Indigenous Services Canada has expanded the First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line.
It now includes mental wellness counselling and crisis intervention through an online chat.
The free service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
It was established to provide telephone counselling in English, French and upon request Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut.
The online chat is only available at this time in English and French.
Officials say many people, and particularly youth, are more at ease using the internet and handheld devices to access services and seek support.
The toll-free telephone number is 1-855-242-3310.
(PHOTO: Phone. File photo.)