asking your family doctor or primary care provider for recommendations.
Contacting a community organization such as Durham Community Health Centre or CMHA Durham.
Looking through online therapist directories such as Psychology Today or Theravive.
Contacting ConnexOntario for assistance navigating mental health and addiction services.
Calling 211 or visiting 211 Ontario to locate additional community and social supports.
For people interested in accessing Lakeridge Health's mental health and addiction programs, Central Connect provides a single intake pathway. You can contact them directly at 905-440-7534 or toll-free at 1-833-392-7363.
Looking for Support for Yourself or Your Child?
New Leaf Therapeutic Services offers individual psychotherapy for youth and young adults aged 12 and older, with a particular focus on ADHD, autism, emotional regulation, anxiety, and related challenges. Parent support sessions are also available.
If you're unsure whether therapy would be helpful for you or your child, you're welcome to reach out to discuss your concerns and explore your options.
Please note: Programs, eligibility requirements, and availability may change. We recommend contacting organizations directly to confirm their current services before visiting.
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