Content Advisory

Content associated with the Invisible No More Project may be difficult or unexpected for some readers to engage with. Content includes the lived experiences of women Veterans and may reference topics such as suicidality, homelessness, addiction, sexual violence, pregnancy complications, moral injury, operational stress injuries, institutional betrayal, and sanctuary trauma.

If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please consider calling 811 or going to the nearest open clinic or emergency department.

Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Service

The VAC Assistance Service provides free and confidential psychological support that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The service is for all Veterans, former RCMP members, their families, and caregivers.

Call 1-800-268-7708 (TDD/TTY: 1-800-567-5803) to speak to a mental health professional right now. A confidential and free service available 24/7 to Veterans, former RCMP members, their family members, or caregivers.

Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Clinics

Each operational stress injury (OSI) clinic provides in-person and virtual assessment, treatment, and support to address mental health issues related to service.

Each clinic has a team of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, mental health nurses, and other specialized clinicians who understand the experience and needs of Veterans. They work with you to identify therapeutic activities and individual goals to improve your quality of life.

Services are based on current best practices and are customized to meet your needs. The team also works closely with health care providers or organizations in the community to help ensure follow-up is available when needed. Family members may also receive or participate in some of the services provided through the clinic.

OSI clinic referral: 1-866-522-2122 (toll free)

Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS)

The OSISS program includes CAF members, veterans and family members in multiple locations across Canada who provide mentorship, firsthand lived experience and practical knowledge of what life is like with an OSI. Because we are peers (someone with a similar experience) we are non–judgmental and can walk alongside you in your journey. Our program is for peers, by peers. If you think you, or a loved one, may have an OSI, all you need to do to take the first step contact OSISS Coordinator.

Call: 1-800-883-6094 (toll free)

Email: OSISS-SSBSO@forces.gc.ca

Crisis Services Canada

Crisis Services Canada (CSC) evolved out of the Canadian Distress Line Network (CDLN) – a national network of existing distress, crisis and suicide prevention line services that has been engaging members since 2002.

CSC members have decades of experience in providing distress and suicide prevention support to people all ages in need across Canada.

Call: 1-833-456-4566 or 988

Text: 45645 or 988

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)

CMHA branches across Canada provide a wide range of innovative services and supports to people who are experiencing mental illness and their families. These services are tailored to the needs and resources of the communities where they are based. One of the core goals of these services is to help people with mental illness develop the personal tools to lead meaningful and productive lives. For mental health services in your community, contact your local Canadian Mental Health Association branch.

Harriet Tubman Network

The Harriet Tubman Network (HTN) is a group of counselors, chaplains and coaches dedicated to providing counseling to women veterans in need of support for moral injuries suffered during their military service. Named in honor of the deeply religious, courageous, and strong leader of the Underground Railroad, HTN supports women in their darkest hours and guides them to a place of personal freedom, empowerment and strength.

  • 1-800-268-7708
  • 1-800-567-5803 (TDY/TTY)

Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre

The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC) provides support services to people affected by sexual misconduct who are:

  • currently serving and former Canadian Armed Forces individual members and chain of command;
  • current public service employees, executives and management in the Department of National Defence;
  • Cadets aged 16 and older;
  • Junior Canadian Rangers aged 16 and older;
  • families of the above aged 16 and older;
  • members of the Defence community and caregivers who support those affected by sexual misconduct.

You can call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for confidential support

Toll-free (North America): 1-844-750-1648

Email: DND.SMSRC-CSRIS.MDN@forces.gc.ca

Hope for Wellness Hotline

The Hope for Wellness Helpline offers immediate help to all Indigenous people across Canada. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer immediate support and crisis intervention.

Call the toll-free Helpline at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca.

Trans Lifeline

Trans Lifeline does not provide financial and crisis support via email or social media. If you need support or are in crisis, please call or text our hotline:  Canada (877) 330-6366.