KHP Services and Programs
Name 2 ways you can access Kids Help Phone?
Calling, online messaging, texting, or chatting
Online or on the Phone
Would you speak to the same counsellor if you called Kids Help Phone more than once?
You might, but it would be a coincidence! We have a team of incredible, trained counsellors and any one of them may connect with you when you call in.
Who can use Kids Help Phone services (what ages)?
While KHP works to support youth aged 5-29 primarily, any person of any age can use our services. All are welcome!
When are KHP services available?
Our e-mental health support is offered 24 / 7 / 365 (for professional counselling and text). For our live chat, it's available on our website from 7pm-12am ET.
What are the topics that people can call or text Kids Help Phone about?
You can contact Kids Help Phone for support with any issue on your mind, big or small. You can get in touch about topics like bullying and abuse, friends and family, emotional well-being and more!
If you don't want to call or text, can you still find support from KHP?
Absolutely! We have e-mental health services like the Peer-to-Peer Community, Resources Around Me, Feel Out Loud Community Creator Space, and more on our website.
Will the counsellor share what someone said with somebody else?
No! What you say to the counsellor is anonymous and confidential. Kids Help Phone counsellors do not have any identifying information about you unless you share it with them.
If the counsellor believes your safety or the safety of others may be in danger AND you have shared identifying information (like your name and address), then they have a duty to report to make sure you are okay.
In which languages are Kids Help Phone services offered?
We provide all services in English and French. Phone counselling is also offered in over 100 languages with the help of trained interpreters. Our crisis response via web message is currently only offered in English.
About how many people call each day?
On average, 470 young people called each day in 2024!
What are some ways you can take care of yourself (Self-care) when you feel stressed or anxious?
Talk to someone (a friend, adult, or KHP), do something mindful (a walk, meditation, deep breathing, body scan), or something you enjoy (listening to music, playing a game)
What can you find on the KHP website?
Quizzes, games, tools, activities, programs and resources, youth real-life stories, and so much more!
What is the professional / educational background of a KHP counsellor?
KHP counsellors hold a broad range of experiences and schooling, including psychology, social work and more!
Is what you say to a KHP counsellor on the phone confidential, anonymous, or both?
With a counsellor (Phone or Live Chat), what you say is both anonymous and confidential.
If you're Texting or using Online Messaging with a crisis responder, it is confidential but not anonymous.
What age range called KHP the most in 2024?
a) 5-8 b) 9-12 c) 13-16 d) 17-20 e) 20+
C: 13-16 year olds were the group calling the most in 2024, with almost 41% of callers who provided their age being in this range. Service Users don't always provide information, so this is our best guess.
How do you know it's time to take a break from social media?
If it isn't making you feel good, or you are comparing yourself to others
If someone is bullying you online, or asking you to do something that makes you uncomfortable
If you feel like you are spending too much time online and it is preventing you from doing other things you enjoy
Is there a place to talk to other young people across Canada and connect?
Yes! Kids Help Phone has an online forum called Peer-to-Peer, where you can anonymously connect with other young people to tell your story, provide encouragement and / or get support. Moderators review submissions before they are posted to make sure they follow the community guidelines.
Do you always get support from a counsellor at KHP?
Not always! When you call or chat, you speak with a counsellor. When you text or online message, you are speaking with a trained volunteer crisis responder.
When was Kids Help Phone started?
Phone: 1989
Website: 1996
On average, what percentage of people do you think reported feeling better after connecting with Kids Help Phone?
88%!
What can you do if a friend is doing something to hurt themselves or having mental health issues?
You can talk to them, and let them know you are there for them, if you are able to be
It is important to also take care of your own mental health, maybe do some things together
Sometimes even if someone tells you not to, it's important to tell if someone is in trouble- it doesn't have to be their parents, but telling a safe adult can get them help they might need
Are there volunteer opportunities at Kids Help Phone?
Yes, absolutely! You can volunteer as a crisis responder for our texting service, or within some of our programs (Cam's Kids, Paving Paths, Weaving Threads, We Rise, etc.).
Can you call a Kids Help Phone counsellor for therapy or to have them diagnose you?
Kids Help Phone is here to make sure you feel supported and heard and to provide you with a space to talk to a trained professional about whatever you'd like. However, this is a counselling chat and not a therapy session or a psychiatric consultation.
Can you call KHP if you are having thoughts of suicide or are in crisis?
Yes, KHP is dedicated to making sure you are supported at all times. KHP is also a partner of 9-8-8, which is a designated suicide crisis helpline (call or text!) that is also open 24 / 7.
How many people has Kids Help Phone supported since January 2020?
20.84 million! (As of September 2024)
You can find the most up-to-date number (and other stats about service use) by visiting the Kids Help Phone Insights page.
Name one thing you can do to protect your privacy online
Only talk to people you know in person
Don't post your location, school, phone number, or what sports team you are on
When you post anything on your social media channels, or chat with anyone online/SnapChat/etc consider who might see it. Assume that your message/images will be seen by four different kinds of people:
Even if you think something is private, nothing online really is.