Resources
See below for a list of additional mental health resources, all free of charge. Resources include in person, telephone or online delivery; professional or peer-based supports and population/community specific options.
Community Mental Health and Addiction Services
Provides mental health and addiction services, including counselling and group therapy. Self-refer to various locations across Halifax and Nova Scotia. Call 1-855-922-1122 to conduct a phone intake.
988
Suicide prevention helpline that provides live support by phone and text to everyone in Canada 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you are thinking about suicide or worried about someone you know call or text 988.
Tranquility
Internet based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy program that includes online modules, interactive tools and one-on-one virtual coaching (through text and/or weekly video and phone sessions) for up to 26 weeks for those with mild-moderate anxiety and depression. Visit for more information.
Couch of Hope
Free counselling for individuals age 10 and up. Located at 192 Wyse Rd in Dartmouth. Call (902) 707-4414 or email intake@couchofhope.com. Visit for more information.
Pause Mental Health
Pause is a free, low-barrier mental health walk-in or call-in counselling support service for individuals experiencing stress related to a variety of issues.
- Walk-in: Tuesday & Thursday 5-8PM 2131 Gottingen St (rear entrance) and Wednesday 2-8PM designated rotating locations in HRM (call 1-800-598-5270 for details).
- Call-in: Call 1-800-598-5270 any time and leave a message with your name and phone number, they will get back to you with an appointment time. Anyone can phone in. You do not need a health card or a mental health diagnosis.
Good2Talk
Free professional counselling, crisis support and information and referrals about mental health services available 24/7/365 by calling 1-833-292-3698 or texting “Good2TalkNS” to 686868.
The Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team
Free crisis support provided by trained responders available 24/7/365 by calling 1-902-429-8167. They also have a mobile unit that can present in person in the Halifax region between the hours of 11:00 am and 1:00 am availably depending.
Togetherall
Online peer community moderated by mental health professionals available 24/7 for post secondary students to access mental health support. Visit for more information.
Peer Support (available Sept-April annually)
Free one on one drop-in support provided by trained upper year SMU students. Email peer.support@smu.ca for more information.
2SLGBTQIA+ Wellness Ambassador (available Sept-April annually)
A trained, upper year student who hosts wellness-based social events for the queer and trans community. They are also available for one-on-one support to discuss issues relating to sexual orientation and gender identity. Email 2SLGBTQ.wellness@smu.ca to reach them.
Mental Health Advocates
Free self guided modules on various mental health topics accessed via Brightspace.
2SLGBTQIA+ Wellness Ambassador (available Sept-April annually)
A trained, upper year student who hosts wellness-based social events for the queer and trans community. They are also available for one-on-one support to discuss issues relating to sexual orientation and gender identity. Email 2SLGBTQ.wellness@smu.ca to reach them.
The Youth Project
Provides support and services to 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, 25 and under, around issues of sexual orientation and gender identity. Visit for more information.
LGBT National Hotline
Peer support, information and resources for the 2SLGBTQIA+ population. Available to all ages 24/7.Call 1-888-843-4564 or visit for more information.
Trans Lifeline
Peer support phone service run by trans people for trans or questioning peers 24/7. Call 1-877-330-6366 or visit for more information.
The Black Student Advisor
Provides support for Black and African descended students at St. Mary's through guidance, advocacy, community building and celebrating black culture. Email blackstudent.advisor@smu.ca.
Nova Scotia Brotherhood
Free program to access a team of health care professionals who provide culturally-appropriate support, including mental health support, for men of African descent across Halifax Regional Municipality. Mental health programming includes access to Social Workers, Psychologists, Psychiatrists and navigation to community-based mental health resources, peer support groups and mental health literacy. Call 902-434-0824 or email novascotiabrotherhood@nshealth.ca for more information.
Nova Scotia Sisterhood
Province-wide, free program for Black women to access health care, including mental health care, in the community and to improve overall health and wellbeing. Call 902-399-5473 or email nssisterhood@nshealth.ca for more information.
Mindful Conversations
A bi-weekly virtual gathering on Tuesdays at 8:30pm for Black men focusing on wellness and personal development facilitated by Jude Clyke (African Nova Scotian mentor, community leader and advocate). All Black men or individuals who identify as persons of African descent are welcome to join using this link: For more information contact Jude at clykejc@live.com.
The Indigenous Student Advisor
Provides guidance, develops community programming, and helps to bring culturally respectful prospectives to light through reconciliation initiatives, advocacy, and community-centered relationship building. Email indigenous.advisor@smu.ca.
Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre
Provides a variety of services including housing support, harm reduction, employment and training support, health and wellness initiatives (including mental health treatment) and cultural engagement. Phone: 902-420-1576 or visit for more information.
Hope for Wellness Helpline
Immediate help for all Indigenous peoples across Canada 24/7/365, including counselling and crisis intervention. Call 1-855-242-3310 or chat online at .
The Counselling Centre at
Saint Mary's
O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre
Fourth Floor, Room 406
923 Robie Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3H 3C3
Phone: 902-420-5615