Mental Health Services - General
Canadian Mental Health Association
A nation-wide voluntary organization promoting the mental health of all and supporting the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness.
Halifax/Dartmouth Branch: 455-5445
Healthy Minds Cooperative
An innovative health care cooperative that provides a variety of peer-based services to people living with mental illness and their families.
404-3504
Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia
Aims to improve the quality of life for those affected by schizophrenia and psychosis through education, support programs, public policy, and research.
465-2601 or 1-800-465-2601
Self Help Connection
Promotes self-help groups throughout Nova Scotia.
466-2601
Consumer Initiative Centre (CIC)
A program of the Self Help Connection, the CIC engages people living with mental illness in activities and programs that enhance their ability to take control over and improve their health and well-being.
404-7800
Laing House
A peer support organization where youth 16 to 29 years, who are living with mental illness, can embrace their unique gifts and find their way in a caring, supportive environment.
473-7743
Eating Disorders Action Group
Dedicated to promoting healthy body image and self esteem and to supporting individuals who experience disordered eating.
443-9944
Mi’kmaq Native Friendship Centre
Provides structured, social-based programming for urban Aboriginal people. Programs range from adult learning to child care and needle exchange to employment. With its open door policy, the centre is a gathering place and the home of community functions and events.
420-1576
Veith Street Gallery Studio Association
Supports artists with disabilities and related challenges through a range of programs, including creative education and volunteer opportunities.
446-6010
Halifax Sexual Health Centre
Promotes sexual and reproductive health within an environment respecting and supporting individual choice.
455-9656
Phoenix Centre for Youth Health Program
A walk-in health and counselling facility which offers a first exit from street life.
420-0676
Family Resource Centres
An on-line directory of family resource centres around the province
Caregivers Nova Scotia
Provides practical supports to friends and family giving care. Services include workshops, newsletters focused on caregiving issues, a book and video lending library, telephone caregiver assistance and community-based peer support groups.
1-877-488-7390
Federation acadienne de la Nouvelle-Ecosse (FANE)
Offers support to its member associations and the broader Acadian community, representing and lobbying on behalf of its members, facilitating community dialogue and consultation, communications, research and development.
433-0065
Health Association of African Canadians (HAAC)
A not-for-profit health association that provides resources, conducts research and disseminates research findings to government agencies, institutions, and Black communities, with a long-term vision of seeking policy reform on health issues of African Canadians.
405-4222
Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association
A community-based organization that welcomes newcomers and recognizes their essential role in Canada. Services include settlement support, employment programs, English courses, volunteer and community programs and business development and start-up.
423-3607
YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth
Dedicated to the development of individuals and communities in spirit, mind and body. Offers a range of programs and services from recreation to employment.
423-9709
YMCA Newcomer Services
Helps immigrants to Canada settle into their new homes in the Halifax Regional Municipality. The YMCA also helps the mainstream population understand the issues and barriers newcomers face while adjusting and adapting to a new language, culture, climate and community, while maintaining their own.
457-9622
Nova Scotia Family Pharmacare Program
A provincial drug plan designed to help Nova Scotians with the cost of prescription drugs. The program offers protection against drug costs for families who have no drug coverage or if the cost of the prescription drugs becomes a financial burden to them.
1-877-330-0323
West Hants Resource Line
Connects community members with local information, resources and support in the West Hants area.
902-792-2272
Resources for Crisis Situations
Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team
Provides crisis support for children, youth and adults experiencing a mental health crisis. It offers telephone crisis service 24/7 anywhere within the Capital Health District and mobile crisis response from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily to Halifax, Dartmouth and Bedford. The Team includes mental health professionals and police officers that are designated to the crisis service.
429-8167 or 1-888-429-8167
Child Protection
Nova Scotia Department of Community Services – Child Protection Services
The Nova Scotia Department of Community Services’ child protection services protects children under 16 years of age from abuse and/or neglect while making every effort to keep families together.
424-4754 or 1-866-922-2434 (after hours).
Adult Protection
Nova Scotia Department of Health - Continuing Care Adult Protection Services
The Department of Health offers help and support for people age 16 or older who are abused or neglected and who cannot physically or mentally protect or care for themselves.
