Mental health: resources and referrals

Are you caring for someone with a mental disorder?

Make your daily life easier as a caregiver of someone with mental health problems or a child with mental health issues:

• support the person you are caring for who is dealing with depression;
• support someone with a mental disorder;
• care for someone with suicidal thoughts;
• what you need to know about mental health and mental disorders;
• address administrative formalities and taxation.

In Québec, emphasis is placed on the promotion of mental health and the prevention of mental disorders, with access to a service tailored to the needs of the person and the organization of stepped health care and services.

Contact the mental health access portal (GASMA) of your CIUSS and learn more about the provincial government’s Québec psychotherapy program for mental disorders (PQPTM): from self-care to psychotherapy. If you or a person you are caring for are feeling distressed, ask for help or call Info-Social 811.

CAP santé mentale

CAP santé mentale is there to help you better cope with someone you are caring for who has a mental health problem.

Among other things, the Réseau offers answers to frequently asked questions about mental health and mental illness, tips and tricks to help you live your life better, a toolbox (in French only) and the podcast Cap vers l’entourage (in French only).

CAP santé mentale is a provincial, non-profit community organization whose mission is to bring together, represent, support and mobilize organizations working with caregivers of people with a mental health problem and to represent the voice of caregivers on a national level. The Network is made up of 43 associations spread throughout Québec. They offer free meetings, information, mutual aid, training and respite services.

The 1 855 272-7837 referral line allows you to reach the association in your region during business hours. The hotline is accessible 24/7 at 1 855 272-7837.

Caregiver Support Helpline and email

Caregiver Helpline Support is there for all caregivers, everywhere in Québec. Whether you are looking for a listening ear, information or referrals, our counselors are available every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. This service is free and confidential.

• by telephone: 1 855 852-7784;
• by email: info-aidant@lappui.org.

A page on our website is dedicated to the telephone helplines that caregivers can access throughout Québec.

National Mental Health Week

National Mental Health Week is held in May. The World Health Organization recognizes World Mental Health Day on October 10.