Guidance

Mental health support for British nationals in Canada

Published 3 February 2022

1. Mental health support for British nationals in Canada

The information contained in this note is intended for your general guidance only, it is not a substitute for obtaining your own medical and legal advice. While all due care has been taken in compiling this information, accuracy cannot be guaranteed and the applicable law and procedures may occasionally change. For these reasons neither His Majesty’s Government nor any member of the British Consular staff can accept liability for any costs, damages or expenses which might be incurred.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office holds and uses data for purposes notified to the Information Commissioner under the Data Protection Act 1998 (which may be viewed at https://www.ico.org.uk. Such personal data may be disclosed to other UK Government Departments and public authorities.

2. FCDO consular support

Whenever possible we will seek your permission before taking any action on your behalf.

We can:

• listen to you and help you look at your options
• help you to contact friends and family members if you want to
• visit you in hospital or prison in line with our usual procedures
• raise any concerns about your treatment or welfare with the responsible authority (such as a hospital or prison)
• help overseas medical staff contact medical staff in the UK who may be able to provide advice on your medical history
• give information about local medication suppliers
• be available, as appropriate, to offer you assistance if you choose to remain overseas
• liaise with your travel rep or travel insurance company, if you want us to

We cannot

• give advice on mental health issues
• buy or supply medication - Withhold or remove a passport
• stop you from travelling abroad - Require you to return to the UK
• pay for you to return to the UK - Pay for food, accommodation or medical bills
• get you better treatment in hospital or prison than is given to local people

3. What to do if you need help

Emergencies

In an emergency, you can:

• call 911 for an ambulance
• call 911 for the police
• go to the Emergency Room at any hospital

For less urgent requirements, the first option as in the UK is to take an appointment with a General Practitioner (GP) who would make a first assessment, provide some support, signpost you elsewhere if necessary or assist you in going to hospital. You can find a GP in Canada through the Canadian Institute for Health information website.

Healthcare in Canada is delivered through the provincial and territorial systems of publicly funded health care. To learn more about the different systems, level of coverage, enrolment process, list of doctors, etc., please visit each specific website:

• British Columbia
• Alberta
• Saskatchewan
• Manitoba
• Ontario
• Quebec
• New Brunswick
• Nova Scotia
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Nunavut
• Northwest Territories
• Yukon

Most major towns have medical-psychological centres. These centres are linked to a hospital and are specifically for people with a mental health need and who require help. The centres have teams of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers and other health workers, and there are centres for adults and for children. In smaller towns, you should approach the local hospital which will make a referral if necessary.

You may also make an appointment with a psychologist or a psychiatrist in a private practice. Your GP will be able to recommend one, or you can contact one directly.

4. Prescriptions: on holiday or just moved

If you are on holiday or have recently moved to Canada and need a repeat or replacement prescription, you should contact a local pharmacy for advice.

Carrying a copy of your prescription can help doctors to find the same or similar medication.

5. Compulsory hospitalisation

We will offer assistance, which you are free to accept or reject. Support for British nationals abroad describes the help we can give.

6. Cost of hospitalisation

The cost of medical treatment can be very expensive and there are no special arrangements for British visitors. For emergency health care you can go to a hospital’s emergency room or to a large number of walk-in clinics where an appointment is not required beforehand.

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

If you have dual British-Canadian citizenship you may still have to pay for medical treatment if you don’t meet provincial residency requirements for health care. Check with the relevant province or territory for more information.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

7. Guardianship

The Mental Health Act (MHA) and the Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act (AGTA) were created to be compatible. The Personal Directives Act (PDA) also interacts and is compatible with the MHA and the AGTA.

The MHA regulates the involuntary detention and treatment of persons with mental health issues. The AGTA provides decision-making options and safeguards to protect vulnerable adults who are no longer able to make all of their own decisions and who do not have a personal directive. The PDA allows adults to write a personal directive to name a decision-maker and provide written instructions regarding personal (non-financial) decisions to be followed when they are no longer able to make all of their own decisions.

Emergency decision-making option

Emergency decision-making is designed to allow physicians to make treatment decisions to preserve life, to alleviate severe pain, or prevent serious physical or mental harm when the adult in question is unable to provide consent and no other appropriate substitute decision-maker is available. The physician shall, if practicable, obtain the written opinion of a 2nd physician, nurse practitioner, or registered nurse before providing the emergency health care to the adult.

