Get Help Now - Student Wellness Centre

Access Support

The Student Wellness Centre offers same-day, single session counselling appointments throughout the week.

If you are experiencing high levels of distress, such as thoughts of harm, recent traumatic events, or intense shifts in mood or thinking, our team will prioritize connecting you will care as soon as possible.

To speak with a counsellor or meet with a member from our medical team, call us at 905-525-9140 ext. 27700 or visit us in person at PGCLL, 210 (Level 2)

Outside of the Student Wellness Centre Business Hours

9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline More Info

Canada’s 9-8-8 helpline provides 24/7 support by phone and text in English and French across Canada. Funded by the Government of Canada, it connects you with trained crisis responders for immediate, culturally sensitive assistance. Specialized support for youth and Indigenous communities is also offered.

COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team) More Info

Hamilton’s crisis line is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The COAST mobile team, consisting of a mental health worker, and a police officer, will respond to crisis calls between the hours of 8 a.m. and 1 a.m. daily.

905-972-8338

Good2Talk More Info

Good2Talk is a free, confidential helpline providing professional counselling and information and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being to post-secondary students in Ontario, 24/7/365.

1-866-925-5454 or dial 211 and ask to be connected to Good2Talk.

Empower Me (Local & Overseas Graduate Students) More Info

24/7 accessible counselling services to empower you to thrive, crisis support, mental health and well-being services. Below is the local number if you are in Canada or the US. See the link to find helpline numbers for overseas access.

Barrett Centre for Crisis Support More Info

Barrett Centre for Crisis Support provides a safe environment in the community and responds to the needs of individuals, 16 years of age or older, who experience a mental health crisis and do not require a hospital stay. We provide confidential and free services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

24 Hour Crisis Line: 905-529-7878
Toll Free: 1-844-777-3571

Oakville Distress Centre More Info

Distress Centre Halton provides telephone and online support to people to better cope with crisis, loneliness, and emotional stress. Also serves the Hamilton area

905-849-4541

Assaulted Women's Helpline More Info

Free, anonymous and confidential telephone and TTY crisis telephone line to all women in the province of Ontario who have experienced any form of abuse.

We provide crisis counselling, safety planning, emotional support, information and referrals accessible 24/7/365.

GTA: 416-863-0511
GTA TTY: 416-364-8762

Toll-free: 1-866-863-0511
TTY: 1-866-863-7868

Crisis Resources in the GTA CAMH Resources

The CAMH Distress Crisis Resources web page lists a number of phone lines, response teams and hospitals in the GTA.

Emergency Contacts

Who do I call?

On Campus

If you are dealing with an emergency situation on McMaster Campus, please call Campus Security 905-522-4135 or ‘88’ from a campus phone.

Off-Campus

If you are not on campus visit the nearest hospital emergency department, or call 911.

Should I visit an Emergency Department or an Urgent Care Centre?

When to use the Emergency Department (hospital)

Open 24 hours

An emergency is a life-threatening illness or injury. Call 911 to get medical help right away.

Examples of emergencies:

Trouble breathing
Bleeding that won’t stop
Chest pain or pressure
Broken bones
Partial/total amputation of a limb
Traumas or injuries to the head
Deep cuts or wounds
Severe burns or pain
Poisoning
Loss of consciousness (unable to wake)
Sudden headaches, dizziness, weakness, numbness, trouble seeing or speaking
Mental health issues
Severely ill or injured children
Obstetrical emergencies (labour and delivery)

When to use the Urgent Care Centre

Urgent care is required for illnesses and injuries that do not need emergency care, but cannot wait for an appointment with a family doctor.

Examples requiring urgent care:

Minor cuts or wounds that may require stitches
Sprains, strains, or deep bruises
Ear infections
Fevers, coughs, congestion, and sore throats
Insect bites, rashes, and scrapes

Where to go:

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton Get There

905-522-4941

50 Charlton Avenue East

McMaster Children’s Hospital Get There

*For emergency patients 17 and under*

905-529-2100

1200 Main Street West

King Campus Urgent Care, St Joseph's Healthcare Get There

905-573-7777

Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week

2757 King St. East, Hamilton, Ontario, L8G 5E4

Main Street West Urgent Care Centre Get There

905-521-2100 ext. 72000

Open 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., 7 days a week

690 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 1A4

Sexual Violence Support

If you are unsure about what to do or where to turn, consider reaching out to a Sexual Violence Response Case Manager. They will listen to your experience and, when you are ready, provide information about your options, how to find more support, and potential next steps.

Natalie Lafleur, MSW, RSW (she/her)

Sexual Violence Response Case Manager
University Hall (UH) 107
lafleurn@mcmaster.ca
905-525-9140 ext. 20909

Campus Support

Sexual Violence Prevention & Response Office More Info

McMaster’s Equity and Inclusion Office provides support and advocacy for issues related to sexual assault and harassment through the Sexual Violence Response Coordinator.

WGEN (Women and Gender Equity Network) More Info

The MSU Women and Gender Equity Network (WGEN) is a peer support driven service that caters to women, trans folk, people who identify outside the gender binary, gender non-conforming folk and all survivors of sexual and gender-based violence from all gender identities. WGEN provides a safe(r) space on campus for people to go and feel safe, talk about articles and issues in the media, make friends, and bond through common experiences. The space also has a library with a number of resources available for the McMaster community to use.

905-525-9140 ext. 20265

Community Support

SACHA (Sexual Assault Centre - Hamilton Area) More Info

Provides confidential, anonymous 24-hour nonjudgmental telephone support for adults who have experienced sexual violence at any point in their lives; will provide accompaniment to hospital or police station for survivors wishing to seek medical attention or report; counselling services & public education.

24-hour Support Line: 905-525-4162

Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Care Centre More Info

Is an adult out-patient centre located in McMaster Children’s Hospital, operating a 24/7 response team to the General Hospital and the Juravinski Hospital to respond to survivors of Sexual Assault or Domestic Violence.

If you have experienced sexual assault or domestic violence, and you need medical attention please go to the Emergency Department at the Hamilton General or the Jurvanski Hospital. If you are under 18, please go to Emergency at McMaster Children’s Hospital.

Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres (OCRCC) Learn More

Get free counselling and information on sexual violence from a sexual assault centre in Ontario.