Mental Health Resources for Parents
Approximately 1 in 5 children and youth in Ontario has problems with mental health.
Most problems with mental health begin in childhood or youth, so early identification and intervention is critical. It can lead to improved achievement in school and better health outcomes in life.
If you are worried about your child’s mental health, there are many resources to help you and your family.
Right here is eastern Ontario, there is an organization – Pleo – created BY parents of children who have problems with mental health, FOR parents who are feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or need help navigating the resources. Pleo offers a telephone helpline, and drop-in support groups – both virtual and in-person.
Parents’ Helpline
613-321-3211 or 855-775-7005
Parents or caregivers of children up to age 25 can call for support and guidance navigating the mental health system, finding resources in the community, or simply to talk when they don’t know where else to turn. The Parents’ Helpline is answered Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm EST. There’s no waitlist, no fee, no paperwork. Just call and get support right away.
Drop-In Support Groups
Parents are able to share valuable information and Family Peer Supporters can bring their own experiences and knowledge of services and resources. Groups in our area:
In-person Drop-ins in our Area
Contact [email protected] for more details
Future Dates TBD
Cobden Anglican Parish Hall
(29 Crawford St)
Partner: ConnectWell
Future Dates TBD
Deep River Public Library
(55 Ridge Road)
Partner: North Renfrew Family Services
Future Dates TBD
54 Civic Centre Road, Petawawa, K8H 3H5
Partner: Petawawa Centennial Health Centre
Virtual Drop-In Support Groups
For Parents of children ages 13 to 25
Every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8pm, for parents of children ages 13 to 25 struggling with any mental health or addiction challenge.
For Parents of children to age 12
Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 6:30pm to 8pm, for parents of children to age 12, struggling with any mental health or addiction challenge.
Here are some additional resources for parents:
- Without Children’s Mental Health Ontario has created a Parenting Survival Guide, for parents of children who have challenges with mental health, in partnership with Canadian author, Ann Douglas.
- Family Care Centre created by Parents for Children’s Mental Health (PCMH) and Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO).
- Parents Like Us is written by parents for parents, of young people with a substance use disorder.
- Parent Resource (Pleo): https://www.pleo.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/PLEOWhoWeAre-English.pdf