Chat Online with a Counsellor
Chat is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (service available in Quebec only).
This service is confidential
We are committed to respecting your privacy. Any personal information you share during your conversation will be kept strictly confidential, as stated in our Terms of Use.
Important note: We work collaboratively with each person to find ways to keep them safe. Therefore, we will not attempt to send help to your home unless we have reason to believe that you are in immediate danger. However, we can’t guarantee that sending emergency services will work. If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call 911.
Having trouble accessing the chat?
There may be multiple causes for this situation.
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How does online chat work?
This service is intended for people who are thinking about suicide, worried about a loved one, or grieving a death by suicide. Our counsellors are accustomed to talking openly about suicide. They can help and will listen without judgement.
When you start a chat conversation, you must first answer a few questions. Once you've answered these questions, you’ll be placed on hold until a counsellor is available to speak to you. The answers you give us will help us provide the best service for your situation. The counsellor who will respond to your request will have access to your answers to the questionnaire, even if you decide to leave the conversation before they have replied.
If we’re not available to respond immediately, you'll be placed in the queue. During this time, you can start telling us about what you’re going through in the chat box, but be aware that the counsellor will only be able to read your messages once they’re available and connected with you. While waiting for the counsellor to arrive, since you’ll still be on suicide.ca, you’ll be given access to various tools to help you deal with your situation.
Wait times may vary depending on the number of people in line. We try to respond as quickly as possible.
If you can’t wait, you can also call 1-866-277-3553 to speak to a counsellor or dial 911 (emergency services) if your or your loved one’s life is in immediate danger.
To facilitate your conversation with the counsellor, we ask that you find a time and place where you are free to engage in an active two-way discussion.
This conversation will give you an opportunity to openly discuss suicide.
- If you’re thinking about suicide: You’ll be able to talk about your situation and identify what keeps you alive and what’s worth living for going forward. The counsellor will work with you to find ways to take steps to ensure your safety.
- If you’re worried about a loved one: You’ll be able to voice your concerns and identify ways you can support them and help them stay safe. If it’s an emergency, the counsellor can help you take steps to ensure your loved one’s immediate safety.
- If you’ve lost a loved one to suicide: You’ll be able to talk about the person and the impact their suicide has had on your life. The counsellor will listen without judgement and help you find some relief from your suffering.
The intervention will end when you are feeling a bit better and the counsellor has been able to find with you what helps you keep going despite the difficulties or ways to ensure your safety.
More options for immediate assistance
- Call Quebec’s suicide prevention hotline at
1-866-277-3553.
- Contact a crisis centre.
- Call Info-Social 811, option 2.
- If you or a loved one is in danger, call 911.
