Services are available in English and Farsi

If you or your loved one is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. If the situation involves imminent safety risks or a possible threat of violence, police may be required to respond.

PACT is a mobile civilian-led team that will respond to crisis calls related to mental health and/or substance use on the North Shore. The program pairs a mental health professional and a peer worker to provide trauma-informed, culturally safe support to youth aged 13+ or adults in the North Shore.  Call 1-888-261-7228 or text 778-839-1831.

PACT is your local support team that you can reach out to when you or someone around you is in distress due to:

• thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• family members experiencing challenges
• substance use
• loss of reality
• feelings of hopelessness or despair
• social isolation and loneliness
• fear, anxiety, and depression
• other mental health-related emergencies

How we can help:

• Offer support to you or your loved one over the phone, text, or in-person wherever you feel comfortable
• Listen without judgement and provide a safe space for you to share your story and tell us what is going on
• Provide crisis counselling and de-escalation
• Advocate for you and accompany you to emergency departments, police stations, or community organizations
• Connect you to the appropriate resources, services and supports in the community to meet your underlying needs
• Provide short-term follow-up care to you and your family after a crisis event

What we cannot do:

• Transport you or your loved one from one place to another in the staff vehicle (if needed, transportation will be provided through taxi services)
• Perform psychological assessments to diagnose mental illnesses or write prescriptions for medication
• Make referrals to psychiatrists or other medical specialists for specific treatments for mental or physical health conditions (but we can help you to access primary care)
• Fast-track applications for housing, income or disability assistance, or mental health services.

iYos provides outreach services for youth (ages 13-19) experiencing urgent and emergent mental health and substance use issues. Youth accessing iYos may be experiencing: acute disturbances in mood, thinking or behaviour which might manifest with suicidal ideation, mood problems or psychotic symptoms; moderate to severe primary substance use with or without mental illness; functional challenges associated with housing, income and health; and difficulties accessing health and social services. iYos can provide crisis intervention, short-term counselling, education, Intensive Case Management (ICM) services, and assessments. Additional support and consultation to parents regarding their youth in crisis is also offered. iYOS is available 7 days per week for urgent matters with staff available weekdays 8:30 am to 11:00 pm, and weekends 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Foundry North Shore is a place where any youth or parent in our community can find easy access to the help they need, when they need it. It is an integrated youth and family initiative that transforms how mental health and substance use services are delivered on the North Shore; providing early intervention to support young peoples’ well being.

Hosted by Vancouver Coastal Health, Foundry North Shore unites over 10 partner organizations that work together to address the health care needs of youth ages 12 to 24 and their families.

Drop In Counselling Hours
Monday & Thursday 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Tuesday/ Wednesday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Medical Services Drop In
Monday to Thursday 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm

A multi-disciplinary and evidence-informed approach to support 13-19 year old youth who are in need of more urgent or intensive mental health and/or substance use services. Outreach workers can provide services in the community.

YURT is for youth experiencing the following:
• Acute disturbance in mood, thinking or behavior which might manifest with suicidal ideation, mood problems or psychotic symptoms
• Moderate to severe primary substance use with or without mental illness
• Functional challenges associated with housing, income and health
• Difficulties accessing health and social services

Foundry North Shore is a place where any youth or parent in our community can find easy access to the help they need, when they need it. It is an integrated youth and family initiative that transforms how mental health and substance use services are delivered on the North Shore; providing early intervention to support young peoples’ well being.

Hosted by Vancouver Coastal Health, Foundry North Shore unites over 10 partner organizations that work together to address the health care needs of youth ages 12 to 24 and their families.

Drop In Counselling Hours
Monday & Thursday 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Tuesday/ Wednesday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Medical Services Drop In
Monday to Thursday 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Services are available in English and Farsi

If you or your loved one is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. If the situation involves imminent safety risks or a possible threat of violence, police may be required to respond.

PACT is a mobile civilian-led team that will respond to crisis calls related to mental health and/or substance use on the North Shore. The program pairs a mental health professional and a peer worker to provide trauma-informed, culturally safe support to youth aged 13+ or adults in the North Shore.  Call 1-888-261-7228 or text 778-839-1831.