1-800-225-7225
Shelters
Shelters for Women
Adsum House
425-3466
Barry House
423-1204
Bryony Transition Housing
429-9002
Shelters for Men
Metro Turning Point
420-3282
Salvation Army
422-2362
Shelters for Men and Women
Universal Shelter Association (culturally-sensitive safe houses)
Provides emergency shelter and counselling to individuals fleeing violence and, particularly, to members of minority communities who are not well served by the mainstream shelter system.
454-5459
Youth Shelter
Phoenix Youth Shelter
446-4663
Food
Feed Nova Scotia Help Line
421-1188
Feeding Others of Dartmouth
464-2919
Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank
425-2125
Hope Cottage
429-7968
Other resources
Avalon Sexual Assault Centre Crisis Line
425-0122
Kid’s Help Phone (24-hour)
1-800-668-6868
Parent Help Line (24-hour)
1-888-603-9100
Youth Help Line (24-hour)
420-8336
HealthLink 811 (24/7)
This is a Telecare service that provides all Nova Scotians with access to a registered nurse who can provide health advice and health information.
This service is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, by dialing 811 from any phone registered in the province.
For more information visit Capital Health online.
Employment
Nova Scotia Career & Transition Services
Offers workshops and programs for the general public in the areas of career planning, career transition and career management.
491-3527
Lake City Employment Services
A not-for-profit association whose goal is to assist people living with mental illness to improve their quality of life by supporting them to gain independence through work.
465-5000
TEAM Work Cooperative
Devoted to helping persons with disabilities become employed in Nova Scotia.
422-8900 (TTY: 420-0721)
Women’s Employment Outreach
Provides free employment services to women who are unemployed, nearing unemployment, on stress-related leave or looking for a career change.
422-8023
Nova Scotia Career Development Association
Visit this web site for a list of many of the organizations throughout Nova Scotia that provide career services.
Financial
Department of Community Services
Income Support
Persons with Disabilities
Regional Office 424-5074. There are district offices in many communities within Capital Health. The Regional Office will provide you with the phone number for the office closest to you.
Debtor Assistance Program
A program that offers counselling to those facing financial difficulties. Program staff can assist with preparing a budget and debt reduction plans. The program is offered by Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, and is available at no cost.
424-5200 or 1-800-670-4357
Credit Counselling Services of Atlantic Canada
Provides guidance to clients in solving debt problems through financial counselling, education, and debt repayment programs.
1-888-753-2227
Private Services
There are a number of private companies that assist people to become debt free through debt consolidation, consumer proposal or bankruptcies. There is a charge for these services. To find a private company you may want to work with, check the yellow pages under Insolvency/ Trustees in Bankruptcy.
Housing
Provincial Government
Get information online about the many provincial programs that assist with housing issues.
Housing Services, Central Region 424-5110
Metropolitan Regional Housing Authority
Manages public housing units across HRM and, together with six other housing authorities across Nova Scotia, administers a rent supplement program.
420-6000
Metro Non-Profit Housing
Provides safe, affordable housing in metro Halifax for single individuals who have experienced homelessness.
466-8714
Dartmouth Non-Profit Housing Society
Assists families or individuals in acquiring more affordable housing.
469-0543
YWCA Wish Housing Program
A program for women who have experienced homelessness.
423-6162
Legal
Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia
Responds to the needs of women in prison, develops community services for women, publicizes issues of women and the law, lobbying for improved penal facilities for women and lobbies for changes in criminal justice.
454-5041 or 1-877-619-1354
John Howard Society of Nova Scotia
Provides services to males in prison, develops community services and advocates people who have had contact with the criminal justice system in Canada.
422-2640
Dalhousie Legal Aid
Provides legal aid services to people who are not financially able to pay for legal advice or assistance.
423-8105
Nova Scotia Legal Aid
Legal Aid may provide a lawyer to someone who could not otherwise afford one. To be eligible for the service, an applicant must be receiving Social Assistance Benefits or be in an equivalent financial position. It must also be determined that there is some merit in the case and that the applicant will receive some benefit if service is provided. Legal services are provided mainly in the areas of family and criminal law.
420-3450
Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission
Commission staff investigate and resolve complaints of discrimination.
424-4111
Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia
A not-for-profit organization providing information and resources about the law.
454-2198
Nova Scotia Labour Standards
Information and resources on Nova Scotia and Government of Canada labour standards and employment equity.
