Canada To Officially Launch No-Cost Hotline For Mental Health Crises

Following in the footsteps of the United States, Canada has announced it will be launching the 9-8-8 hotline in November 2023, allowing users to call or text the number for immediate mental health crisis intervention.

According to the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), residents who are directed to the suicide prevention service will not be charged, and will be able to access the hotline at no cost once the number is implemented by telephone and wireless service providers.

By using a simple, three-digit number, the country hopes the move will help lower the barriers to mental health resources, enabling greater access for all citizens regardless of where they live or how much they make. 

The hotline will be in operation 24/7, and will come with a text option for those who are unable to safely make a call, or dislike speaking on the phone, to receive the same counseling services. 

“We are taking a significant step in making mental health and suicide prevention resources more accessible to everyone in Canada. A single, easy to remember point of contact will provide much-needed help to those in crisis and will be crucial in saving lives,” says Ian Scott, Chairperson of the CRTC.

“Although much work is left to be done to bring help to people who need it, we have set accelerated timelines to ensure that 988 is implemented as quickly and as efficiently as possible,” he adds. 

While the new hotline is being instated, residents in Canada requiring mental health help can dial Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566, or text 741741 (adults) and 686868 (youth). 

[via Global News and Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission, cover image via Prykhodov | Dreamstime.com]