PACT is your local support team that you can reach out to when you or someone around you is in distress due to:

• thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• family members experiencing challenges
• substance use
• loss of reality
• feelings of hopelessness or despair
• social isolation and loneliness
• fear, anxiety, and depression
• other mental health-related emergencies

How we can help:

• Offer support to you or your loved one over the phone, text, or in-person wherever you feel comfortable
• Listen without judgement and provide a safe space for you to share your story and tell us what is going on
• Provide crisis counselling and de-escalation
• Advocate for you and accompany you to emergency departments, police stations, or community organizations
• Connect you to the appropriate resources, services and supports in the community to meet your underlying needs
• Provide short-term follow-up care to you and your family after a crisis event

What we cannot do:

• Transport you or your loved one from one place to another in the staff vehicle (if needed, transportation will be provided through taxi services)
• Perform psychological assessments to diagnose mental illnesses or write prescriptions for medication
• Make referrals to psychiatrists or other medical specialists for specific treatments for mental or physical health conditions (but we can help you to access primary care)
• Fast-track applications for housing, income or disability assistance, or mental health services.

iYos provides outreach services for youth (ages 13-19) experiencing urgent and emergent mental health and substance use issues. Youth accessing iYos may be experiencing: acute disturbances in mood, thinking or behaviour which might manifest with suicidal ideation, mood problems or psychotic symptoms; moderate to severe primary substance use with or without mental illness; functional challenges associated with housing, income and health; and difficulties accessing health and social services. iYos can provide crisis intervention, short-term counselling, education, Intensive Case Management (ICM) services, and assessments. Additional support and consultation to parents regarding their youth in crisis is also offered. iYOS is available 7 days per week for urgent matters with staff available weekdays 8:30 am to 11:00 pm, and weekends 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most established, most extensive community mental health organization in Canada. Through a presence in more than 330 communities across every province and one territory, CMHA provides advocacy, programs and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive.

With one national office, 11 divisions in all provinces and one territory, and 75 community-based branches/regions, we provide services and supports to over 1.3 million Canadians through the combined efforts of more than 5,000 staff and 11,000 volunteers.

Foundry North Shore is a place where any youth or parent in our community can find easy access to the help they need, when they need it. It is an integrated youth and family initiative that transforms how mental health and substance use services are delivered on the North Shore; providing early intervention to support young peoples’ well being.

Hosted by Vancouver Coastal Health, Foundry North Shore unites over 10 partner organizations that work together to address the health care needs of youth ages 12 to 24 and their families.

Drop In Counselling Hours
Monday & Thursday 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Tuesday/ Wednesday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Medical Services Drop In
Monday to Thursday 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Blue Wave is a program of the Canadian Mental Health Association BC Division which works to support the mental health of youth in British Columbia. Their vision is “To build awareness and acceptance of personal challenges faced by those dealing with mental health issues through education, understanding and support”.

Check out the Blue Wave website for a “Wellness Check”, stories from youth with lived experience, resources and to learn more about their programs: the Janice Lee Blue Wave Bursary, the “Living Life to the Full for Youth” life skills course and Blue Wave social media.

The Kelty Dennehy Mental Health Resource Centre is located in the Robert and Greta Ho Centre for Psychiatry and Education on the Lions Gate Hospital campus and operated by The Canadian Mental Health Association, North and West Vancouver Branch. The resource centre is a place where family, friends and those affected by mental health challenges can feel comfortable to seek support and get trusted information. By providing the resources, the centre is integral to developing community and addressing barriers and stigma surrounding mental health issues. The centre offers educational opportunities and on-the-ground support and problem solving provided by people with lived-experience.

Through fusion of recreational activities,”STEPS” encourages youth to interact in a nurturing and non-judgemental environment while promoting healthy living habits. Activities like hiking, yoga and laser tag build self confidence and strengthen both social and personal fitness goals. The program touches on all aspects of wellness aiming to equip participants with understanding, skills and strategies for living and maintaining a mentally healthy lifestyle.

Currently the STEPS Program runs September to June. STEPS youth meet weekly. Communication between program coordinator and participants is encouraged on an open group chat webpage keeping youth connected and supported throughout the week. One-on-one meet-ups are also offered through the coordinator as needed. Activities and locations vary, bringing new STEPS adventures weekly.

For more information contact STEPS Youth Program Coordinator, Sydney Mattu.

CMHA offers clinically directed mental health and addiction services for youth and their families. Individual, group and recreational counselling/therapy available. Self-referral.

The North Shore Stress and Anxiety Clinic offers effective help for adults, parents, teens, children, couples, and families. They will help you better understand your problems, develop a treatment plan that meets your needs, and teach you skills to make lasting positive changes. Their diverse team of psychologists and psychiatrists have the compassion, training, and expertise to provide high-quality assessments and therapy that works. They use state of the art cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based treatment approaches to treat everything from day-to-day stress, anxiety, and low mood to anxiety disorders, clinical depression, and a range of other problems.

The team also conducts psychoeducational assessments and other specialized evaluations (e.g., medical-legal and disability assessments). Their high quality psychoeducational assessments for children, adolescents, and adults are designed to examine potential learning challenges, symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or giftedness and to assist with school and life planning.