424-4311
Dial-a-Law
A recording of legal information on a variety of topics.
420-1888
Halifax Refugee Clinic
Legal and settlement services for refugee claimants
422-6736
Service Canada
Service Canada is where you will find information on many federal government programs, including, Employment Insurance Services, Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits, Universal Child Care Benefit, Temporary Resident Visa, Citizenship Program. Local Service Canada centres are located in Bedford, Dartmouth, Halifax, Sheet Harbour and Windsor.
Halifax Regional Municipality Online Resource Guide
HRM produces an online resource guide that provides contact information for many community and government resources in categories from health and employment services to tenants rights and immigrant services.
Other mental health resources:
Abbie J. Lane Memorial Building
The Abbie J. Lane Memorial Building
5909 Veterans' Memorial Lane
Halifax, NS B3H 2E2
Phone: (902) 473-2700
Find it on Google Maps.
The Nova Scotia Hospital
300 Pleasant Street,
P.O. Box 1004
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 3Z9
Phone: (902) 464-3111
Find it on Google Maps.
Source: Living with Mental Illness: A Guide for Family and Friends. Halifax, NS: Capital District Health Authority; 2008
Mental Health and Related Organizations - General
Here to Help BC
Here to Help is a project of the British Columbia (BC) Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Informaiton. It was foudned in 2003 as a partnership of seven provincial non-profit mental health and addictions agencies. They work together to help individuals and families better manage mental health and substance use problems.
Mood Disorders Society of Canada
The Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC) is a national, not for profit, consumer driven, voluntary health charity committed to ensuring that the voice of consumers, family members and caregivers is heard on issues relating to mental health and mental illness and in particular with regard to depression, bipolar illness and other associated mood disorders.
Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada
Their mission: "to promote the prevention, treatment and management of anxiety disorders and to improve the lives of people who suffer from them."
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
CAMH is Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital. CAMH combines clinical care, research, education, policy development and health promotion to help transform the lives of people affected by mental health and addiction issues.
What's missing? Send your suggestions for resources we should include to ourhealthyminds@cdha.nshealth.ca
Mental Health Services - General
Canadian Mental Health Association
A nation-wide voluntary organization promoting the mental health of all and supporting the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness.
Halifax/Dartmouth Branch: 455-5445
Healthy Minds Cooperative
An innovative health care cooperative that provides a variety of peer-based services to people living with mental illness and their families.
404-3504
Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia
Aims to improve the quality of life for those affected by schizophrenia and psychosis through education, support programs, public policy, and research.
465-2601 or 1-800-465-2601
Self Help Connection
Promotes self-help groups throughout Nova Scotia.
466-2601
Consumer Initiative Centre (CIC)
A program of the Self Help Connection, the CIC engages people living with mental illness in activities and programs that enhance their ability to take control over and improve their health and well-being.
404-7800
Laing House
A peer support organization where youth 16 to 29 years, who are living with mental illness, can embrace their unique gifts and find their way in a caring, supportive environment.
473-7743
Eating Disorders Action Group
Dedicated to promoting healthy body image and self esteem and to supporting individuals who experience disordered eating.
443-9944
Mi’kmaq Native Friendship Centre
Provides structured, social-based programming for urban Aboriginal people. Programs range from adult learning to child care and needle exchange to employment. With its open door policy, the centre is a gathering place and the home of community functions and events.
420-1576
Veith Street Gallery Studio Association
Supports artists with disabilities and related challenges through a range of programs, including creative education and volunteer opportunities.
446-6010
Halifax Sexual Health Centre
Promotes sexual and reproductive health within an environment respecting and supporting individual choice.
455-9656
Phoenix Centre for Youth Health Program
A walk-in health and counselling facility which offers a first exit from street life.
420-0676
Family Resource Centres
An on-line directory of family resource centres around the province
Caregivers Nova Scotia
Provides practical supports to friends and family giving care. Services include workshops, newsletters focused on caregiving issues, a book and video lending library, telephone caregiver assistance and community-based peer support groups.
1-877-488-7390
Federation acadienne de la Nouvelle-Ecosse (FANE)
Offers support to its member associations and the broader Acadian community, representing and lobbying on behalf of its members, facilitating community dialogue and consultation, communications, research and development.
