Mental Health & Well-being
Welcome to the WCDSB Mental Health and Wellness page! You can find resources here to grow your knowledge on mental health topics, learn a variety of daily wellness practices that can help you manage stress, get connected when additional supports are needed, and learn about how WCDSB is promoting wellness in our school communities.
Updated Parent/Caregiver Resources
These are the first of many resources in development, by School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO) as part of a new Parent/Caregiver Mental Health Literacy Toolkit.
These resources were developed to assist parents/caregivers in navigating and supporting their child’s mental health and well-being.
These resources will soon be available in multiple languages for parents across Ontario.
Updated resources:
How to help your child have a mentally healthy return to school
Helping Your Child Manage Digital Technology
Noticing Mental Health Concerns for Your Child
New Grade 10 Career Studies Mental Health Literacy Modules Support Student Mental Health and Well-being
Effective Fall, 2024, the Ministry of Education has introduced two modules to support a new and an updated mental health literacy expectation within Strand A of the Career Studies curriculum. This learning will be delivered by educators (both in-person and through online learning) and will offer ways to enhance the delivery of curriculum and focus on mental health literacy.
This introductory video provides more information.
Mandatory mental health lessons for grades 7 and 8 students continue to roll out across WCDSB schools
Effective January 2024, grades 7 and 8 students across the province will receive new mandatory mental health lessons from the Ministry of Ontario (e-Community Ontario).
School Mental Health Ontario worked collaboratively with partners to develop the Grade 10 and Grade 7 and 8 modules, which help equip students with inclusive, culturally responsive, evidence-informed knowledge, skills and strategies to support their mental health and well-being.
The Modules intentionally link with curriculum, and educators at WCDSB are provided with additional resources to highlight the connection between faith and mental health within a Catholic context. Supporting students’ well-being and mental health aligns with Catholic Social Teachings by honouring and protecting the dignity of every student. “Promoting the well-being and positive mental health of all students to reach their God-given potential is a gospel mandate and a moral imperative for Catholic schools which aligns with this important initiative of the Ministry of Education.” Well-Being from a Catholic Perspective: Addressing Mental Health Literacy within Religion and Family Life Programs Institute for Catholic Education.
There are important reasons to bring these modules into the classroom:
- Students want to learn more about mental health at school.
- This learning helps students develop skills that support positive mental health.
- Mental health learning supports learning in all other areas.
- This learning can encourage conversations and help students in need reach support.
- As caring adults in the lives of young people, we want students to be well.
Student Wellbeing
We continue to prioritize mental health and well-being through a range of classroom supports and board professional services. Schools are a part of a circle of support for students. You are not alone. If you become concerned about your child’s mental health, it is good to seek help. Your child’s teacher or principal can help direct you to services in the school, board, or community. You may also wish to consult with your family physician or can connect directly with a community mental health agency near you. When more immediate help is needed, the Help Lines below can offer help. One of the most important things you can do is prioritize and protect your own mental health. Caring for your own wellness, and seeking support when you need to, is one way to help your child to stay mentally healthy.
On this page you can find a variety of links resources to promote wellness and also more general resources that can be promote positive mental health in our school communities.
We all have a role to play in promoting positive mental health in our school communities. To learn more general information about what you can do, select that category that fits you best & check out the broader range of resources from School Mental Health Ontario.
Mental Health Support and Resources
There are services online and in our community that can provide support. Please follow the “Mental Health Services and Resources” and “Other Helpful Waterloo Region Supports” links for more information down below.
If you or someone you care about is struggling, you are not alone!