Youth clinics offer free and confidential drop in services for youth. At a clinic, you can talk to a health care provider about the health issues that are important to you.

Services vary depending on which clinic you go to. Some of the free and confidential services that may be offered include:

STI/HIV testing & treatment
Free condoms and water-based lubricant
Birth control (free or low cost)
Emergency contraception
Pap tests
Free or low-cost birth control options
Pregnancy testing and counselling
General counselling and health information
Immunizations
Smoking Cessation
Mental health and addictions referrals

A Care Card is not required.

Counselling
We can help you when life gets hard or you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, bullying, disordered eating, sexual abuse, relationship violence, coming out, gender identity, and more. Our counsellors have the training and experience to ensure you feel safe, comfortable, and supported.
If your parents can’t afford the counselling fees or you don’t want to tell them about your sessions, we can help. Our intake counsellor can tell you more about the ways we can support you.
We also provide:
• Free transportation, as needed, to and from our office
• Free drinks and snacks during your counselling sessions
We know you’re busy with school, work, and life in general, so our office is open:
• Weeknights until 8:00 pm
• Saturdays from 9:00am – 4:00pm

Embody
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, or disordered eating of any kind, Embody has education, resources, and inspiration that can help.
We also encourage you to check out Love Our Bodies, Love Ourselves movement. Join the conversation on Facebook , Twitter or Instagram and connect with other B.C. youth who are talking about what it means to have a healthy body image.

YouthLAB
Every year, a small group of North Shore high school students (grades 10-12), come together as volunteers to form the Youth Leadership Advisory Board (YouthLAB). If you are interested in public speaking, writing, and mental health, we’d love to connect with you.
YouthLAB members:
• Meet two evenings each month (weekday evening to be determined), from 4:30 – 6:30pm (snacks included when meetings take place in-person)
• Earn up to 50 hours of community service from September through May
• Learn about mental health issues from our professional counsellors
• Advocate for the needs of at-risk youth in our community
• Develop leadership, communication, and public speaking skills
YouthLAB members create presentations and campaigns for their high school peers, focused on topics including depression, anxiety, LGBTQ2S+ issues, disordered eating, bullying, and relationship violence. If you’re ready to make a real difference in your community. For additional information click here.
Applications for YouthLAB 2021/2022 cohort (beginning in October 2021) are open now. Please click here for an application form.
The YouthLAB 2019/2020 cohort produced an amazing art book that provides a creative illustration of their youth-lead work in addressing mental health issues facing young people. Eleven youth attending North Shore Schools created this book to share their artistic reflections about wellness and mental health topics such as anxiety, depression, trauma and social justice concerns with their peers. Click here to view and download this book. The 202/2021 YouthLAB created a video, check back here to see it later in May.

PROUD2BE
We created our PROUD2BE programs, because we know that those of us who identify as LGBTQ2S+ need a safe place to talk about how that feels – and how hard it can be sometimes. We also offer help to parents and family members if they’re having a hard time, too.

A multi-disciplinary and evidence-informed approach to support 13-19 year old youth who are in need of more urgent or intensive mental health and/or substance use services. Outreach workers can provide services in the community.

YURT is for youth experiencing the following:
• Acute disturbance in mood, thinking or behavior which might manifest with suicidal ideation, mood problems or psychotic symptoms
• Moderate to severe primary substance use with or without mental illness
• Functional challenges associated with housing, income and health
• Difficulties accessing health and social services

Services are available in English and Farsi

If you or your loved one is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. If the situation involves imminent safety risks or a possible threat of violence, police may be required to respond.

PACT is a mobile civilian-led team that will respond to crisis calls related to mental health and/or substance use on the North Shore. The program pairs a mental health professional and a peer worker to provide trauma-informed, culturally safe support to youth aged 13+ or adults in the North Shore.  Call 1-888-261-7228 or text 778-839-1831.

PACT is your local support team that you can reach out to when you or someone around you is in distress due to:

• thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• family members experiencing challenges
• substance use
• loss of reality
• feelings of hopelessness or despair
• social isolation and loneliness
• fear, anxiety, and depression
• other mental health-related emergencies

How we can help:

• Offer support to you or your loved one over the phone, text, or in-person wherever you feel comfortable
• Listen without judgement and provide a safe space for you to share your story and tell us what is going on
• Provide crisis counselling and de-escalation
• Advocate for you and accompany you to emergency departments, police stations, or community organizations
• Connect you to the appropriate resources, services and supports in the community to meet your underlying needs
• Provide short-term follow-up care to you and your family after a crisis event

