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Student Support

Mental Health & Well-Being​

Mental health is essential to our overall well-being. When we have good mental health and well-being we feel a sense of purpose, belonging, and community. We have strong and affirmed identities. Life is enjoyable. We have people who support us and we have the ability to manage everyday stresses and difficult situations. ​​​

Helpful Videos

How to help your mental health How to ​help your friend with their mental health​

The following information is​ designed to give you information about mental health, how you can support good mental health, and, if you are concerned about your own mental health or that of a friend, where to turn to for help. 

HDSB Student Support

Social Workers 

Kindergarten - Grade 8

Social workers work together with parents/caregivers, school staff, students and community providers so that students can feel well and have a positive school experience.  Social workers offer individual support that is identity affirming. Together a plan to support the student is developed. Social workers can help provide referrals to community organizations. 

You can ask your teacher or principal for social work support.​

Grades 9-12 - Individual Support 

Social workers offer individual support that is focused on your strengths and interests. They provide identity affirming care. Together a plan to feel better is created. This plan might involve learning and practicing new thinking and feeling skills, or problem-solving stressors. Social Workers can also help you to connect with other social or peer supports and counsellors in the community. 

Feeling super stressed, anxious or down?
Facing a problem that you would like help with?
Would you like some emotional support? 

If you answered yes to any of these questions, click on your school to learn about the social worker assigned to your school and where you’ll find a link to confidentially request to see the social worker.​

Grades 9-12 - Social Workers - Select Your School

Small Group Support​

Social workers also offer small group support.  Check with your teacher or guidance counselor about groups for coping with anxious, low or big feelings. ​

Child and Youth Counsellors - CYCs

School Based Kindergarten-Grade 8 and Gary Allan Learning Centre

CYCs support all students in classrooms and participate in school-wide activities (e.g. wellbeing teams) with educators to widely promote well-being. CYCs utilize mental health promotional and evidence-based social-emotional literacy materials. CYCs are also part of response teams at the system level (e.g. Tragic Events Response Team, BEHR, suicide risk screening). With consent, CYCs also provide more specific opportunities in small groups that focus on psychoeducation, well-being and skill building. It is possible, in the right conditions and with consent, for the CYC to provide brief (6-8 sessions) individual support to students according to their goals which are shared with parents/guardians.

CYC promotional support is provided to all elementary schools and Gary Allan sites in partnership with educators. Parents/guardians receive notification letters. In general, small group referrals are handled through the School Resource Team, or parents/guardians are contacted directly. In addition to ensuring right care, right service, and right time, referrals for individual support are also done in collaboration with parents and guardians through the School Resource Team and based on established criteria. High school students may be offered specific preventative groups by CYCs directly. You can ask your teacher or principal for more information about the CYC's services.​​​

​Mental Health Psychology Supports for Elementary School Students

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Skills Group for Grade 8 Students (Winter and Spring In-Person Sessions)

The DBT Skills Group is a skills-based program that supports emotional resilience by teaching students how to:

  • Observe and describe what they are feeling in the moment. 
  • Increase positive emotions and navigate negative emotions differently. 
  • Tolerate distressing emotions in the moment. 
  • Navigate complicated relationships.


This group is intended for students who show an awareness of difficulties in the following areas:

  1. Identifying or expressing emotions, (i.e. “I feel upset but I don’t know what it is”).
  2. Frequent emotional changes and/or difficulty tolerating intense emotions.
  3. In moments of intense emotion, the student tends to say or do things they later regret or that make things worse for themselves.

DBT Skills Group Details​

These eight-week programs will run on Wednesdays after school from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

  • Winter Session: Jan. 8 - Feb. 26 2025 at New Street Education Centre. Transportation is not provided. Parents/guardians, school personnel or support staff can complete the DBT Skills Group Winter Session referral form by Nov. 22, 2024. 
  • Spring Session: March 19 - May 7, 2025 at Milton Staff Learning Centre.  Transportation is not provided. Parents/guardians, school personnel or support staff can complete the DBT Skills Group Spring Session Referral form by Feb. 14, 2025.