Mental Health Services and Resources
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Here 24/7: Mental Health Crisis Line – If you or someone you know is in crisis or requires immediate support, please contact Here 24/7 at +1 (844) 437-3247. Here 24/7 website: https://here247.ca/. Here 24/7 serves as both a crisis service, as well as a guide to help you figure out how to get help for mental health and addictions in Waterloo-Wellington. For individuals in acute crisis/actively suicidal and unable to keep themselves safe, call 911 or visit your local emergency department (mental health services are available at Grand River Hospital and Cambridge Memorial Hospital only). |
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Kids Help Phone: Text, Phone Messenger & Live Chat – Kids Help Phone connects children and youth to a trained counsellor either by phone, text, or live webchat 24-hours a day. Services are anonymous. Contact +1 (800) 668-6868 or visit https://kidshelpphone.ca/ or Text “Connect” to 686868. |
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Front Door: Child & Youth Mental Health – Supports youth up to their 18th birthday who experience mental health, emotional or behavioural challenges by providing assessment and link to services in the area. They can be reached at +1 (519) 749-2932 press 1 or visit www.frontdoormentalhealth.com |
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Camino – Mental Health & Wellbeing – Provides counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. Fees are assessed according to a sliding scale .*Also offers Quick Access single-session counselling to youth under 18 free of charge. Visit the Camino website: Camino (caminowellbeing.ca) or call at 519-743-6333 press 1. |
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Black Youth Helpline – https://blackyouth.ca/
Black Youth Helpline serves all youth and specifically responds to the need for a Black youth specific service, positioned and resourced to promote access to professional, culturally appropriate support for youth, families and schools. Contact Black Youth Helpline at +1-833-294-8650 or visit https://blackyouth.ca/ |
Hope for Wellness Helpline – Hope for Wellness Helpline is available to all Indigenous people across Canada. Experienced, culturally competent counsellors are reachable by phone and online ‘chat’ 24/7. Telephone support is available upon request in Cree, Obibway (Anishinabemowin) and Inuktitut. Contact Hope for Wellness Helpline at +1-855-242-3310 or visit Hope for Wellness website. | |
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Naseeha – Naseeha is a mental health hotline answering calls from Muslim and non-muslims. Naseeha Mental Health provides a safe zone for youths and individuals to talk and get the help they need. They offer texting support 7 days a week. They can be reached at +1 (866) 627-3342 or visit www.naseeha.org |
OK2BME – OK2BME is a set of supportive services (including counselling and youth groups) for 2SLGBTQIA+ children, teens, adults and their families in Waterloo Region. Contact OK2BME at 519-884-0000 or visit OK2BME website. | |
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LGBT Youthline – LGBT Youthline offers confidential and non-judgemental peer support through our telephone, text and chat services. Get in touch with a peer support volunteer from Sunday to Friday, 4:00PM to 9:30 PM. Phone: +1-800-268-9688 or Text: 647-694-4275 or visit LGBT website. |
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Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region – Counselling and support services for individuals who have experienced a sexual assault or sexual exploitation. Also offers a 24-hour support phone line. 24 Hour Crisis Line: (519) 741-8633. Sexual Assault Support Centre Phone: (519) 571-0121 or visit the Sexual Assault Support Centre website. |
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Ray of Hope – Addiction Support Services for youth aged 13-21 and their parents/caregivers.
Phone: (519) 743-2311 or Email: yss@rayofhope.net or Website: rayofhope.net |
Be There – Information to help youth to support a friend who is struggling with their mental health. Learn to recognize warning signs and how to safely support them to get the help they deserve. Visit the Be There website. | |
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SafeHaven Youth Shelter – Safe Haven Youth Services provides crisis, respite and life launch services to youth between the ages of 12 and up to their 18th birthday living in Waterloo Region. Phone: 519-749-1450 or visit Safe Haven website. |
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OneROOF Youth Services – oneROOF Youth Services is committed to providing for the safety, support and overall well-being of youth who are experiencing homelessness, and youth who are at-risk of homelessness, aged 12-25, in Waterloo Region. Phone: 519-742-2788 or Email: info@oneroof.org or visit oneROOF website. |
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House of Friendship Outreach Program – The Family Outreach Program is a neighbourhood-based program funded by the Region of Waterloo that works with families with children aged 17 and under to prevent and reduce the effects of poverty and assist with basic needs. Phone: 519-742-8327 or Email: info@familyoutreach.ca or visit the House of Friendship website. |
