Depression Services Guide Community and Online Services

About this resource

Author: Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Program

Revised: October 2020

Community and Online Referral Guide for Cancer Patients and Providers

Many people feel sad after a cancer diagnosis, while undergoing cancer treatment or after treatment has finished. Depression is much more than simple unhappiness. Depression is a treatable condition that can affect adults with cancer.

What should I do first?

If you are experiencing symptoms or changes in your mood:

Talk to you healthcare team.
Learn about how to manage your symptoms.
1. Download a copy of Ontario Health – Cancer Care Ontario’s Patient Symptom Management guides for Depression, Anxiety, Pain, Fatigue here.
Moderate or severe depression can be seen by specialized cancer social workers or a psychiatrist. Speak with your healthcare team to be referred.
Mild or moderate depression can access one of the following community or online supports.

Community

Check your Employee Assistance Plan services/benefits at your place of employment
Agencies with sliding scales (fee is adjusted):
KW Counselling, Carizon (Mosaic), Family counselling Centre of Cambridge & North Dumfries, Interfaith Community Counselling Centre, Lutherwood Family Counselling, Shalom Counselling, Woolwich Counselling Centre
Psychology today has a list of counselors in your area.

Community Depression Resources

Hopespring

Call or visit Hopespring to learn about their programs. Speak to a Social Worker at HopeSpring in person or from home. Hopespring offers their services free of charge. 519-742-4673

Family Health Team

Do you belong to a family health care team? If yes, you can call your family health team to set up a meeting with their Social Worker. Call your family health team.

Canadian Mental Health Association

BounceBack® a free skill-building program. The program is designed to help adults and youth ages 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry. 1-866-345-0224

Canadian Cancer Society

Provincial Peer support program: Monday to Friday program for help with local support group details, guidance on how to find a doctor as well as offering peer-to-peer support. 1-888-486-8236

Here 24/7

Here 24/7 is your point of access to addictions, mental health and crisis services in Waterloo Wellington. Services are offered by 12 agencies in the region. 1-844-437-3247