Accessing Healthcare in Ontario

Family Doctor

Don’t have a family doctor? Register online through Health Care Connect to get on the waiting list. 

If you do not have a health card you can apply online: ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card 

In-person Care Without a Family Doctor

If you need to see a doctor but don’t have a family doctor, there are walk-in clinics around the city. You can access a list of the clinics through 211Ontario.ca or by calling 2-1-1.

Telehealth

If you have a non-urgent health issue and need advice, or if you have a question about your health, you can call 8-1-1 to speak to a nurse for free. You can also access 8-1-1 online: health811.ontario.ca

Pharmacy

Pharmacists are able to prescribe medications for some minor illnesses. You can find a list of what they can treat here: ontario.ca/page/pharmacies#section-2

Medication Those younger than 25, or are 65+, or are receiving OW/ODSP are eligible for prescription medication coverage through the Ontario Drug Benefit program: 

ontario.ca/page/get-coverage-prescription-drugs Low income families may be eligible for the Trillium Benefit program: ontario.ca/page/get-help-high-prescription-drug-costs

Eye Health Youth under 20 years old are covered under OHIP for one eye exam per year.  For prescription glasses, low income families can contact 3-1-1 for financial assistance, or search for affordable options online.  

Dental Health

Algonquin college offers non-urgent dental care for a reduced price: algonquincollege.com/dental-clinic/

Children 17 and under whose families receive ODSP/OW are automatically enrolled in the Healthy Smiles program: ontario.ca/page/get-dental-care. Low income seniors (65+) can apply for OSDCP: ontario.ca/page/dental-care-seniors#section-1. Some emergency procedures are covered by OHIP: ontario.ca/page/ what-ohip-covers

  

Emergency Mental Health Care Ottawa Distress Centre: 

613-238-3311

Suicide Crisis Helpline: 

9-8-8

If you believe someone will hurt themselves or someone else, always call 

9-1-1.

Info and Referrals

ConnexOntario.ca is a free service that provides information on mental health and addiction services.  

AccessMHA.ca is a free referral  service for anyone 16+that can help direct you to the right non-emergent mental health, addiction, or substance use program.

Free Therapy Programs

Ottawa residents can use counselling connect.org/ for 1-3 free counselling sessions. 

Ontario Structured Therapy Program is a free program for anxiety and depression for those 18 or older. It requires referral from a doctor or AccessMHA.ca. 

Youth Mental Health 1Call1Click.ca is a free referral service for youth under 21 that helps direct you to the right mental health, substance use, or addiction service. CHEO also has a list of helpful resources: cheo.on.ca/en/resources-and-support/a-z-resources-mental-health.aspx

Still have questions? Call 2-1-1 or visit 211Ontario.ca