Accessible Mental Health Resources
- katiesantementale
- Jun 13
- 5 min read
We often hear that taking care of our mental health is important — but actually doing it can be hard. Services can be expensive, require a formal diagnosis, or aren’t designed with diverse communities in mind.
The good news? There are free, inclusive mental health services that are open to everyone, regardless of citizenship, insurance, or mental health background. These programs are built to reduce barriers and offer real support, whether you’re facing a language barrier, unsure about your eligibility, or simply don’t know where to start.
“Concerning the services we have for mental health, there's a lot available regardless of your migration status or the language barrier - there are interpretation services that you can get access to. In my experience, I’ve seen a lot of clients who were hesitant at first to seek help, but once they got it, I can testify that they've made a lot of progress.”
-Xochilt Rodriguez, Intercultural Community Worker (Health) at Bienvenue à NDG
Below is a list of six local mental health resources in and around the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce neighbourhood. Each one offers welcoming, flexible support for a wide range of needs and communities.
LIST OF RESOURCES THAT ARE FREE, CONFIDENTIAL, AND OPEN TO ALL!
Aire Ouverte
Aire Ouverte is a Quebec-wide initiative offering integrated health and wellness services to youth aged 12 to 25. Designed to be non-judgmental, accessible and youth-friendly, it provides support for mental health, physical health, sexual health, and social services. There are multiple locations, including a satellite site in NDG and one in Côte-des-Neiges.
Clientele:
Youth aged 12 to 25
Services offered:
Confidential consultations with professionals for issues like anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and more.
Help for youth concerned about their own mental health or that of someone close to them.
Services are tailored to individual needs.
Medium-term support, with referrals for long-term follow-up if needed.
Contact / Accessing services:
Locations:
Main Site (Côte-des-Neiges): 5245 Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges, Montreal, QC H3T 1Y1
Satellite Site (NDG – at CJE NDG): 6370 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montreal, QC H4B 1M9
Contact:
Côte-des-Neiges: 514-734-9950
NDG Satellite: 514-482-6665 ext. 211
Email (NDG): kundyz.baigonyssova@cje-ndg.com
Booking:
By phone or online : Phone (514) 734-9950, website: aire.ouverte.ccomtl@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
Some walk-in hours are available, see schedule online
Website:
Notes:
There are specific walk-in hours where no appointment is needed. During the regular hours, it is necessary to make an appointment to be seen.
Professionals can meet you where you are comfortable rather than at the Aire Ouverte locations if that is preferred.
Interpretation in over 50 languages is available!
Services can be fully anonymous if necessary.
Head & Hands
Head & Hands is a nonprofit in NDG that supports the physical and mental well-being of youth aged 12 to 25 through a range of free and confidential services, including medical clinics, legal aid, and counseling. Their mental health support is offered in English and French and follows a healing justice, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and harm reduction approach, offering a more inclusive and accessible alternative to traditional care models.
Clientele:
Youth aged 12 to 25
Services offered:
Short-Term Support (3 sessions): focuses on helping youth navigate immediate challenges, and teach them strategies to deal with a difficult time.
Medium-Term Counseling (up to 15 sessions): allows time for deeper exploration of complex emotions and experiences. Availability varies monthly, and there is no waitlist.
Group Programming: They run seasonal workshops where youth can learn about mental health and connect with others. Snacks and STM tickets are included. Check out their website / instagram to see what’s offered!
* Priority for counseling services is given to marginalized youth, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color; queer, trans, and non-binary individuals; recent immigrants; and those experiencing financial or housing insecurity.
Contact / Accessing services:
Location: 3465 Avenue Benny, Montreal, QC H4B 2R9
Contact: 514-481-0277 | info@headandhands.ca
Booking: Call or email to book counseling or other services.
Website: headandhands.ca
Notes: In addition to mental health support, Head & Hands offers medical care, legal services, a young parents program, youth activities through J2K, and frontline support like food and harm reduction resources.
Ami-Quebec
AMI-Québecis a non-profit that supports people affected by mental illness, especially caregivers (those who look after a friend, partner, or family member dealing with mental or physical health challenges). They offer education, guidance, and advocacy to help caregivers feel more supported and better equipped.
Clientele:
English-speaking families, friends and caregivers of people living with mental illness.
Services offered:
Support groups for individuals living with mental illness, their families, and caregivers.
Educational programs and workshops to better understand mental health conditions.
Individual counselling sessions for caregivers.
Contact / Accessing services:
Location: 5800 Decarie Blvd, Montreal, QC H3X 2J5
Contact: 514-486-1448 | info@amiquebec.org
Booking: Visit amiquebec.org to register for support groups or workshops.
Website: amiquebec.org
Notes: Interpretation in over 50 languages is available!
L’Anonyme
L’Anonyme is an organization offering outreach services to promote safe behaviors and relationships, focusing on vulnerable populations.
Clientele:
For everyone 14 and over with little or no access to regular health services.
Services offered:
Mobile units provide psychosocial support and a safe space for individuals.
Listening, information, counseling, referral, and accompaniment services for people experiencing difficulties.
Contact / Accessing services:
Location: 5600 Rue Hochelaga, Suite 160, Montreal, QC H1N 3L7
Mobile units operate throughout Montreal; see website for the address of the one closest to you.
Contact: 514-842-1488 | administration@anonyme.ca
Supervised Injection Service (SIS): 1-844-381-2455
Transit Team: 1-855-236-6700
Booking: No appointment needed; services are available on-site or via mobile units.
Website: anonyme.ca
Up House
UP House is a community-based organization that supports individuals living with mental illness by providing opportunities for personal growth and social inclusion.
Clientele:
For everyone 18 and up with a lived experience of long-term mental health challenges.
Services offered:
Programs that promote well-being through meaningful activities (cooking, administration, art, wellness, and event planning, etc).
Support in setting personal goals and building confidence.
Opportunities to learn new skills or return to school/work.
Flexible, member-led participation at their own pace.
Contact / Accessing services:
Location: 5215 Rue Namur, Montréal, QC H4P 2R7
Contact: info@uphouse.org
Booking: Contact via email to inquire about membership and services.
Website: uphouse.org
Club Ami
Club Ami is a drop-in mental health center offering a safe, welcoming space for adults living with mental health challenges. The focus is on connection, creativity, and support! Members can drop in to take part in fun activities, meet others, and get support.
Clientele:
For everyone 18 and up with a lived experience of mental health challenges.
Services offered:
Educational services, support, and listening services.
Peer support and a sense of community.
Social, artistic, and leisure activities, including workshops and group outings.
Contact / Accessing services:
Location: 596-6767 chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges, Montréal, QC, H3S
Contact: 514-739-7931 | info@clubami.qc.ca
Booking: No appointment needed; drop-in services available.
Website: clubami.qc.ca
Conclusion
If you're looking for more general support - something broader than mental health services, consider also reaching out to one of the amazing community organizations near you. They can offer help with things like housing, employment, education, or simply finding a sense of connection. If you're located in NDG, check out the NDG Youth Table website. For other neighbourhoods, 211 is a great tool to find local resources.
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