Directory of services
This webpage contains a list of various resources available for military and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Families in Canada. The resources are broken down by category, as listed below.
We are not a service provider. If you are in distress, please call or text 9-8-8. If this is an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
Talk Suicide Canada
Crisis Services Canada
Call 1-833-456-4566 (available 24-7)
Text 45645 (available 4pm to midnight ET)
For residents of Quebec:
Call 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553)
Text 45645 (Available 4pm to Midnight EST)
Crisis Text Line powered by Kids Help Phone
Powered by Kids Help Phone Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS)
Call 1-800-668-6868 (available 24-7)
Text CAFKIDS to 686868 (available 24-7)
Powered by Kids Help Phone
Hope for Wellness Helpline for all Indigenous Peoples
Financial crisis or emergency
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)
1-866-522-2122
TDD/TTY 1-833-921-0071 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30, local time)
Member Assistance Program and Assistance Services for Families
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
1-800-268-7708 | TDD/TTY 1-800-567-5803 (available 24-7)
Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC)
Department of National Defence (DND)
1-844-750-1648 (available 24-7)
DND.SMRC-CIIS.MDN@forces.gc.ca
Benefits
The Guide provides an overview of the various benefits, programs and services that are available to current and retired Regular and Reserve Force members and their Families, should the member become disabled, ill, injured or deceased while serving in the CAF.
To learn more, or to access the Guide, visit the Government of Canada website.
If you qualify for the Treatment Benefits program from Veteran Affairs Canada, find a registered mental health care provider near you. A registered provider can bill Veteran Affairs Canada directly, so you do not need to pay out of pocket.
To learn more, visit the website.
PSHCP provides insurance coverage to current members of the CAF and RCMP and their eligible dependents. Retired or past members of the CAF or the RCMP can obtain coverage for themselves as either a pensioner or if employed in federal civil service. The plan provides limited coverage for psychologist or social worker services where applicable.
To learn more, visit the PSHCP website.
The Veterans Benefits Guide is an online publication, offered by the Legion Magazine. It is aimed at Veterans and current military members and their Families, offering up-to-date information about the various benefits you may be entitled to and how to apply for them.
To learn more, visit the Legion Magazine website.
Bereavement
There is bereavement support available for Families following the service-related death of a Veteran, CAF member or RCMP member.
1-800-268-7708 | TTY: 1-800-567-5803
(Available 24-7)
HOPE is a peer-support program delivered by trained volunteers who provide support and serve as positive examples in recovery and grief for those who have experienced loss.
To learn more, visit the CAF Community website.
1-800-883-6094
HOPE-ESPOIR@forces.gc.ca
MyGrief.ca is a free e-learning resource to help people better understand and move through grief in different situations. Modules include information on grief after trauma and a series dedicated to Family and friends who are caregivers.
To learn more, visit MyGrief.ca.
Children and youth
Camp Maple Leaf offers a dedicated one-week camp session for children of military members or first responders affected by an operational stress injury because of their service. The session is hosted in collaboration with the Petawawa Military Family Resource Centres Mental Health Services Team. There are also other more general sessions available for children of military Families.
To learn more, visit the Camp Maple Leaf website.
905-338-5200
info@campmapleleaf.ca
CFMWS, in collaboration with the Kids Help Phone and True Patriot Love Foundation, has launched a crisis texting service for military Family children, youth and young adults living in Canada. To learn more, visit the CAF Community website.
Text CAFKIDS (English) or JEUNESFAC (French) to 686868 (available 24-7)
1-800-668-6868 (available 24-7)
Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) Personnel Support Services offers a free virtual camp for kids aged 5 to 14, with themed games, crafts and contests sent to you each week via email. Each activity contains instructions so kids can do them on their own.
To learn more, visit the CFMWS website.
This free guide is to help individuals who work with children and youth to teach them more about Canadian military family life and how best to support military kids.
To learn more or to access the guide, visit the CAF Community website.
The Strongest Families Institute offers a variety of Family-centered programs for children and youth between the ages of three to 17 who are experiencing behavioural or psychological issues. There are different programs available which can help you and your child or youth better navigate and cope with their feelings, such as anxiety or anger stemming from the military lifestyle.
To learn more, visit the Strongest Families Institute website.
The Mind’s the Matter is a series of interactive videos created by Military Family Services and the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group to help understand operational stress injuries and their impact on Family life. The videos are available online.
To learn more and to access the videos, visit the CAF Community website.
We Have Superpowers is a book written by Dr. Kari Pries, a military spouse. The book is about how children can play an important part in the support and recovery of a loved one who has a physical or mental injury. The book is freely available through MFRCs in a print version, or through an online video read by the author.
Click to access the English and French versions of the online videos.
