If you or someone you know is in crisis
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988 (24/7)
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Just Diagnosed with Mental Health Conditions in Ontario
You're not behind. There's no timeline. Start wherever you're ready and go at your own pace. Everything on this page is free.
Right Now
You're not alone. Whatever you're feeling right now is normal.
Getting a diagnosis can actually be a relief — it means there's a name for what you've been experiencing, and there are proven treatments that can help. You took a brave step.
Who to call today
Canadian Mental Health Association: 1-833-456-4566
Crisis Services Canada is available 24/7. For non-crisis support, CMHA branches offer local programs.
There's nothing you need to do medically right now that isn't already being handled by your care team.
A note about late-night Googling
We've all done it. At 2am you'll find yourself reading something terrifying written in 1997 that doesn't reflect where things are today. If you're spiraling, close the laptop and come back here tomorrow. The information on this page is current, Canadian, and reviewed. You're going to be okay.
When You're Ready — The Important Stuff
These programs have waitlists — some are months long. Applying now means you'll be closer to the front when you need them. None of this is urgent today. But when you have the energy, start here.
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
Opens the door to $200/month in child benefits, $90,000 in RDSP grants, and several other tax credits.
How to apply:Ask your child's doctor to fill out form T2201. That's it.
Read the full DTC guideFederal benefits
Ontario provincial programs
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
$1,368/month (single, 2025)Income support and employment assistance for adults with significant physical or mental disabilities lasting 1+ year.
Official websitePassport Program
Funding for community participation, person-directed planning, and caregiver respite for adults with developmental disabilities.
Note: Significant waitlists across the province.
Official websiteAssistive Devices Program (ADP)
Covers up to 75% of the cost of prescribed equipment (wheelchairs, hearing aids, prosthetics, communication devices).
Official websiteSpecial Services at Home (SSAH)
Funding for families to purchase respite care and skills development services for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Note: Long waitlists — can take 2-5 years in some regions.
About waitlists
Apply for everything on this list even if you're not ready to use the services yet. You can always decline when your name comes up, but you can't get back the time you spent not on the list. Think of it as holding your place in line.
The Paperwork
Nobody tells you that a disability diagnosis comes with a mountain of paperwork. Here's what you need and where to keep it. Get a folder (physical or digital). Label it. Everything goes in there.
Documents to gather
- 1Get a diagnostic report from your psychiatrist or psychologist
- 2Request documentation of the specific diagnosis (depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, PTSD, etc.)
- 3Ask for a letter detailing how the condition affects daily functioning for at least 12 months
- 4Document the impact on work, self-care, and social functioning
- 5Keep records of all treatments tried (medications, therapy, hospitalizations)
Always have copies of
- Child's health card
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) — apply if you don't have one
- Birth certificate
- All therapy reports and progress notes
- School records and IEP documents
- Receipts for all medical expenses, therapy, equipment, travel
Track your expenses
Starting today, keep every receipt for anything related to your child's condition: therapy sessions, medications, equipment, mileage to appointments, parking at the hospital. These are claimable on your taxes.
View Tax CalendarBuilding Your Team
Raising a child with Mental Healthisn't something you do alone. Here are the people and organizations who can help.
National organizations
Canada's most established and extensive community mental health organization with branches in every province and territory and 330+ community locations. Provides advocacy, programs, and resources for people with mental health conditions.
National organization offering the Pathway to Benefits program — free one-on-one navigation support for DTC, CDB, and RDSP applications for people with mood disorders.
A national organization providing the Pathway to Benefits program offering free navigation support for DTC, CDB, and RDSP applications for people with mood disorders and other mental health conditions.
Organizations in Ontario
Registered Canadian charity providing disability-related services. CRA Registration: 136747276RR0001
Registered Canadian charity providing disability-related services in EAST YORK. CRA Registration: 119283687RR0001.
Registered Canadian charity providing disability-related services in TORONTO. CRA Registration: 140988262RR0001.
Nonprofit organization supporting individuals and families affected by mental health in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Provides support services, resources.
Nonprofit organization supporting individuals and families affected by mental health in Kingston, Ontario. Provides support services, resources.
Registered Canadian charity providing disability-related services in TORONTO. CRA Registration: 118781558RR0001.
Nonprofit organization supporting individuals and families affected by mental health in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Provides support services, resources.
Nonprofit organization supporting individuals and families affected by mental health in Windsor, Ontario. Provides support services, resources.
Registered Canadian charity providing disability-related services in MISSISSAUGA. CRA Registration: 752413534RR0001.
Nonprofit organization supporting individuals and families affected by mental health in Brantford, Ontario. Provides support services, resources.
Nonprofit organization providing disability support services in Brantford, Ontario. Offers employment support, job training.
Recommended therapies
Here are the therapies typically recommended for Mental Health:
- Psychology (CBT, DBT, or other evidence-based therapy)
- Psychiatry
- Peer support
Specialists to request
- Psychiatrist for diagnosis and medication management
- Psychologist for therapy and assessment
- Social worker or counselor for ongoing support
- Occupational therapist for daily functioning strategies
- Peer support worker with lived experience
You are the expert on your child. The doctors are consultants. Don't be afraid to ask questions, disagree, or get a second opinion.
Looking Ahead
You don't need to think about any of this today. Bookmark this section and come back when you're ready — whether that's next month or next year.
RDSP (Registered Disability Savings Plan)
The government will give your child up to $90,000 over their lifetime — but only if you open this account. You need the DTC first. Once approved, open an RDSP even if you can't contribute. The government deposits bonds for low-income families automatically.
RDSP GuideHenson Trust
If your child will receive provincial disability support as an adult, a regular inheritance could disqualify them. A Henson Trust protects the inheritance without affecting benefits. You don't need to set this up now — but when you write your will, make sure your lawyer knows about Henson Trusts.
Education rights in Ontario
Ontario uses Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students identified through an Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) process. Parents can request an IPRC at any time. Schools must implement the IEP and review it annually. Ontario has specific categories for exceptionalities.
Your Rights guideTax planning
Most families of children with disabilities leave $10,000+ per year in unclaimed benefits.
You're Not Alone
Thousands of Canadian families navigate this path every year. Connecting with others who understand can make all the difference.
See something wrong or outdated? Report an error
Know of a service we should list?
This directory grows because people in the community help us find what we've missed. Let us know about organizations, programs, or services across Canada.