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Human Resources Services

Contacts for Crisis Support

If at any time it is believed that the health or safety of members of the McMaster community is at risk, the appropriate authority or University office must be informed.  Any reference to ending one’s life, suicide or threat of violence must be taken seriously.

contact info

Expandable List

  • Main Campus:
    • Dial 88 from a campus phone
    • Dial 905.522.4135 from a cell phone
    • Call from any outdoor red emergency pole on campus
  • Hospital Security (MUMC, Chedoke, HGH, Juravinski):
    • Dial 5555
  • Hospital Security (St. Joseph’s, St. Peter’s)
    • Dial 7777

Download the McMaster University Safety Security and Transit (MUSST) APP

If you are supporting a faculty or staff member in distress, please visit the Supporting Faculty and Staff in Distress: Responding with Respect page.

The Telus Health well-being platform includes access to a confidential Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). Individuals can contact Telus Health through their website, app or by phone toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to book appointments or access any Employee Family Assistance Program service.

All of the services offered by Telus Health are strictly confidential.  Your information will not be shared with McMaster University.

If you are supporting a student in distress please visit the Crisis Support Section of the Student Wellness Centre website.

The Assaulted Women’s Helpline is a free, anonymous and confidential telephone and TTY crisis telephone line to all women in the province of Ontario who have experienced any form of abuse.

We provide crisis counselling, safety planning, emotional support, information and referrals accessible 24/7/365.

  • 1.866.863.0511
  • TTY: 1.866.863.7868
  • 905-972-8338
  • The goal of COAST is to provide 24 hour crisis services to individuals with serious mental health issues and are in crisis. The COAST team provides assessment, treatment, support and referral for people experiencing crisis.
  • 24 Hour Helpline 1-866-925-5454

Good2Talk is a free, confidential helpline providing professional counselling and information and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being to post-secondary students in Ontario 24/7/365.

  • Oakville:  905-849-4541; Burlington: 905-681-1488: North Halton: 905-877-1211

The Distress Centre Halton provides telephone and online support to people in the community to better cope with crisis, loneliness, and emotional stress.

  • 1.800.565.8603
  • www.dart.on.ca
  • Provides information about drug and alcohol treatment services in Ontario. Services are confidential, anonymous and available 24 hours a day.
  • 905-522-1155 Ext. 3243
  • 905-546-4925
  • 1,866,522,1477
  • The Mental Health Helpline provides information about mental health services in Ontario.  An Information and Referral Specialist will answer your call, email or web chat 24/7.  The service is free and confidential health information organization funded by the Ontario Government.
  • 1.866.522.1477
  • www.mhsio.on.ca
  • Provides free, confidential, and anonymous support available 24 hours a day on mental health services across Ontario.
  • 24 Hour Crisis Line:  905.529.7878
  • Toll Free:  1-844-777-3571

The Barrett Centre for Crisis Support provides a safe environment in the community and responds to the needs of individuals, 16 years of age or older, who experience a mental health crisis and do not require a hospital stay.  The provide confidential and free services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

  • 24 hour crisis line 1.855.294.4673 905-522-1477
  • The Suicide Crisis Line provides telephone support, intervention, and referrals for individuals experiencing varying degrees of crisis, including suicide, and any life challenge people are having difficulty navigating through.
  • 905-525-4162

SACHA provides confidential, anonymous 24-hour nonjudgmental telephone support for adults who have experienced sexual violence at any point in their lives; will provide accompaniment to hospital or police station for survivors wishing to seek medical attention or report; counselling services and public education.

211 Ontario’s website provides a gateway to community, social, non-clinical health and related government services.  211 helps to navigate the complex network of human services quickly and easily, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 100 languages.

Other Campus Mental Health Supports

Employee Health Services Learn More

Offers supports to employees and leaders in managing workplace disability issues, workplace accommodations, medical leave, Workplace Safety & Insurance Board claims, and fostering healthier work environments.

Chaplaincy Centre Learn More

The Chaplains are not University employees and are available to help students, staff, and faculty with the challenges they experience. You are welcome to drop in or you can make an appointment to meet with the Chaplains to talk in confidence.

Employee & Labour Relations Learn More

The Employee and Labour Relations team leads in the areas of collective bargaining, collective agreement administration, labour relations, employee relations, manager training, compensation programs, and support for other HRS programs.

Equity and Inclusion Office (EIO) Learn More

The Equity and Inclusion Office works with campus and community partners to ensure that McMaster University is a place where all students, staff and faculty are treated equitably and respectfully in all areas of campus life.

Organizational Development Learn More

The Organizational Development teams fosters a supportive working environment that promotes strong employee engagement, employee recognition and workplace well-being.

Student Affairs Learn More

Nurtures and supports all students to be as healthy as they can be and to reach their potential. Mental health and well-being are understood as key components to health. They will achieve this outcome through their ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive, and healthy educational environment.