Counselling and therapy
Can Praxis is an equine-assisted therapy program aimed at supporting Veterans and first responders (active and retired) and their families affected by operational stress injuries. The program consists of three phases, lasting three-days each.
To learn more, visit the Can Praxis website.
CFMAP is a confidential, 24-7 short-term counselling service available to members of the Canadian Armed Forces (Regular Force, Reserve and Cadets) and their Families. Trained counsellors provide support for various issues related to well-being and work performance. To learn more, visit the Government of Canada website.
1-800-268-7708 | TTY: 1-800-567-5803 (available 24-7)
The CRP is a four-day, group-based, equine therapy program offered by Wounded Warriors Canada. The program offers support to couples living with post-traumatic and operational stress injuries, with the aim of improving their relationship with their partner.
To learn more, visit the Wounded Warriors website.
EAS is a confidential, 24-7 short-term counselling service available to current RCMP members and their Families (spouses and unmarried children).
To learn more, visit the RCMP website.
1-800-268-7708 | 1-800-567-5803 (TTY)
The Family Information Line is a 24-7 service available to Families of CAF members, offering information, short term counselling services, referral, and crisis support through a trained counsellor. To learn more, visit the CAF Community website.
Canadians: 1-800-866-4546 (available 24-7)
International: 00-800-771-17722 (available 24-7)
Family Liason Officers (FLOs) are trained social workers who provide support to Families of injured, fallen or transitioning CAF members (Regular and Reserve Force), offered by the MFRC in collaboration with your local CAF Transition Centre. Your FLO can help you navigate all stages of the recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration process.
To learn more, visit the CAF Community website.
MFRC’s are responsible for connecting military families to a wide range of programs and services. Use the Community Locator to find coordinates and contact information for your local MFRC.
OSI clinics are specialized clinics for CAF members, Veterans, or current and former members of the RCMP affected by mental health issues related to service and their Families. There are various support options available, from assessment to treatment.
To learn more, visit the Veterans Affairs Canada website.
The RCMP have a dedicated contact for Families of current or former members, to help answer questions about benefits and/or available supports.
To learn more, visit the RCMP website.
The RCMP National Reintegration Program (NRP) is an interactive and confidential program that helps build the confidence of regular members returning to operational duties after experiencing a traumatic or critical incident, transitioning from administrative duties, returning from extended leave (parental, suspension, physical or psychological injury/illness), or retiring. The program is member-led, peer-driven, self-paced, and customizable to meet individual needs, with the goal of assisting members in building their confidence. It is available to both active RCMP members and those returning to the RCMP.
To learn more, visit https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/family-corner/mental-health-wellbeing-and-support or email ReintegrationProgram-Programmedereintegration@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
The VAC Assistance Line is a confidential 24-7 support service for Veterans, former RCMP members, their Families, or caregivers. There is support available for a variety of well-being needs, from physical and mental health to work-related issues, to family and marital challenges, to bereavement.
To learn more, visit the VAC website.
1-800-268-7708, TDD/TTY: 1-800-567-5803
The program is co-led by psychologists and counsellors who’ve received specialized training in military issues, and graduates who are Veterans themselves. The program aims to support Veterans as they transition to the civilian world.
To learn more, visit the website.
1-844-CDN-VETS (236-8387)
neveralone@vtncanada.org
Educational tools
Couple Hopes is an eight-week interactive online program for couples living with PTSD. The program involves a mixture of educational videos and activities, communication skills training, and dedicated coaching to guide learning related to PTSD and relationships.
LifeSpeak is an anonymous online health and wellness hub that includes a variety of resources such as videos and podcasts to help you improve your mental health and wellbeing.
For active CAF members and their Families, visit the Government of Canada website.
For active RCMP members, visit the RCMP website.
For former CAF members, former RCMP members and their Families, visit the Veterans Affairs Canada website.
For active CAF members and their Families, visit the Government of Canada website.
For former CAF members, former RCMP members and their Families, visit the Veterans Affairs Canada website.
For active RCMP members, visit the website.
For more information, visit the website.
The Mental Health Caregiver Guide is an informational resource for caregivers of individuals living with mental illness or experiencing mental health challenges across various ages (child, youth, adult, older adult).
To learn more, or to access the guide, visit the CAF Community website.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an interactive workshop that can help you learn to recognize and understand signs of a mental health issue or crisis, and how best to respond. There is a version tailored to the Veteran community and those who support them, offered in partnership with the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
To learn more, visit the MHFA website.
MissionVAV is a web-based health promotion program designed to improve the wellbeing of Canadian Veterans and their families.
To learn more, visit the MissionVAV website.
The National Police Federation (NPF) provides active RCMP Members and their Families with easy access to relevant information and resources, including mental health resources, practical information relating to the Collective Agreement, and more. The service is available to NPF members and their Families.
