Our Organization
About Us
Established in 1967, Distress Centres of Greater Toronto is a service agency dedicated to providing timely emotional support, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention to people in distress. We are a group of well-trained individuals who are no different from you, driven by a strong will to help those in need.
Our Mission
We provide support for those in crisis, at risk for suicide and those experiencing emotional distress through 24/7 multi-lingual inbound, outbound and in-person programs.
Our Vision
We are the leader in providing resilience and hope through innovative crisis and mental health support.
How We Create Change
Respond
We provide immediate emotional support and crisis intervention when people need it most. By offering free, confidential support 24 hours a day, we help de-escalate crises, increase safety, and connect individuals with additional resources.
Connect
Strong social connections protect mental health. Through relationship-based outreach and community programs, we reduce loneliness, strengthen belonging, and identify emerging concerns before they become crises.
Heal
The need for support doesn’t end when a crisis does. Through specialized survivor support and peer-based programs, we help individuals and families navigate grief, build resilience, and move forward with hope.
Our Strategic Approach
Our strategic plan outlines the priorities guiding how we strengthen services, expand access, invest in our people, and build a sustainable organization equipped to meet the evolving mental health needs of our community.
Our Programs
Mental health challenges don't look the same for everyone.
That’s why Distress Centres of Greater Toronto provides specialized programs that respond to the unique needs of individuals and communities across the GTA.
Accessible Mental Health Support
When someone is experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis, timely support can make all the difference. Yet 50% of Canadians wait more than 30 days for their first counselling appointment, leaving many without help when they need it most.
How we’re helping: Our Distress Services provide free, confidential emotional support and crisis intervention 24 hours a day, helping people navigate difficult moments and connect with additional supports.
In 2025
Social Connection
Loneliness is a public health issue. Approximately 30% of Canadian seniors are at risk of social isolation, while 1.1 million older Canadians experience loneliness. Social isolation is linked to depression, cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, and premature death.
How we’re helping: Through programs like TeleCheck and Touching Base, we provide regular human connection, wellness checks, emotional support, and opportunities for meaningful conversation that help reduce isolation before it becomes a crisis.
In 2025
Suicide Prevention & Survivor Support
Approximately 4,500 Canadians die by suicide each year, leaving tens of thousands of family members, friends, and colleagues to cope with the aftermath. People bereaved by suicide face significantly higher risks of depression, complicated grief, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts.
How we’re helping: Our suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and Survivor Support Program provide specialized support in all stages of a suicide crisis, helping individuals and families find connection, and hope.
In 2025
Building Stronger Communities
Mental health is everyone’s responsibility. Reducing stigma, strengthening community connections, and improving mental health literacy help ensure people receive support earlier — before challenges escalate into crisis.
How we’re helping: Through peer support, community education, and outreach, we build awareness, strengthen resilience, and empower communities to better support one another.
In 2025
Measuring Our Impact
That’s why Distress Centres of Greater Toronto provides specialized programs that respond to the unique needs of individuals and communities across the GTA.