433-0065
Health Association of African Canadians (HAAC)
A not-for-profit health association that provides resources, conducts research and disseminates research findings to government agencies, institutions, and Black communities, with a long-term vision of seeking policy reform on health issues of African Canadians.
405-4222
Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association
A community-based organization that welcomes newcomers and recognizes their essential role in Canada. Services include settlement support, employment programs, English courses, volunteer and community programs and business development and start-up.
423-3607
YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth
Dedicated to the development of individuals and communities in spirit, mind and body. Offers a range of programs and services from recreation to employment.
423-9709
YMCA Newcomer Services
Helps immigrants to Canada settle into their new homes in the Halifax Regional Municipality. The YMCA also helps the mainstream population understand the issues and barriers newcomers face while adjusting and adapting to a new language, culture, climate and community, while maintaining their own.
457-9622
Nova Scotia Family Pharmacare Program
A provincial drug plan designed to help Nova Scotians with the cost of prescription drugs. The program offers protection against drug costs for families who have no drug coverage or if the cost of the prescription drugs becomes a financial burden to them.
1-877-330-0323
West Hants Resource Line
Connects community members with local information, resources and support in the West Hants area.
902-792-2272
Resources for Crisis Situations
Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team
Provides crisis support for children, youth and adults experiencing a mental health crisis. It offers telephone crisis service 24/7 anywhere within the Capital Health District and mobile crisis response from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily to Halifax, Dartmouth and Bedford. The Team includes mental health professionals and police officers that are designated to the crisis service.
429-8167 or 1-888-429-8167
Child Protection
Nova Scotia Department of Community Services – Child Protection Services
The Nova Scotia Department of Community Services’ child protection services protects children under 16 years of age from abuse and/or neglect while making every effort to keep families together.
424-4754 or 1-866-922-2434 (after hours).
Adult Protection
Nova Scotia Department of Health - Continuing Care Adult Protection Services
The Department of Health offers help and support for people age 16 or older who are abused or neglected and who cannot physically or mentally protect or care for themselves.
1-800-225-7225
Shelters
Shelters for Women
Adsum House
425-3466
Barry House
423-1204
Bryony Transition Housing
429-9002
Shelters for Men
Metro Turning Point
420-3282
Salvation Army
422-2362
Shelters for Men and Women
Universal Shelter Association (culturally-sensitive safe houses)
Provides emergency shelter and counselling to individuals fleeing violence and, particularly, to members of minority communities who are not well served by the mainstream shelter system.
454-5459
Youth Shelter
Phoenix Youth Shelter
446-4663
Food
Feed Nova Scotia Help Line
421-1188
Feeding Others of Dartmouth
464-2919
Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank
425-2125
Hope Cottage
429-7968
Other resources
Avalon Sexual Assault Centre Crisis Line
425-0122
Kid’s Help Phone (24-hour)
1-800-668-6868
Parent Help Line (24-hour)
1-888-603-9100
Youth Help Line (24-hour)
420-8336
HealthLink 811 (24/7)
This is a Telecare service that provides all Nova Scotians with access to a registered nurse who can provide health advice and health information.
This service is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, by dialing 811 from any phone registered in the province.
For more information visit Capital Health online.
Employment
Nova Scotia Career & Transition Services
Offers workshops and programs for the general public in the areas of career planning, career transition and career management.
491-3527
Lake City Employment Services
A not-for-profit association whose goal is to assist people living with mental illness to improve their quality of life by supporting them to gain independence through work.
465-5000
TEAM Work Cooperative
Devoted to helping persons with disabilities become employed in Nova Scotia.
422-8900 (TTY: 420-0721)
Women’s Employment Outreach
Provides free employment services to women who are unemployed, nearing unemployment, on stress-related leave or looking for a career change.
422-8023
Nova Scotia Career Development Association
Visit this web site for a list of many of the organizations throughout Nova Scotia that provide career services.
Financial
Department of Community Services
Income Support
Persons with Disabilities
Regional Office 424-5074. There are district offices in many communities within Capital Health. The Regional Office will provide you with the phone number for the office closest to you.
Debtor Assistance Program
A program that offers counselling to those facing financial difficulties. Program staff can assist with preparing a budget and debt reduction plans. The program is offered by Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, and is available at no cost.