To learn more, visit the NPF website.
The Operational Stress Injury Resource for Caregivers is an online resource for caregivers who are supporting a loved one with an operational stress injury, created by Veterans Affairs Canada, the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group and Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) – Military Family Services. It provides information about operational stress injuries, their effects on caregivers, as well as tips on how to cope.
To learn more, or to access the resource, visit the CFWMS webpage.
OSI Connect is an interactive mobile app designed to help Canadian Veterans and former RCMP members affected by an operational stress injury and their families. The app contains various resources, such as videos and assessments, to help users better understand and manage their condition(s) and related challenges, such as post-traumatic stress, triggers, depression and sleep problems.
To learn more, visit The Royal Ottawa’s website.
PTSD Coach Canada is a mobile app for those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder, developed by Veterans Affairs Canada in collaboration with the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Mental Health Association. The app offers tools and information to help users learn about and manage trauma-related symptoms. It is also available online for those who do not have a smartphone or tablet.
To learn more, visit the Veterans Affairs Canada website.
Given the numerous resources available, the RCMP developed this guide to provide a “one stop shop” of information on resources you can access, designed to help you- and your family- maintain well-being. As well, it provides information on where to turn when life’s challenges become more than you can handle on your own.
Families, employees on leave, and veterans can request a copy by emailing RCMP.MentalHealthActionPlan-PlanActionSanteMentale.GRC@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
For those seeking better mental health, well-being and support in recovery. Designed to support you on your personal path, Well Central’s Virtual Recovery College is a self-directed, web-based online channel with free interactive courses that empower individuals to take control of their recovery and well-being.
Peer support
COPE is a group-based couples program offered by Wounded Warriors Canada. The program is available to active and former members of the CAF, RCMP, and their partners who are living with operational stress injuries. The program takes place over six months in two distinct phases, involving group-based learning and discussion, coaching, and peer-support.
To learn more, visit the Wounded Warriors website.
Veterans and Veteran Family members who express an interest in the Mood Disorders Society of Canada’s virtual peer support training will be connected with the Peer and Trauma Support Services (PATSS) team. Regularly scheduled training dates available should you wish to enroll. The workshops are led by lived experience facilitators/mental health professionals. They are two days in length and are done over Zoom.
To learn more, visit the Mood Disorders Society of Canada website.
Veterans and/or their Family members can connect and engage in one-on-one phone calls, speaking informally with a caring person.
Companionship calls offer safe, private and trust-based conversations. Share your thoughts and feelings or discuss everyday events. Connect with companionship call volunteers or with a Veteran peer.
To learn more, visit the Mood Disorders Society of Canada website.
OSISS is a Canada-wide peer-support network program, involving mentorship and shared knowledge. The program is aimed at CAF members, Veterans and their Families affected by an operational stress injury.
To learn more, visit the OSISS website.
SOSI is a peer-support network for active and former members of the RCMP to help improve mental wellness and well-being.
To learn more, visit the RCMP website.
RCMP.SOSI-SBSO.GRC@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Community outreach centres in Edmonton, Ottawa and Dartmouth are a safe place to find support, conversation, and a community of others who care and understand.
To learn more, visit the VETS Canada website.
Substance use
CRAFT-SUD is an interactive, online course aimed at Family members of Veterans who are working to manage a substance use disorder. The course comprises eight self-paced modules which aim to help Family members learn how to encourage their loved one to seek help and then support them during treatment. Please note that this resource is US-based; however, it is available to Canadians.
To learn more or to access the course, visit the US Department of Veteran Affairs website.
Transition
The Caregivers’ Brigade is a group of spouses of injured and ill CAF Veterans who have come together to develop a comprehensive list of resources available to fellow Families to help with recovery, transition and reintegration. They consult with existing departments of the RCMP and CAF organizations to assist Families of ill and injured serving military members and Veterans.
To learn more, visit the Caregivers’ Brigade website.
The Veteran Family Journal is an informational resource and tool for Families and for CAF members and Veterans who are in the process of, or have been, medically released. The Journal contains forms, checklists and guides designed to help you and your Family navigate your transition experience.
To learn more, or to download a copy for you and your Family, visit the CAF Community website.
The Veteran Family Program is a suite of information, programs and services available to medically releasing Canadian Armed Forces members, medically released Veterans, and their Families. The program helps you better navigate the transition experience and any associated challenges. The Program is funded by Veterans Affairs Canada and Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services.
To learn more, visit the CAF Community website.
The program is co-led by psychologists and counsellors who’ve received specialized training in military issues, and graduates who are Veterans themselves. The program aims to support Veterans as they transition to the civilian world.
To learn more, visit the website.
1-844-CDN-VETS (236-8387)
neveralone@vtncanada.org
