Good2Talk

What is Good2Talk? 

Good2Talk is a 24/7 free, confidential support service for post-secondary students in Ontario.

By calling Good2Talk, students can receive information and referrals about services and supports for mental health, addictions and well-being on and off campus and speak anonymously with a professional counsellor. Students can also receive text-based support through Good2Talk’s partnership with Crisis Text Line powered by Kids Help Phone.

Good2Talk can support students through a wide range of issues that may be impacting their mental health and well-being, including: depression, anxiety, substance abuse, academic stress, personal or family relationships, loneliness, financial concerns and other challenges facing students transitioning to post-secondary.

Good2Talk during the Pandemic 

We asked Jessie about data related to the COVID-19 pandemic and this is what we learned:

• ​Call volumes for April and May 2020 have increased compared to the same time last year. There was a spike of calls around the topic of anxiety when COVID-19 related changes started.
• With the recent changes where many students find themselves in environments (e.g. roommates, family members) where they may not feel comfortable speaking about their issues out loud, texting has been a good alternative.
• The top issues have largely remained the same during COVID-19 as pre-COVID
  • Anxiety
  • Relationships (romantic and familial) and;
  • Depression
• Kids Help Phone has recently seen a spike in concerns around healthy eating habits.

Good2Talk is also looking at how they can adjust their programming to reflect our new reality and is also re-evaluating ways in which they can reach out to students in this new, largely virtual environment.

Get in touch with Good2Talk 

Direct your students to call Good2Talk at 1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868.

If you are interested in helping with outreach ​or have any questions, reach out to Jessie at jessie.brar@kidshelpphone.ca