Note - The service is now known as 9-8-8 in Canada or Talk Suicide Canada

Providing suicide prevention and support to the people of Canada

Crisis Services Canada (CSC) evolved out of the Canadian Distress Line Network (CDLN) – a national network of existing distress, crisis and suicide prevention line services that has been engaging members since 2002.

In recent years, the network has formalized and CSC was formed. Its structure and focus is geared to strengthening regional service delivery and ensuring gaps in mental health and suicide prevention and support nationwide are addressed.

In 2017, the organization incorporated under the name Crisis Services Canada and launched the Canada Suicide Prevention Service (CSPS). CSC is a collaboration of non-profit distress and crisis service centres from across Canada.

CSPS has evolved to become a joint initiative with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), and the Canadian Mental Health Association National (CMHA) as founding partners and is now rebranded as Talk Suicide Canada.

Our Responders, along with those located in our member centres take calls and texts for Talk Suicide Canada – Canada’s national, toll-free helpline for people in suicide-related crisis.

CSC is guided by several core goals and principles. We believe that partnerships are the key to increasing services and improving outcomes for individuals in distress, crisis or those who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts. 

We all share a commitment to operating best practices in suicide practices, methods and a common set of core values to ensure we help those in need. CSC members have decades of experience in providing distress and suicide prevention support to people all ages in need across Canada.