Kids Help Phone

Kids Help Phone is a Canadian national charity dedicated to young people’s mental health and well-being. It offers free, confidential, and 24/7 support in English and French (and via interpreters in 100+ languages) by phone, text and online chat. Its mandate covers any issue that youth may face — emotional distress, bullying, abuse, relationships, suicidal thoughts — through a safe, non-judgemental space.

How to access the services

Youth across Canada can call 1-800-668-6868 to speak with a professional counsellor any time of day or night. They can also text “CONNECT” to 686868 to connect with a trained volunteer crisis responder via SMS or message online. Online chat is also available. The service is not limited to a particular region—wherever a young person is in Canada, they can reach out.
In addition, for suicide-related crisis the organisation is a partner in the national three-digit service 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline, meaning when youth reach out via 9-8-8 they may be connected with Kids Help Phone as part of the network.

Who it serves

The main target group is children, teens and young adults across Canada — regardless of location, background, identity or issue. The service emphasises inclusion, equity and accessibility: it has special initiatives for Indigenous youth, Black youth, newcomer youth and multilingual communities. Even if an adult contacts the service, they will be directed appropriately.

Why it's important

Young people are facing increasingly complex mental-health challenges, including heightened anxiety, isolation, bullying and suicide risk. By offering a resource that is always open, free of charge and national in scope, Kids Help Phone helps lower barriers to accessing immediate support. It also collects data and conducts research to inform youth-mental-health policy and practice.
Moreover, because the service is digital and works across devices (phone, text, chat), it aligns with how many young people prefer to communicate, especially when they hesitate to speak in person.

Practical notes & limitations

While the service is very broad, it is not a long-term therapy provider: it offers immediate counselling and crisis response, and may refer users to ongoing supports as needed. Youth with complex or chronic psychiatric conditions may need follow-up services beyond what this line provides.
Another note: although thousands of languages are accessible via interpreter services, availability may vary and in rare cases delay may occur.
Lastly, even though services are free and confidential, if someone is assessed as being at imminent risk of self-harm, counsellors may take necessary steps to involve emergency services for safety.

Summary

In short: If you are in Canada, and you are a young person (or know one) dealing with emotional distress, bullying, identity issues, thoughts of suicide or simply need someone to talk to — Kids Help Phone offers a reliable, national, free and multilingual service you can reach any time. Knowing it exists and getting support early can make a difference.