Emergency & Crisis Resources
If you or someone around you needs immediate help, the resources below can connect you with emergency services and crisis support.
Health 514 provides general information to help students navigate Québec’s healthcare system. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact emergency services directly.
Immediate Emergency (911)
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call:
📞 Call 911
Note: In Canada, 911 must be called by phone.
Texting 911 is not available to the general public and is only supported for certain users (such as people who are deaf or hard of hearing) who have registered with their wireless provider.
Emergency services are available 24 hours a day across Québec and Canada.
Emergency responders can dispatch ambulance, fire, or police services depending on the situation.
Mental Health Crisis Support
If you are experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis, support is available.
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline
📞 Call or text 988
Available 24/7 anywhere in Canada. You will be connected with trained crisis responders who can listen and help you access support.
Learn more: https://988.ca
If you believe you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Poison Control
If someone has swallowed a toxic substance, taken too much medication, or been exposed to harmful chemicals, contact:
Centre Antipoison du Québec
📞 1-800-463-5060
Available 24/7
Sexual Assault Support
If you have experienced sexual assault or sexual violence, support and medical care are available. You do not need to report to police in order to receive medical care or support.
Sexual Assault Crisis Helpline (Québec)
📞 1-888-933-9007
Available 24/7. This confidential helpline provides support and can connect you with local services.
Website: https://cvasm.org
Sexual Assault Medical Care
Hospitals in Montréal can provide medical care and support for individuals who have experienced sexual assault.
Healthcare providers can assist with:
- treatment for injuries
- emergency contraception
- testing or treatment for sexually transmitted infections
- forensic examination (if desired)
- referrals to counseling and support services
These services are confidential and you do not need to report the assault to the police in order to receive care.
In Montréal, care may be provided through hospitals or partner clinics working with specialized support organizations such as the Montreal Sexual Assault Centre (CVASM).
If you are unsure where to go, you can call the Sexual Assault Helpline (1-888-933-9007), which is available 24/7 and can direct you to the appropriate service.
Psychiatric Emergency & Mental Health Services in Montréal
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can go to an emergency department or call 911.
Some hospitals in Montréal have dedicated psychiatric emergency services, while others may transfer patients to another hospital for specialized psychiatric care.
Psychiatric emergency services may include:
- psychiatric assessment
- crisis stabilization
- short-term observation or intervention units
- referral to inpatient psychiatric care if needed
Montréal Hospitals with Psychiatric Emergency Services
Montreal General Hospital (MUHC)
1650 Cedar Avenue, Montréal
Jewish General Hospital
The psychiatric emergency service for the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) is located at the Montreal General Hospital. Services include psychiatric assessment, a brief intervention unit, and inpatient psychiatric care.
3755 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, Montréal
Provides psychiatric emergency care and inpatient psychiatric services.
Douglas Mental Health University Institute
Hôpital Notre-Dame (CHUM)
1560 Sherbrooke Street East, Montréal
6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Montréal
Offers psychiatric emergency services and mental health care.
A specialized mental health hospital offering 24/7 psychiatric emergency services for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
Important Note About Emergency Departments
Not all emergency departments in Montréal have dedicated psychiatric emergency units.
For example, the Royal Victoria Hospital does not have a specialized psychiatric emergency unit. Patients who require psychiatric emergency care may be assessed and then transferred to another hospital with dedicated psychiatric services.
Psychosocial Support Through CLSCs
If you have RAMQ coverage, you may also be able to access psychosocial services through your Local Community Health Centre (CLSC).
Many CLSCs offer psychosocial intake appointments, sometimes as walk-in services without a referral.
CLSC services are typically organized by territory based on your residential address, so you may be directed to the CLSC that serves your area.
During a psychosocial intake, you may be able to:
- speak with a social worker or psychosocial professional
- receive an initial mental health assessment
- be referred to specialized mental health services if needed
Important Note
Health 514 provides general information to help students understand and navigate Québec’s healthcare system.
It does not provide medical advice or emergency services.
If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.