Treatment decisions

Mental health treatment

Mental health treatment decisions may be made on behalf of a formal patient or a person subject to a community treatment order who is not mentally competent (under the MHA) by the patient’s agent or guardian. If the patient does not have a guardian or agent, or the agent is not available, willing, or cannot be reached, then the patient’s nearest relative (under the MHA) may make the decision. The Public Guardian may make the decision as a last resort. Codecision-makers, supported decision-makers, and specific decision makers cannot make mental health treatment decisions for formal patients or persons subject to a community treatment order who have been assessed as not competent to make treatment decisions.

8. Return to the UK

The cost of medical repatriation can be very expensive and there are no special arrangements for British visitors. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any potential medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

9. Crisis help links

Help is available if you need to talk and you:

• are not feeling yourself
• are experiencing a crisis
• have emotional pain
• have thoughts of suicide
• know someone who needs help

Crisis Help across Canada

The Canadian Mental Health Association

CMHA is a nationwide organization that promotes mental health and supports people recovering from mental illness.

You can locate the CMHA closest to you at Find your CMHA.

Who it is for: all Ontarians aged 16+

The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention

The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention provides a list of crisis centres across Canada. Crisis centres are there for people who are reaching out for help.

Who it is for: all Canadians

Together all

Together All is a free, safe, online peer-to-peer mental health community that is accessible 24/7 to help those experiencing anxiety, depression and other common mental health issues. Commissioned by over 250 organizations globally, Together All is an online service that provides access to millions with anxiety, depression and other common mental health issues through online peer-to-peer support.

Who it is for: all Ontarians aged 16+

BounceBack Ontario

BounceBack Ontario is a free skill-building program managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Ontario. It is designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered over the phone with a coach and through online videos, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness.

Who it is for: all Ontarians aged 16+

Crisis Services Canada

Crisis Services Canada is a 24/7 national network of distress, crisis and suicide prevention line services. This service is available across Canada via toll-free phone, or text in English. Our toll-free phone service is also available in French. This means anyone in Canada that is thinking about, is or has been affected by suicide, can reach out across a variety of media, and feel supported 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1.833.456.4566, Text 45645

Who it is for: all Canadians

Distress Centres of Greater Toronto

Distress Centres of Greater Toronto offer free, 24/7 support to individuals in crisis and/or experiencing emotional distress. Services are available via hotline, online chat and text. They are Canada’s oldest volunteer delivered crisis, emotional support and suicide prevention +intervention.

Call 416-408-4357 (24/7 support)

Text 45645 (texting available from 4pm to 12am ET)

Who it is for: individuals living in the GTA

AbilitiCBT

AbilitiCBT is an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) program that you can access from any device, any time. It is free to anyone in Ontario or Manitoba. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective forms of therapy. It works by helping you understand and change the thoughts, feelings and behaviors that are causing you problems. AbilitiCBT works the same way, but virtually. AbilitiCBT’s user-friendly platform makes it convenient to get help when you need it, where you need it.

Who is it for: all Canadians

Good2Talk Helpline

Good2Talk provides confidential support services for post-secondary students in Ontario and Nova Scotia. Students can receive information and referrals about services and supports for mental health, addictions and well-being on and off campus and speak anonymously with a professional counsellor.

Call 1-866-925-5454

Text GOOD2TALKON to 686868

Who is it for: Post-secondary students in Ontario/Nova Scotia

Ontario Caregiver Helpline

The Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO) exists to support Ontario’s 3.3 million caregivers; ordinary people who provide physical and emotional support to a family member, partner, friend or neighbour. We support caregivers by being their one point of access to information, so they have what they need to be successful in their role.

Text 1-833-416-2273

Live chat https://www.ontariocaregiver.ca

Who it is for: caregivers in Ontario

Kids Help Phone

Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only national helpline for young people between the ages of 5 and 20. It offers:

• 24-hour confidential and anonymous support
• professional counsellors and counselling options
• online resources that provide tips and advice on the challenges that young people face

Call 1-800-668-6868 to connect with Kids Help Phone.