CBT Therapeutic Groups for Grade 7 ​and 8 Students Experiencing Anxiety​

This six-week program will run virtual or in-person depending on referral numbers. This is a small group focussing on strategies to help manage anxiety and to support students in gradually facing anxiety-provoking situations that they tend to avoid. Groups will be offered throughout the school year. Parents/guardians can refer students, with their child’s consent, using the CBT Skills Group Referral Form. ​​

Executive Functioning Supports for High School Students​

Are you interested in making a change but feel stuck? 
Feeling stressed and overwhelmed with your assignments?
Are you easily distracted and have trouble staying focused?
Are you feeling disorganized and forgetful?  
Are you interested in learning routines to support your wellness?
Do you want to learn more about a recent psychological assessment or diagnosis?
Do you have ADHD, LD, ASD, or other neurodiversity and want to learn more about it?


Consider the following supports being offered to secondary students by the Halton District School Board’s Mental Health & Well-Being Department this year:

*Students self-refer to these services and no information is shared without a student's permission. Students must use their HDSB email account to access the referral forms. 

  • Monthly Learning Strategy Sessions are offered covering a variety of learning skill topics, including time management, organization, effective study skills, managing attention/focus, managing stress, etc. View the full list of sessions to learn more about the available topics, dates/times, and Google Meet links. There is no need to register in advance for these sessions. 
  • Small Group Intervention: These groups provide an opportunity to meet virtually with peers who may be experiencing similar challenges with managing their assignments and other responsibilities. Attendees will have the chance to delve deeper into why they may be getting stuck and learn how to shift  thinking and create behavioural change. These groups will have multiple start dates, offered on an ongoing basis throughout the school year. Self-referrals can be made throughout the first semester. Following the group sessions, you will have the option of accessing individual sessions for additional support. There will be two different group offerings:
  • Navigate the Chaos group: This group is intended for students who experience difficulties with managing their approach to tasks and assignments and navigating the sometimes chaotic day-to-day of high school life. Do you find your school life chaotic or overwhelming? Do you often feel like you don’t know where to start? Are these challenges getting in the way of your goals? If so, this group might be for you. Interested students can complete the Navigating the Chaos group Self-Referral Form.
  • Productivity over Procrastination group: This group is intended for students whose primary difficulty is putting things off and delaying getting started on tasks. Do you often put things off until the last minute? Do you find yourself scrambling to complete tasks, despite your best intentions? Does this cause you stress or impact the outcome? If so, this group might be for you. Interested students can complete the Productivity over Procrastination group Self-Referral Form. 


If you are unsure which support might be right for you, please book a single session using the Mental Health Psychologist - Student Self-Referral Form, and we can help you decide on the best fit. ​

Racialized and Diverse Child Youth Counsellors and Social Workers​ ​​​​

Racialized and diverse child youth counsellors (CYC) and social workers who are committed to uplifting, centring and affirming the identities of Black, racialized and 2S&LGBTQ+ students are available to support students. We acknowledge that students with the lived experience and intersectionalities of being Black, racialized and 2S&LGBTQ+ face historical and ongoing experiences of bias, feelings of isolation, not belonging and harm. This has an impact on the mental health of students within these communities. 
When an elementary student has experienced racism and/or homophobia or transphobia, a request for help from a member of this team can be made through the Racial​ized and Diverse Child Youth ​Counsellors and Social Workers Referral Form​​.  Referrals will be responded to within two weeks of receiving the referral. The start of service will depend on availability.​