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WCDSB Tip Sheet for Parents & Caregivers: Talking to your Children about Substance Abuse Provides links to resources to learn about substances your child might be exposed to some tips on how to engage in the conversation and some suggestions of what you might say. |
Additional Resources:
School Mental Health Ontario – School Mental Health Ontario (smho-smso.ca)
Jack.Org – Jack.org Home Page
Anxiety Canada – Home – Anxiety Canada
Mind Your Mind – mindyourmind.ca | reach out, give help, get help
WCDSB Mental Health & Wellbeing – Mental Health & Well-Being (wcdsb.ca)

Other Helpful Waterloo Region Supports
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Compass Refugee Centre (Formerly MCRS) provides a wide variety of services to refugees including support with the refugee claim process, translation/interpretation, family reunification support, job training, housing and food security, etc. |
The Foodbank of Waterloo Region provides a range of services including emergency food banks, hampers, community meals, etc. | |
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AFRO is a grassroots, mutual aid organization serving the Black and African communities in Waterloo Region that enables all members of our community to participate in Canadian society as active citizens. |
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https://kindmindsfamilywellness.org/ |
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Family Compass |
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Parents for Children’s Mental Health (PCMH) http://www.pcmh.ca/Waterloo Support, information, service navigation, and mentorship for families caring for a child with mental health concerns. |
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Waterloo Region Family Network https://wrfn.info/ Support, information, service navigation, and mentorship for families caring for a child with special needs. |
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https://parentingnow.ca/ Have a parenting question? A challenging situation? You can reach a trained peer parenting mentor through Parenting Now for a listening ear, ideas, and support. |
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https://www.lutherwood.ca/ In addition to free child & youth mental health, parenting supports, day treatment and residential treatment services (accessed via https://www.frontdoormentalhealth.com/), Lutherwood also offers a variety of services to all ages including housing and employment services. |
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OK2BEME https://ok2bme.ca/ Free, supportive services for LGBTQ2+ identified children, teens and their families in Waterloo Region. |
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Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence – St. Mary’s General Hospital (smgh.ca) Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre – Team of highly trained, dedicated medical care practitioners and counsellors available to support individuals who have experienced sexual assault and/or domestic violence. Able to collect and document physical evidence immediately following an assault and facilitate police involvement as needed. |
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SASC – 24 hour support line, and group and/or individual counselling to individuals who have experienced sexual assault and/or human trafficking, as well as public education and advocacy. https://www.sascwr.org/ |
Region of Waterloo Public Health Department https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/health-and-wellness/health-services-and-resources.aspx |
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Ray of Hope – Outreach-based youth addiction services, groups, and a specialized section 23 classroom https://www.rayofhope.net/need-help/ |
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Sexual Abuse and Treatment Program (via Family & Child Services) |
Sexual Abuse Treatment Services https://www.facswaterloo.org/helpingfamilies/sexual-abuse-treatment-services Assessment and treatment of children (under 18) who have experienced sexual abuse and sexual assault. |
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Anselma/Haven House – shelter for women (& their children) experiencing any form of abuse https://wcswr.org/programs-services/ |
Safe Haven youth shelter – emergency shelter, planned respite, housing help https://www.lutherwood.ca/housing/ | |
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oneROOF https://www.oneroof.org/ – outreach, meals, drop-in, and housing support for aged 12-25. Shelter services ages 16-25 (Kitchener) |
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Argus Residence for Young People:
Emergency shelter (Cambridge) for youth 16-24 years, homelessness diversion, lifeskills & employment programming. |
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Counselling Collaborative of Waterloo Region https://counsellingwr.ca/ Partnership of 6 local counselling agencies working together to make counselling services (all ages) more accessible to individuals with a limited income. Fees may be fully or partially subsidized depending on individual circumstances and the service requested. Intake is directly through the participating agency. |
