Mental Health & Addictions in COVID-19

The Alcoholics Anonymous helpline is answered by AA volunteers from Monday to Friday from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm. If you call outside these hours we will do our best to return your call as soon as possible and normally within an hour.

Support Meetings are now being held on Zoom. Consult their website for times.

The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength and hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery.

Al-Anon helps help families of alcoholics, while Alateen helps youth, usually teenagers, whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking.

According to their events page, it seems as though some meetings are still happening. Please call to confirm before attending and of these events.

Click here for a cumulative list of Eastern Health contacts, based on region, that can help you overcome addiction.

If you are finding it difficult to cope or feel anxious, Bridge the gapp offers many services to support you and your wellbeing.

If you are feeling isolated and alone during COVID-19, you are encouraged to reach out and speak with a trained mental health peer supporter. Note that, due to large call volumes, you may be prompted to leave a voice mail. CHANNAL will return your call with a blocked phone number to protect your privacy.

Effective immediately, Mental Health and Addictions in St. John’s is now offering DOORWAYS Counselling Sessions by phone or video. Please call (709) 752-4903 to discuss counselling options during the following times:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

In-person counselling is available for URGENT concerns upon pre-screening, where possible. Call the number listed to discuss counselling options.

Address: Building 532, Pleasantville (Back of building on Roosevelt Ave) 

The fasdNL Network came together due to a shared interest in supporting those with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) through a provincial organization. 

During COVID-19, monthly parent and caregiver support groups will now be held virtually as a Zoom video meeting. RSVP information on their website.

Are you struggling with gambling addiction in St. John’s, NL? The Gambling Helpline is dedicated to supporting gamblers and their families; and reducing and eliminating problem gambling in NL, 24/7.

The Mental Health Crisis Line provides 24/7 telephone-based crisis intervention, toll-free and confidential, by professionally trained Crisis Interveners. This service is open to anyone in crisis, their caregivers or loved ones, as well as health professionals on a consultative basis by phone.

Website: Click

Narcotics Anonymous are still supporting people through online meetings. Check out their website for meeting times.

Website: Click
Phone:   811

Whether you have a health concern of any kind, have questions about self-care and healthy eating, or would like advice on how to support a loved one with their particular ailment, call 811. A Registered Nurse is available to talk 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 811 is a confidential and free telephone line available to all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.

A fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience, strength and hope, are recovering from compulsive overeating.

Planned Parenthood NLSHC promotes positive sexual health and 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion through education, community partnership, information and services within an environment that supports and respects individual choice.

•  Open for telehealth services (phone appointments) and extremely limited physical appointments when deemed absolutely necessary by their doctors. If you do have to come to a physical appointment you may be asked to remain outside until the previous appointment is finished.
• Unable to provide routine screenings (STI and Pap) as the public health labs focus on the current pandemic.
• Can provide prescriptions over the phone if you are symptomatic or in need of birth control by appointment.
• Unable to take drop-in appointments and will be keeping our doors locked. Available via the phone for sexual health questions, concerns, and options counselling for pregnancy.
• Using a contactless system if you need to pick up birth control, condoms, or a take home pregnancy test. You must call or message us ahead of time and, weather permitting, they will drop what you need on our front porch for you to pick up.
• If you get your birth control from them and need a new pack please call 579-1009 or email csc@ppnlshc.com. Only selling one pack per client.

Eastern Health has launched a temporary information line to help individuals navigate the system and connect with opioid addiction supports and services. The line is intended for use by those receiving Opioid Dependence Treatment, those seeking support for their opiate use, their families and health care providers.

For seniors and individuals who support seniors, SeniorsNL is a great resource that is available throughout the province.  SeniorsNL can also be contacted via email at info@seniorsnl.ca.

Staff are working remotely. Their 24-Hour Support and Information Line (1-800-726-2743) will be connected with an empathetic, non-judgmental volunteer who can offer confidential emotional support, information, and resources as needed. All in-person support, hospital and police accompaniment services, and The Journey Project are suspended until further notice.

The Sexual Assault Crisis & Prevention Centre is a non-profit, community-based, charitable organization that exists to support individuals of all genders who have been impacted by sexual violence. They operate from a feminist, pro-choice, trauma-informed, person-centered perspective where individuals with lived experienced are honoured for their unique strengths, needs, skills, and abilities.

Dedicated to improving public health and the quality of life by reducing and eliminating tobacco use in NL, reducing the provincial smoking rate, and by encouraging and supporting Newfoundlanders and Labradoreans of all ages to quit using tobacco and stay tobacco free.

The service continues throughout COVID-19, and there are helpful COVID-related resources about smoking on their website.

The St. John’s Status of Women’s Council works to achieve equality and justice through political activism, community collaboration and the creation of a safe and inclusive space for all women in the St. John’s area.

Their “Right Here, Right Now” drop-in counselling is a program that provides single session therapy to women and women identified (18 and over) in the St. John’s area. With COVID-19, the service is now being offered over the phone on a first come, first served basis.

Deaf women can now contact the Women’s Centre about programs and services by texting (709) 770-4312 We can respond to your messages Monday to Friday 8:30-4:30pmEmpowered Together: a drop-in peer support group for any woman impacted by intimate partner abuse (Mondays 6:30 – 7:30 PM)

Empowering Ourselves: an 8-week closed group exploring intimate partner abuse

Helping Mothers Thrive: an 8-week closed group supporting women whose parenting has been impacted by domestic violence