Eligibility
Help Ahead is for anyone under 18 looking for mental health and well-being services in Toronto, or for anyone looking to support someone aged 0-18 and their family in accessing local services or programs.
Our partner community mental health agencies serve different age ranges and catchment areas. Our knowledgeable staff can navigate the options and directly connect children, youth and their families to appropriate help.
Have questions? Talk to our friendly and experienced team at 1-866-585-6486.
Hours of operation:
Monday to Friday 9am – 7pm
Saturday 9am – 5pm
How it works
We’re here to connect children and youth aged 0-18 and their families to the right local supports and services based on their needs. When they call, our friendly, knowledgeable staff will listen to what they are going through and help guide and connect them to different available options. We also share resources and assist professionals with referrals.
Help Ahead is voluntary service. Help Ahead does not refer callers to doctors for assessments or medication requests.
Our community mental health agencies
Help Ahead is the centralized resource and intake phone line for multiple trusted community-based mental health organizations in Toronto. We have up-to-date information about the available programs and services and can find local supports to address the needs of infants, children, youth and their families.
For Service Coordinators
CSSRC
Children’s Service System Review and Consultation (CSSRC) is a monthly committee that supports service coordinators working with children and youth (ages 0–18) who present with highly complex and challenging needs, and for whom all available community services have been exhausted. This collaborative table brings together representatives from multiple sectors including child welfare, school boards, hospitals, and others to identify service gaps and provide system-level consultation and planning. To learn more or to make a referral, please contact cssrc@stridestoronto.ca.
STEPS
The Specialized Treatment, Education and Planning for Success (STEPS) is a short-term (30-day) enhancement funding initiative that supports agencies working with children and youth (ages 0–18) who have highly complex needs and are receiving Ministry of Health (MOH)-funded intensive services. The funding is intended to enhance agency capacity, prevent placement breakdowns, and promote successful clinical outcomes. The committee meets weekly to review applications and make funding decisions. To learn more or to make a referral, please contact STEPS@stridestoronto.ca.
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