Hospice of Waterloo Region Hospice of Waterloo Region provides a wide variety range of programs and services designed to support individuals who are living with a life threatening illness, their families, and their care providers. Hospice also has programs for the recently bereaved. |
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HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre https://www.hopespring.ca/ |
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The Coping Centre https://www.copingcentre.com/ Individual and group counselling and support for individuals/families who are grieving. |
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Family Outreach Program https://www.houseoffriendship.org/how-we-help/family-neighbourhood-supports/family-outreach-program/ Family Outreach Workers in this neighborhood-based program walk with families to help meet basic needs by problem-solving solutions together, connecting them with services in their community and providing direct support when necessary. |
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https://www.ymcacambridgekw.ca/en/immigrant-services/Settlement-Services.asp https://kwmulticultural.ca/settlement YMCA & KW Multicultural Centre Settlement Services – support to newcomers with, advocacy, language support, case management, navigating immigration, etc |
Sanctuary Refugee Health Centre (medical clinic & advocacy for newcomers, some counselling) https://sanctuaryrefugee.ca/ |
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Langs https://www.langs.org/ This is a Cambridge neighbourhood-based organization using a hub model that offers a wide range of services to promote wellbeing of children, families, and seniors in its catchment. |
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Cambridge Neighbourhood Association http://cambridgeneighbourhoods.ca/ This website can connect you with your local Cambridge neighbourhood association, which may include access to a wide variety of social, recreational and parenting supports. |
If you are looking for private counselling services you can consult the college websites to find regulated local mental health professionals:
- Social Work: https://www.ocswssw.org/members/online-register/
- Psychology: https://members.cpbao.ca/public_register/new
- Psychotherapist: https://www.crpo.ca/find-a-registered-psychotherapist/
- Ontario Association of Marriage and Family Therapists: https://oamft.com/find-a-therapist/ (site currently down)
- Ontario Association of Family Mediation: https://www.oafm.on.ca/mediator-search/
Please note that we are not responsible for affiliate links. If you notice a broken link please contact andrea.snyder@wcdsb.ca. Thank you!
Mental Health & Wellbeing at WCDSB
Mental health is a “state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” (World Health Organization)
Mental health is not simply the absence of mental illness. It is a sense of emotional, psychological and spiritual well-being that enables us to meet the opportunities and challenges of life with a sense of confidence and hope.
We support student mental health and well-being by building capacity to:
- Promote positive mental health for all students
- Reduce stigma
- Build student socio-emotional learning skills
- Identify students who may be experiencing mental health problems
- Build pathways to care and support services in the community
This CAMH video explains the separate but interconnected concepts of mental health and mental illness, as well as what it means to ‘promote mental health’, in ourselves, in our schools, and in our communities.
Growing Mentally Healthy Schools
We strive to be a leader in championing the importance of mental health and well-being of students and staff, and consistently demonstrate a commitment to fostering safe and inclusive learning environments. We believe that supporting mental health and well-being is essential for development and learning and is an enabler for academic success.
Our annual plan and broader longer-term strategy for promoting wellness in our system are articulated here:
- 2024-2025 WCDSB Annual Mental Health and Wellbeing Plan
- 2022-2025 Three Year Mental Health and Addictions Strategy WCDSB
- Ontario’s Well-Being Strategy for Education
This work is informed by a provincial mental health strategy through School Mental Health Ontario. Everyone plays an important role in promoting positive mental health, please follow the links below for resources and ideas about how you can support this work!
Digital Citizenship for Parents – Innovate (wcdsb.ca)
A Comprehensive Approach to Wellbeing
Wellness has many dimensions in addition to mental health. Take a look at our 2022-2025 Pastoral Plan to see how we promote wellbeing from a spiritual lens, our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page for more information on how we promote inclusion and belonging for every student, and also consider how our physical health impacts our mood and overall wellbeing. Follow us all on Twitter to learn more about what’s happening in our board across all these interconnected areas of wellbeing!
