24-Hour Support for the Community
If you need to talk, Distress Centre is here to listen. Distress Centre provides 24 hour crisis support by phone, text and chat to Calgary and southern Alberta. Anyone can contact Distress Centre when they’re in crisis to speak with a highly trained responder, receive emotional support and feel heard. All conversations are confidential.
Phone or text: 403-266-HELP (403-266-4357)
Online Chat: To begin, select the message icon in the bottom right of the screen.
The Need for Mental Health Support in our Community
Mental health challenges affect a significant portion of the Canadian population. Each year, 1 in 5 Canadians—about 6.7 million people—live with a mental illness, and this number is projected to rise to 8.9 million by 2041. Despite this widespread need, many individuals struggle to access support: of the 5.3 million people who reported needing mental health services, 23% said their needs were only partially met, while 32% reported their needs were not met at all.
In Alberta, the urgency is particularly clear. The rate of suicide is 14.3 deaths per 100,000 people, significantly higher than the national average of 10.9. Half of all suicide deaths in Alberta occur in Edmonton and Calgary, emphasizing the pressing need for accessible, timely, and professional mental health services in our province.
Our 24-hour crisis support program is essential in bridging this gap—ensuring that anyone experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or overwhelming challenges has access to compassionate support at any time of day or night. This immediate access to crisis intervention can save lives, reduce the impact of mental health crises, and provide a vital lifeline to individuals, families, and communities across Alberta.
Our Impact
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| # of contacts including ConnecTeen (calls, chats, texts, emails) | 63084 | 54038 | 50569 |
| % of contacts initially assessed as High risk were stabilized (ended as High risk or Moderate/Low risk)* | 89.8% | 84.2% | 89% |
Distress Centre Calgary’s crisis program is accredited by the American Association of Suicidology.
Youth and Teen Support
Distress Centre’s youth program, ConnecTeen, provides a safe space for youth to address any problem they have in life, big or small. Youth can contact ConnecTeen 24/7 by phone, chat or text. ConnecTeen offers daily peer support hours – you can talk with a youth peer volunteer who is close in age and better understands what youth are dealing with.
Text: 587-333-2724
Chat: CalgaryConnecTeen.com
Phone: 403-264-8336
Youth peer support is available from 3-10 pm on weekdays and 12-10 pm on weekends. Outside of peer support hours, adult responders answer the contacts.
Why Youth-Specific Support Matters
Youth today are facing an escalating mental health crisis. Anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation are rising sharply, with suicide now the second leading cause of death for Canadian youth, accounting for 21% of youth deaths. Each year, more than 1.25 million young people require mental health support, yet over 720,000 go without the help they need.
Barriers such as stigma, long waitlists, and lack of accessible services leave many young people struggling alone. Nearly 1 in 4 youth report having suicidal thoughts, and those spending significant time online are 2–3 times more likely to experience severe anxiety, depression, or suicidal ideation. Despite the urgent need, only 15% of youth access publicly funded care, while many turn to community-based, youth-friendly options instead.
This is why ConnecTeen exists — providing accessible, confidential, and non-judgmental support designed specifically for youth. By reaching out through ConnecTeen, young people can find someone who understands their unique challenges and connects them to hope, safety, and care when they need it most.
Our Impact
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| % of contacts initially assessed as High risk were stabilized (ended as High risk or Moderate/Low risk)* | 85% | 82.4% | 71.2% |
| % of surveyed users reported a stable or reduced level of distress at the end of their chat sessions. | 95.9% | 94.4% | 84.1% |
| % of surveyed users indicated it’s important they speak to a teen | 66% | 61.9% | 66% |
*Definition of level of urgency of crisis calls:
- Low Risk – Risk to self or others is assessed as low. Service user will be safe for the next 24-28 hours.
- Moderate Risk – Elements of risk of harm to self or others has been identified; however, service user is able and willing to enter into a safety plan and will be safe with or without professional intervention.
- High Risk – Danger to self or others but able and willing to enter into a safety agreement; caller needs assistance within the next 24 hours.
- Emergent – Immediate danger to self or others and unwilling and unable to make a safety agreement; 911 is called and emergency intervention (police/EMS) is sent
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline
9-8-8 is a new national three-digit helpline that provides urgent, live support by phone and text for anyone who is thinking about suicide, seeking crisis support, or who is worried about someone they know.
Phone or text: 9-8-8
Distress Centre Calgary is a 9-8-8 partner and part of the network of crisis lines across the country whose responders take 9-8-8 calls and texts.
Opportunities to Help
Our volunteer opportunities allow you to provide support in various ways, including over the phone and via chat, text, or email. We also provide extensive practical and ongoing training.
As Calgary’s only 24-hour crisis agency, we are often the first point of contact for those seeking help. Make a career out of making a difference!
Distress Centre is committed to furthering the field of social work, and we view practicum students as a great asset to our team. Practicum opportunities exist year-round within the Crisis Line Program and Counselling Program, along with other opportunities.
Check Out Our Blog
Explore what’s new in the community and important updates from Distress Centre.
Volunteering in Calgary: Connection in Action
At Distress Centre Calgary, connection is the foundation of everything we do. Whether it’s a phone call, text, or face-to-face interaction, every service we provide begins with one human reaching [...]Read More... from Volunteering in Calgary: Connection in Action
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Hope in Every Action: Your Q2 Impact
This past spring, your generosity made hope tangible for thousands of people. From April through June 2025, your support helped more than 10,000 people connect to vital services through 211—people [...]Read More... from Hope in Every Action: Your Q2 Impact
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Bridging Gaps for Better Outcomes: The Community Information Exchange is Coming Soon
Imagine you’re in a vulnerable state, and your world has just turned upside down. You need help from one of Calgary’s services, but instead of getting help right away, you’re [...] READ
How to Support a Friend who is in Crisis
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Help Empower Youth with ConnecTeen through Rogers Birdies for Kids
We’re excited to share that the Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink campaign is officially underway! This incredible initiative offers a powerful way to amplify your support for youth [...]Read More... from Help Empower Youth with ConnecTeen through Rogers Birdies for Kids
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2024 Annual Report is Available Now
Distress Centre Calgary is here for you during life’s toughest moments. We provide immediate support to help-de-escalate crises and improve your situation, while guiding you towards long-term well-being. In 2024, [...]Read More... from 2024 Annual Report is Available Now
READOur Impact Funders
we want you to know that your donation is currently supporting someone in crisis. thank you for your contributions.
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FIND US
Email: info@distresscentre.com24-Hour Crisis Line: 403-266-4357
Main Office: 403-266-1601
Youth Program Office: 403-264-8337
Calgary, AB T2R 1J5 | View Map
Charitable Registration Number:
107021024RR0001
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, Distress Centre Calgary would like to honour and acknowledge Moh’kinsstis, and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta Districts 5 and 6. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations – Indigenous and non – who live, work and play on this land, and who honour and celebrate this territory.
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