Mental Health and Well-Being Strategies and Community Supports​

​2S&LGBTQ+​


Anxiety, Depression


Black Youth

  • Support for Black youth: RiseUp through Kids Help Phone  information and connect with a counsellor by texting RISE to 686868. Peer support is also available 
  • ​Black Youth - Addressing Anti-Black Racism and Its Impact: A Well-Being Toolkit for Families (Durham District School Board) includes children youth and adult books, articles, videos, podcasts related to the impact of anti-black racism and building positive self-image, self-esteem and self-love. ​
  • Self-Love Practices for Black Youth (School Mental Health Ontario)
  • ​The Cultural Youth Mentorship Program supporting Black children, youth and their families provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters and New Age Ministry.   Contact:  Edson Jeffers (Program CEO) (416) 518-1260 qaedson@gmail.com   or  Bianca Burns (Program Coordinator)  (905) 339-2355  bianca.burns@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca 
  • Black Youth Helpline:1-833-294-8650
  • The Cultural Mentorship Program supports youth age 12-18 who identify as being a part of the Black community. Our 8-10 week group program consists of discussions and activities that celebrate Caribbean and African history, carnival arts, music, cultural cooking, Black icons, understanding of rights and diaspora experiences. With the goal of safety and well-being, the Cultural Mentorship Program encourages youth to build a strong sense of cultural identity while forming community." Youth can self-refer. BigBrothers Big Sisters grou​p mentoring -Cultural Mentorship Program


Bullying, Cyberbullying


Climate Despair


Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders

  • ​Danielle's Place provides prevention and early intervention for youth 8-17 who are at risk of developing an eating disorder.
  • ​Nedic - National Eating Disorder Information Centre nedic.ca  videos, resources, articles, brochures.  Helpline Toll-free 1-866-633-4220 Email nedic@uhn.ca


First Nations, Indigenous, Metis, Inuit Youth


Grief, Bereavement and Loss

  • Youth Grief  has been developed — from content to art to design — by grieving youth, for grieving youth.  It shares wisdom, experiences and advice from more than 30 young people who’ve been there, and know what it’s like to grieve when someone you care about has died.
  • Lighthouse Peer Support for Grieving Children, Youth and their Families Information and peer support groups​ ​
  • 3 Ways for Parents and Families to build Resilience During COVID
  •  Grief Support Text and Online Chat Service for adults, children and youth text 289-278-1885 or visit Kemp Hospice grief peer support   7 days a week, 10am-10pm  
  • Nightingale Centre  parent, child and youth bereavement support groups  1-519-265-9594
  • Heartache2Hope offers grief and bereavement individual and group counselling for adults, children and youth who have experienced a suicide loss.  For more information, to register, or make a referral, please email Amanda at amanda@Heartache2Hope.com or call 905-599-4673. To speak with someone live, please call our HopeLine at 289-474-5508 on Mondays or Thursdays from 1:00-4:00pm.

Helping Others


Islamic Youth

​
Muslim Youth

  • Naseeha Helpline (All ages): Muslim support line; 1-866-627-3342 (call) or 1-866-627-3342 (text)


Self-Injury 


Stress and Coping 


Substance Use, Vaping

South Asian Youth
  • SOCH Mental Health aims to improve the mental health literacy of the South Asian community, start mental health conversations to break the stigma in South Asian communities and empower the community with the skills to navigate the mental health system, support loved ones, and most importantly, take a preventative approach to caring for one’s overall mental wellbeing. Also on the SOCH website you will find The Pardesi Project - a series of short films that addresses the mental health challenges that South Asian international students may experience. 

Suicide

Suicide and life promotion are two very important mental health concerns. You may be experiencing thoughts of suicide, or know someone who is having these thougohts. You may have experienced the death of someone by suicide. There is help available. 

9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

9-8-​8: Suicide Crisis Helpline​ offers support that is:

  • bilingual
  • trauma-informed 
  • culturally appropriate 
  • available to anyone in Canada​

 

​If you, or someone you know is in crisis call KidsHelp Phone
Call a Counsellor: 1-800-668-6868
Text a Counsellor: 686868
Live Chat:https://kidshelpphone.ca/live-chat/ or
ROCK Crisis Line at 905-878-9785 is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week or call 911 now if someone is attempting to die by suicide. ​

 

 

Well-Being Strategies ​Support Lines

  • Kids Help Phone (Up to age 24) Neuro-inclusive support; 1-800-668-6868 text 686868
  • Anonymous Friend - Youth Mental Health Support by Student Volunteers Anonymous Friend through YMCA of Oakville
  • Upopolis - An on-line community for chronically and critically ill youth 10 to 18 to connect with others like them who are going through medical experiences in North America. 
  • Al-anon.alateen.on.ca  call 416-410-3809 Alateen is for young people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. contacts the Alateen Coordinator at os.alateen@gmail.com or Wendy at discoveringchoices@yahoo.ca to get access to the meetings.
  • Alcoholics Anonymous  24 hour Helpline Halton:  905-845-5900​​   Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem.  It doesn’t cost anything to attend A.A. meetings. There are no age or education requirements to participate. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem. The website also lists upcoming meetings.