424-5200 or 1-800-670-4357
Credit Counselling Services of Atlantic Canada
Provides guidance to clients in solving debt problems through financial counselling, education, and debt repayment programs.
1-888-753-2227
Private Services
There are a number of private companies that assist people to become debt free through debt consolidation, consumer proposal or bankruptcies. There is a charge for these services. To find a private company you may want to work with, check the yellow pages under Insolvency/ Trustees in Bankruptcy.
Housing
Provincial Government
Get information online about the many provincial programs that assist with housing issues.
Housing Services, Central Region 424-5110
Metropolitan Regional Housing Authority
Manages public housing units across HRM and, together with six other housing authorities across Nova Scotia, administers a rent supplement program.
420-6000
Metro Non-Profit Housing
Provides safe, affordable housing in metro Halifax for single individuals who have experienced homelessness.
466-8714
Dartmouth Non-Profit Housing Society
Assists families or individuals in acquiring more affordable housing.
469-0543
YWCA Wish Housing Program
A program for women who have experienced homelessness.
423-6162
Legal
Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia
Responds to the needs of women in prison, develops community services for women, publicizes issues of women and the law, lobbying for improved penal facilities for women and lobbies for changes in criminal justice.
454-5041 or 1-877-619-1354
John Howard Society of Nova Scotia
Provides services to males in prison, develops community services and advocates people who have had contact with the criminal justice system in Canada.
422-2640
Dalhousie Legal Aid
Provides legal aid services to people who are not financially able to pay for legal advice or assistance.
423-8105
Nova Scotia Legal Aid
Legal Aid may provide a lawyer to someone who could not otherwise afford one. To be eligible for the service, an applicant must be receiving Social Assistance Benefits or be in an equivalent financial position. It must also be determined that there is some merit in the case and that the applicant will receive some benefit if service is provided. Legal services are provided mainly in the areas of family and criminal law.
420-3450
Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission
Commission staff investigate and resolve complaints of discrimination.
424-4111
Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia
A not-for-profit organization providing information and resources about the law.
454-2198
Nova Scotia Labour Standards
Information and resources on Nova Scotia and Government of Canada labour standards and employment equity.
424-4311
Dial-a-Law
A recording of legal information on a variety of topics.
420-1888
Halifax Refugee Clinic
Legal and settlement services for refugee claimants
422-6736
Service Canada
Service Canada is where you will find information on many federal government programs, including, Employment Insurance Services, Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits, Universal Child Care Benefit, Temporary Resident Visa, Citizenship Program. Local Service Canada centres are located in Bedford, Dartmouth, Halifax, Sheet Harbour and Windsor.
Halifax Regional Municipality Online Resource Guide
HRM produces an online resource guide that provides contact information for many community and government resources in categories from health and employment services to tenants rights and immigrant services.
Other mental health resources:
Abbie J. Lane Memorial Building
The Abbie J. Lane Memorial Building
5909 Veterans' Memorial Lane
Halifax, NS B3H 2E2
Phone: (902) 473-2700
Find it on Google Maps.
The Nova Scotia Hospital
300 Pleasant Street,
P.O. Box 1004
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 3Z9
Phone: (902) 464-3111
Find it on Google Maps.
Source: Living with Mental Illness: A Guide for Family and Friends. Halifax, NS: Capital District Health Authority; 2008
Mental Health and Related Organizations - General
Here to Help BC
Here to Help is a project of the British Columbia (BC) Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Informaiton. It was foudned in 2003 as a partnership of seven provincial non-profit mental health and addictions agencies. They work together to help individuals and families better manage mental health and substance use problems.
Mood Disorders Society of Canada
The Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC) is a national, not for profit, consumer driven, voluntary health charity committed to ensuring that the voice of consumers, family members and caregivers is heard on issues relating to mental health and mental illness and in particular with regard to depression, bipolar illness and other associated mood disorders.
Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada
Their mission: "to promote the prevention, treatment and management of anxiety disorders and to improve the lives of people who suffer from them."
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
CAMH is Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital. CAMH combines clinical care, research, education, policy development and health promotion to help transform the lives of people affected by mental health and addiction issues.
What's missing? Send your suggestions for resources we should include to ourhealthyminds@cdha.nshealth.ca