Our Services
The “Why” of Distress Centre
Our team at Distress Centre Calgary is passionate and committed to creating an inclusive environment built around protecting, caring for, and helping others. We take pride in being here to help people, whether they’re facing depression or having financial issues, and strive to protect those who are more vulnerable and less fortunate.
Whether you’re having relationship issues, need someone to talk to, are a victim of abuse, or are struggling with suicidal thoughts, we are here for you.
The services we provide are all a part of our “Why”—what gets us out of bed in the morning is being able to help the people of our community that are in need.
About Us at Distress Centre Calgary
Our team at Distress Centre Calgary (DCC) provides a variety of services, including 24-hour crisis support, professional counselling, youth peer support, and navigation and referrals through 211 and our programs at SORCe—all at no cost.
For over 50 years, Distress Centre has always been about helping people in need, and our mission is to provide compassionate, accessible crisis and navigation support that enhances the health, well-being and resiliency of individuals in distress.
We strive to instill a sense of belonging and ensure everyone is heard and has a place to turn to in times of crisis.
Service to others, excellence, volunteerism, integrity, collaboration, innovation, and leadership are the heart of Distress Centre, and we take pride in being here for our community.
We have 24 hour phone, text, chat.
24 Hour Crisis Support
We provide 24 hour crisis support by phone, text and chat to Calgary and Southern Alberta. Youth support is provided through our ConnecTeen youth program.
211
211 allows us to access an entire network of community, social, health and government services to better help Calgarians and extends to all of Alberta.
Crisis Counselling
Crisis counselling is a way for us to help with more complex issues, and our professional crisis counsellors provide free counselling for individuals, couples, and families.
Coordinated Entry
The Coordinated Entry team provides multiple programs and services at the location of SORCe. All aspects of the program use a housing-focused approach to support people experiencing or facing homelessness
144,663
connections in 2023
334
Volunteers
Countless
Lives Impacted
Some Stats to Explore
144,663 contacts in2023, 334 volunteers
54,038 crisis connections (chats, calls, texts) made, including 4,177 ConnecTeen contacts
In 2023, Distress Centre supported 1,439 emergency interventions, an increase of 23%
93.6% of surveyed users would contact Distress Centre again if in crisis
26,688 contact centre and remote hours volunteered in 2023
In 2023, Distress Centre had 2,012 total counselling contacts
Distress Centre’s coordinated entry team served 4,434 unique individuals and families, providing 14,513 unique services in 2023
Learn more about our impact in 2023 by viewing our Annual Report.
Upcoming Events
Opportunities to Help
Our volunteer opportunities allow you to provide support in various ways, including over the phone and via chat, text, or email. We also provide extensive practical and ongoing training.
As Calgary’s only 24-hour crisis agency, we are often the first point of contact for those seeking help. Make a career out of making a difference!
Distress Centre is committed to furthering the field of social work, and we view practicum students as a great asset to our team. Practicum opportunities exist year-round within the Crisis Line Program and Counselling Program, along with other opportunities.
Check Out Our Blog
Explore what’s new in the community and important updates from Distress Centre.
Managing anxiety, loneliness, and addiction during Stampede
Stampede is in full swing here in Calgary. With its vibrant atmosphere, large crowds, and emphasis on celebrating, it can be overwhelming and triggering for many. We asked our counselling [...]Read More... from Managing anxiety, loneliness, and addiction during Stampede
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Have your donation to ConnecTeen matched up to 50% with Rogers Birdies for Kids
Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by Altalink is on! Increase your impact for youth in our community by donating and having it matched up to 50%! Your donation through Birdies [...]Read More... from Have your donation to ConnecTeen matched up to 50% with Rogers Birdies for Kids
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2023 Annual Report
Redefining distress since 1970. Our services help to mitigate, prevent, reduce and relieve distress for 144,663 connections in 2023, no matter how it’s defined. We’re excited to share our 2023 [...]Read More... from 2023 Annual Report
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Volunteer Spotlight: Laiba
Image: Laiba (middle) with other ConnecTeen volunteers at the 40th Anniversary Celebration in September 2023. Laiba joined Distress Centre as a ConnecTeen volunteer in 2021 when she was 15 years [...]Read More... from Volunteer Spotlight: Laiba
READPartnering to support unhoused individuals through winter
The arrival of spring signals the end of the winter season of the Coordinated Community Extreme Weather Response (CCEWR). For Distress Centre, that means wrapping up our Coordinated Entry work [...]Read More... from Partnering to support unhoused individuals through winter
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Meet some of the amazing social workers at DC
March is Social Work Month, the perfect time to spotlight some of the incredible social workers at DC who work in a variety of roles serving individuals and the community. [...]Read More... from Meet some of the amazing social workers at DC
READOur Impact Funders
we want you to know that your donation is currently supporting someone in crisis. thank you for your contributions.
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FIND US
Email: info@distresscentre.com24-Hour Crisis Line: 403-266-4357
Main Office: 403-266-1601
Youth Program Office: 403-264-8337
Calgary, AB T2R 1J5 | View Map
Charitable Registration Number:
107021024RR0001
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, Distress Centre Calgary would like to honour and acknowledge Moh’kinsstis, and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations – Indigenous and non – who live, work and play on this land, and who honour and celebrate this territory.
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