Well-Being Strategies 

  • ​Alcoholics Anonymous  24 hour Helpline Halton:  905-845-5900​   Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem.  It doesn’t cost anything to attend A.A. meetings. There are no age or education requirements to participate. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do some​​thing about their drinking problem. The website also lists upcoming meetings.​
  • OneStopTalk A free, immediate and confidential service for children, youth and their families. Click the "Start the Conversation" button or call 1 855 416 8255. Service is provided in Monday-Friday 12-8pm and Saturdays 12-4pm. When you reach out you can instantly connect with a registered therapist by phone or video. Together, they'll help create a plan to help you feel better. 
  • Black Youth Helpline: 416-258-9944 (available 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. every day)
  • Support for Black youth: RiseUp through Kids Help Phone  information and connect with a counsellor by texting RISE to 686868 
  • Reach Out Centre for Kids: Live Answer 289-266-0036; Virtual Walk-In; Live Chat
  • SAVIS Tel: 905-825-3622, e-mail: savis@savisofhalton.org: Support for violence or sexual violence in intimate relationships, including trafficking
  • ADAPT Halton: For youth wanting information or help to manage drug, alcohol or gambling concerns
  • Radius Child & Youth Services specializes in working with children, youth, and families who have experienced sexual, physical, or emotional abuse, neglect, or witnessed intimate partner violence. 
  • Roots Community Services for children, youth, families who identify as Black, and are from African and Caribbean backgrounds. Culturally responsive counselling is provided.
  • Substance Abuse Program for African Canadian and Caribbean Youth (SAPACCY)  416-535-8501, press 2. Self-referrals, Community Referrals, and Physician Referrals. Servicing youth between the ages of 14-24 struggling with mental health and substance issues. Individual, Family and Group support.
  • Punjabi Community Health Services For information call 905-677-0889 ext. 221 


For crisis support

Black Youth

  • Roots Community Services Crisis Line 647-812-9944  Monday-Friday, 9am-7pm For children, youth and families who identify as Black, and are from African and Caribbean backgrounds.

First Nations, Indigenous, Metis and Inuit Youth​

  • First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Helpline On-line chat, counselling and crisis support First Nations & Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line 1 - 855 - 242 - 3310 English, French language and Cree, Ojibway and Inukitut available upon request 
  • Indian Residential School Survivors and Family 24 hour crisis line 1-866-925-4419 for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of his or her Residential school experience we provide counselling, cultural and emotional support services

Sexual Assault or Sex Trafficking

  • SAVIS of Halton: 905-875-1555 provides free, confidential and non-judgmental 24-hour support to all survivors of violence including female-identified, male-identified, and members of the transgender community. 

Children’s Aid Society

  • Halton Children’s Aid Society if you or another child/youth are under the age of 18 and require support and protection: Toll Free: 866.607.KIDS (5437​) Phone: 905.333.4441 Fax: 905.333.1844 TTY: 711 (TTY to Voice)

Muslim Youth

  • Naseeha Youth Helpline – a confidential mental health helpline for young Muslims to receive immediate and anonymous support from 12:00-9:00pm over the phone from 7 days a week or over text Monday to Friday: 1-866-627-3342
  • Muslim Youth Helpline (MYH): Provides free, confidential and non-judgmental support for Muslim youth.  They offer phone, email, and webchat support, as well as counseling and mentoring services. 

 

South Asian Youth
  • Sachss Distress Helpline ​– If you are feeling distressed or feeling low or depressed or under any kind of stress, or just need someone to talk to, please call Sachss Distress Helpline:  289 277 4770, 437-254-2794, 647-523-6380 Or 416 863 0511

Recognize When You Might Need Help and Reach O​ut​

There are friends, people at school, within your family and in the community who can help you.  

