St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and Area
905-688-3711About us
Who are we?
We Help People
Distress Centre Niagara is a charitable, non-profit organization established in 1970 under the name Care-Line.
In 1998, under the name of Distress Centre Niagara the service expanded to providing services to all municipalities by providing toll-free access across the region. Distress Centre Niagara is committed to providing free, confidential 24-hour, 365-day support and crisis/suicide prevention and intervention to individuals in need in the Niagara Region.

We connect you
We’ll direct you to the services you need
The Mental Health Addictions Access Line is a program that provides centralized information about mental health and addiction services across Niagara.
The Mental Health Addictions Access Line is a program offered by Distress Centre Niagara. The program was launched in 2014 . At the time individual agencies or intake staff did not necessarily know the full extent of services across the region beyond the services provided by their own organization. The person often had to find and contact the various services, sometimes with multiple calls, and usually at a time when they were emotionally vulnerable. Agencies and organizations recognized that they needed to collaborate in providing one place where people could find support and be directed to the service they needed.

We connect you
Ontario’s Online &
Text Crisis service
This service provides one-on-one conversation for anyone not comfortable using a telephone or would prefer to communicate with someone online or by text.
Ontario’s Online & Text Crisis service first began in 2015 with Distress Centre Niagara joining as a program delivery member in 2017. Ontario’s Online & Text Crisis Service (ONTX) is a safe, confidential service are for everyone regardless of age, issue or concerns.
For online and text support between 2pm and 2am EST, click here (Add link to ontx) or text “support” to 258258 from any mobile device.
For help in the Niagara Region
Please Call Our 24-Hour Crisis Line
Port Colborne, Wainfleet and Area
905-734-1212Fort Erie and Area
905-382-0689Grimsby, and West Lincoln
905-563-6674For Residents Outside Of The Niagara Region, Please View Our Out Of Region Services.
Mission Statement
Skilled Responders supporting the safety and emotional wellness of those in need.
Vision Statement
Responding to every person in need.
Core Values
Our organization strives on upholding and implementing these values to keep the respect and confidence of our community, volunteers and partnerships.
Confidentiality
We respect the right to privacy as a consistent component of our services.
Empowerment
We provide person-centred services supporting and encouraging individuals to make healthy personal choices.
Leadership
We lead the way with expertise in crisis, distress and suicide prevention through the highest standards of excellence and innovation.
Collaboration
We work with volunteers and partners across Niagara to provide support, awareness and training services to strengthen our community.
Inclusivity
We treat everyone with dignity, respect and without judgment, valuing the diversity in our organization and comm unity.