Mental Health 101
Video Clips and Webinars
“How Mindfulness Empowers Us”: by Sharon Salzberg”
Mindfulness allows us to see our thoughts and feelings as they really are, freeing us from old ways of thinking. |
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Strategies to promote motivation in your student with ADHD during hybrid learning
School Motivation for Students with ADHD: Online Learning, Task Persistence (additudemag.com) |
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“Flip Your Lid” Stress/Trauma and emotion regulation |
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Emotions & The Brain – Video |
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Unhealthy Thinking Patterns “Automatic Thoughts” |
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Normal actions or a mental health concern? 2 minute video for parents |
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https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resourcecategory/multimedia/
This site has a range of resources related to the child’s developing brain, how it’s influenced relationships with caring adults, how toxic stress wires the brain, and building resiliency. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChBjCaJyswxsEqz26TZrWRw |
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1r8hj72bfGo&t=2s |
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“I Had a Black Dog” – what it’s like to experience Depression |
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“Leaky Brakes” video series (understanding disinhibition disorders: Tourette’s, tic disorders, OCD, ADHD, ODD, reactive rage, sensory integration challenges)
https://www.cpri.ca/families/programs-services/brake-shop/brake-shop-virtual-clinic/all-purpose-kit/ |
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Video about OCD |
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3S_XYaEPUs |
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Daring Classrooms – Dr. Brene Brown |
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The Happiness Advantage: POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY STRATEGIES for Resilience – |
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How to make stress your friend | Kelly McGonigal |
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Info re: computer,video game addictions |
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How to engage youth in conversations about cannabis on Vimeo |
7 Tips for Helping Your Child Through the Transition from Remote to In-Person Learning YouTube Video |
Apps
There are lots of apps that can build positive mental health. Here are some questions to consider:
- Are you comfortable with any personal/sensitive information it may ask of you, and are you clear about it’s privacy/terms of service?
- What are you hoping will change? Some apps are designed to:
- Give you the basic information about common mental health disorders such as Anxiety and Depression – may include screening questions to help you understand if what you’re experiencing is typical or whether it’s time to look at helpful supports
- Walk you through general proactive calming/stress management strategies such as breathing, mindfulness stretches, guided visualizations, progressive muscle relaxations, and helps you establish a daily pattern of wellness activities (i.e. Calm, Headspace, MindShift CBT)
- Help you track your moods and look for patterns related to sleep, etc so that you can review with your doctor or counsellor (i.e. Mindshift CBT, Mood)
- Teaches you about the thinking patterns that can influence your mood, build CBT skills that can address some aspects of Anxiety and Depression (i.e. MindShift CBT, Woebot)
- Links you to local resources (i.e. BeSafe)
- Links you to a counsellor via a live webchat (i.e. “Always There” — Kids Help Phone)
Parent Information Hub
Access our Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (CPIC) Information Hub to listen to various community organizations speak directly to questions such as: How do I support my anxious child? How do I help my child build social skills? Where do I learn more about 2SLGBTQ+ identities? How do I keep my child safe on the internet? Interested in additional services to support your child? Follow the links to access more information on services offered by each organization.
Daily Practices to Promote Wellness
Incorporating calming activities into your day – even if only for a few minutes – can make a huge difference in your experience of stress & how you respond to challenges.
There is no one-sized-fits-all approach – what works for you might not work for others. And what works when you’re only a little bit stressed may be very different from what works for you when you’re feeling very overwhelmed. Below are some examples of relaxation activities. Give them a try and then ask yourself these questions:
- Do you like something reflective where a narrator is coaching you?
- Do you prefer something with just music? White noise?
- Does it help you breathe slowly and deeply if someone sets the pace for you? If not, set your own pace – try to increase the “space between your breaths” without actually holding your breath. Try to slow it down at a pace that’s comfortable for you.
- Does it help you to have a visual image guiding your pace of breathing?
- Do your muscles get tense when you’re feeling stressed? Does Progressive Muscle Relaxation help you with that?
Make note of how you feel in your brain/body/mood before, during, and after these activities.
Better yet, participate in a wellness challenge (over a day? A week? A month?), and commit to spending a set period of time each day (2 minutes? 5 minutes? 10? More?) to engage in a wellness practice proactively. Reflect on your mood over this period of time, and if you are observing a change in your experiences of stress.
Many people will struggle to direct their attention towards a mindfulness activity for a set period of time, and will find their thoughts wandering towards to-do lists and worries. Your brain is like a muscle. Start small! You will get better at it. Every time you catch your mind wandering and can rejoin the activity is a step in the right direction.
Need help now?
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call Here 24/7 at 1(844) 437-3247 (HERE247) TTY: 1877-688-5501, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Children and youth can also reach out to Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868.