There are staff members at school who can support you. Ask a trusted teacher, guidance counsellor, graduation coach, youth settlement worker, or principal for help. There are also school social workers, CYC's and mental health psychologists. A staff person or your school website will share information about how these mental health workers can help you, and how you can request their support. There are also professionals such as a family doctor or community agency who can support you.

There are also people outside of school that you can turn to like your family or friends, a faith or cultural leader, an Elder, or someone in your community.

When thinking about who to reach out to, think of a person who:

  • you trust and respect
  • listens to you
  • you find easy to talk to
  • supports your goals and interests​


It can feel awkward to ask for help. Here are ways to start a conversation. “I have a tough situation; it’s really bugging me… Can I talk to you about it?”

“I can’t seem to get past the feelings I’m having. I wanted to reach out before things got worse.”

“I’ve been feeling off lately, can I get your help?”

No Problem Too Big or Too Small is a resource that you is a quick reference on when, where, how and with whom you can reach out for help.

My Circle of Support

The people, places, and things that support me when I need it.  Safe and supportive people care about me and want to support my mental health and well-being.​​​​ View My Circle of Support​ Tri-Fold brochure.  ​​​​

At the Halton District School Board, there is a Circle of Support ​for every student. The Circle of Support begins with the student, parent/caregiver and educator. For every student, educators and other staff provide relationships, classroom environments and classroom instruction that promotes mental health and well-being. As a student's need increases, the circle is broadened and additional resources and supports are added.​

At school, speak to your teacher or other trusted staff person. Your teacher, other school staff and child and youth counsellors and social workers are available to help. 

 

 

We work together with students, parents/caregivers, teachers, administrators, other Board staff and community agencies to promote and support students’ mental health and well-being. We have Child and Youth Counsellors, Mental Health Psychologists and Social Workers. 

Jewish and Israeli​

Well-Being Skills for Students​​

HDSB students provide quick and helpful well-being skills for students to support their mental health.

 

Everyone at one point or another feels worried about their mental health and wonders if they should see someone for help. 

Here are some questions to ask yourself.   

Are my thoughts, feelings and behaviours:

Intense? These aren’t mild, everyday fluctuations. They’re stronger and more persistent thoughts, feelings and behaviours than the usual ups and downs of life. Thoughts of suicide or self-harm signal distress and you should seek help right away.

Long-lasting? They’re having a consistent or lingering presence over weeks, months or longer. Many professionals suggest that anything that’s lasted two weeks or longer can be cause for concern.

Having a big impact? They’re beginning to have negative consequences in one’s life, possibly interfering with someone’s ability to function and/or meet their everyday goals.

If you have thoughts of hurting yourself or have made a plan or have attempted to die by suicide - seek help from a mental health professional immediately 

  • Call 911, ROCK Crisis Line at 905-878-9785 is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week, or 
  • KidsHelp Phone - Call a Counsellor: 1-800-668-6868; Text a Counsellor: 686868; Live Chat: https://kidshelpphone.ca/live-chat/​ or 
  • contact your family physician or current therapist. 
  • You can also talk to your teacher or other staff member who will help get you support.

It is very common to feel awkward about asking for help and think, ‘is my problem too small?’ ‘Too big?’ You might be concerned about what others may think of you. You might even wonder where you can get help, and what help is available.  It’s best to reach out and talk to someone. We all have mental health and talking about things is one of the ways we can take care of it! Asking for help can be awkward but you’ll probably feel relieved after you do. See No Problem Too Big or Too Small - Asking for Help for tips on how to start the conversation.​​​​

Additional Information​​

What is the difference between mental health and well-being and mental illness?​​​​

Mental health and well-being are two separate, but connected ideas.  We can have a mental illness, and be mentally well, or unwell.  We can also have poor mental well-being without having a mental illness.​​

What kind of support is available for my mental
health and well-being?​​​​​

No matter where you are on the continuum of well-being and mental illness, it is important to take care of our mental health and well-being.

When we are feeling healthy and well, and have some stress, self-care and social supports help us maintain our wellness.

When we are struggling and have lower levels of mental health, additional supports at school and in the community, along with self-care and social supports can help us regain our mental health and well-being. When we are in a crisis, emergency services and supports are needed.​​​

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