Active Listening and Communication

When you hear of the Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region, it may be that you're learning about our services for the first time or that you have seen our advertisements around the city. Perhaps you or someone in your life has used our services in recent months. Some people think our services are only for people who are having suicidal thoughts. It’s true that we hear from individuals who feel that they have nowhere else to turn, but we also hear so much more. Allow us to explain.

Our Vision

The Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region plays a key role in establishing a community where individuals in need are supported and empowered to meet life’s challenges.

Our Mission

Working within the continuum of mental health services, the Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region contributes to a healthier and safer community by providing suicide prevention, crisis intervention, psychological stabilization, emotional support, information, referral and education services, without judgement, to individuals in need.

Who Are We?

We are the people who are here 24/7 to answer calls from those who are reaching out for help. Regardless of their issue, individuals are welcome to call our confidential, non-judgmental and open-minded telephone lines to talk about what they're facing in their lives. Sometimes, callers have simple questions or they may be in a mental health crisis that requires more attention. No matter what the nature of each call might be, the Distress Centre has approximately 210 volunteers answering over 60,000 calls a year, thus providing an integral, important and vital service in our community.