Call or text 988 to connect with trained crisis responders 24/7 anywhere in Canada.
A cabin retreat in Lambton County for first responders experiencing emotional fatigue or burnout, and up to 5 family members, for 3 days & 2 nights. Registration is easy and confidential. Total cost $20.
Access a variety of mental health screening tools, including 'Do I have PTSD?' to help identify next steps.
(A collaboration between Boots on the Ground, Homewood Health, PSPNET, & Wounded Warriors Canada.)
Visit the homepage and select Assessments along the top to easily measure sleep, quality of life, burnout, stress, resilience, substance use, trauma, depression, and anxiety. You’ll receive immediate, detailed results, along with relevant articles and access to the Sentio iCBT self-paced counselling program.
Find private therapists in your region who specialize in supporting first responders. For those with benefits or willing to pay out of pocket.
🌐 www.badgeoflifecanada.org/therapists/ontario
Find private therapists in your region who specialize in supporting first responders. For those with benefits or willing to pay out of pocket.
📞 1-833-677-2668
Departments have their own EFAP so that paid-on-call firefighters can access free counselling. Find details on your station's Health & Safety Board, or speak to someone from your department or municipal office.
An inpatient treatment program in Guelph specifically for first responders dealing with PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and depression. Accommodation fees may be covered by benefits including VFIS and WSIB.
The Trauma Resiliency Program offers free residential mental health treatment for first responders.
(Developed by CIPSRT, and supported by Garnet Families.)
Free online self-guided and therapist-supported programs are available to support mental health and wellness. A self-guided sleep program is also available to help improve sleep quality and overall wellness.
(A collaboration between Boots on the Ground, Homewood Health, PSPNET, & Wounded Warriors Canada.)
The free Sentio iCBT self-paced online counselling program helps individuals manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Participants can access evidence-based tools and strategies at their own pace, anytime and anywhere.
The HALEO virtual sleep clinic provides weekly sleep therapy sessions for up to six weeks, followed by four sleep checks over the next two years - fees may be covered by personal or employment benefits.
Many departments have on-duty coverage, although maximum allowances vary. Upon approval, mental health treatment costs may be covered.
First responders, including paid-on-call firefighters, can submit a claim for work-related mental stress injuries. Upon approval, WSIB can assist with mental health treatment costs.
🌐 www.wsib.ca/en/injured-or-ill-people/claims/work-related-mental-stress-injuries
Self-care suggestions and weekly virtual peer support group for public safety personnel.
A 24/7 confidential peer support helpline for first responders in Ontario.
📞 1-833-677-2668
Peer support group for public safety personnel—career, volunteer, and retired—to share work-related stress and mental health challenges. Meetings are offered both online and in-person, with locations in Belleville, Brantford, Kitchener, Lakefield, and Toronto.
Almost all departments have an EFAP so that paid-on-call firefighters have free access to counselling, as well as support with diet, quitting smoking, child care, elder care, finances, employment, and legal matters. Access is private and confidential, meaning your department is not informed if you use the service. Contact information should be available on your station’s Health & Safety Board, through your department, or by contacting your municipal office.