What we cannot do:

• Transport you or your loved one from one place to another in the staff vehicle (if needed, transportation will be provided through taxi services)
• Perform psychological assessments to diagnose mental illnesses or write prescriptions for medication
• Make referrals to psychiatrists or other medical specialists for specific treatments for mental or physical health conditions (but we can help you to access primary care)
• Fast-track applications for housing, income or disability assistance, or mental health services.

iYos provides outreach services for youth (ages 13-19) experiencing urgent and emergent mental health and substance use issues. Youth accessing iYos may be experiencing: acute disturbances in mood, thinking or behaviour which might manifest with suicidal ideation, mood problems or psychotic symptoms; moderate to severe primary substance use with or without mental illness; functional challenges associated with housing, income and health; and difficulties accessing health and social services. iYos can provide crisis intervention, short-term counselling, education, Intensive Case Management (ICM) services, and assessments. Additional support and consultation to parents regarding their youth in crisis is also offered. iYOS is available 7 days per week for urgent matters with staff available weekdays 8:30 am to 11:00 pm, and weekends 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Through fusion of recreational activities,”STEPS” encourages youth to interact in a nurturing and non-judgemental environment while promoting healthy living habits. Activities like hiking, yoga and laser tag build self confidence and strengthen both social and personal fitness goals. The program touches on all aspects of wellness aiming to equip participants with understanding, skills and strategies for living and maintaining a mentally healthy lifestyle.

Currently the STEPS Program runs September to June. STEPS youth meet weekly. Communication between program coordinator and participants is encouraged on an open group chat webpage keeping youth connected and supported throughout the week. One-on-one meet-ups are also offered through the coordinator as needed. Activities and locations vary, bringing new STEPS adventures weekly.

For more information contact STEPS Youth Program Coordinator, Sydney Mattu.

CMHA offers clinically directed mental health and addiction services for youth and their families. Individual, group and recreational counselling/therapy available. Self-referral.

The North Shore Stress and Anxiety Clinic offers effective help for adults, parents, teens, children, couples, and families. They will help you better understand your problems, develop a treatment plan that meets your needs, and teach you skills to make lasting positive changes. Their diverse team of psychologists and psychiatrists have the compassion, training, and expertise to provide high-quality assessments and therapy that works. They use state of the art cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based treatment approaches to treat everything from day-to-day stress, anxiety, and low mood to anxiety disorders, clinical depression, and a range of other problems.

The team also conducts psychoeducational assessments and other specialized evaluations (e.g., medical-legal and disability assessments). Their high quality psychoeducational assessments for children, adolescents, and adults are designed to examine potential learning challenges, symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or giftedness and to assist with school and life planning.

Youth clinics offer free and confidential drop in services for youth. At a clinic, you can talk to a health care provider about the health issues that are important to you.

Services vary depending on which clinic you go to. Some of the free and confidential services that may be offered include:

STI/HIV testing & treatment
Free condoms and water-based lubricant
Birth control (free or low cost)
Emergency contraception
Pap tests
Free or low-cost birth control options
Pregnancy testing and counselling
General counselling and health information
Immunizations
Smoking Cessation
Mental health and addictions referrals

A Care Card is not required.

Counselling
We can help you when life gets hard or you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, bullying, disordered eating, sexual abuse, relationship violence, coming out, gender identity, and more. Our counsellors have the training and experience to ensure you feel safe, comfortable, and supported.
If your parents can’t afford the counselling fees or you don’t want to tell them about your sessions, we can help. Our intake counsellor can tell you more about the ways we can support you.
We also provide:
• Free transportation, as needed, to and from our office
• Free drinks and snacks during your counselling sessions
We know you’re busy with school, work, and life in general, so our office is open:
• Weeknights until 8:00 pm
• Saturdays from 9:00am – 4:00pm

Embody
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, or disordered eating of any kind, Embody has education, resources, and inspiration that can help.
We also encourage you to check out Love Our Bodies, Love Ourselves movement. Join the conversation on Facebook , Twitter or Instagram and connect with other B.C. youth who are talking about what it means to have a healthy body image.

YouthLAB
Every year, a small group of North Shore high school students (grades 10-12), come together as volunteers to form the Youth Leadership Advisory Board (YouthLAB). If you are interested in public speaking, writing, and mental health, we’d love to connect with you.
YouthLAB members:
• Meet two evenings each month (weekday evening to be determined), from 4:30 – 6:30pm (snacks included when meetings take place in-person)
• Earn up to 50 hours of community service from September through May
• Learn about mental health issues from our professional counsellors
• Advocate for the needs of at-risk youth in our community
• Develop leadership, communication, and public speaking skills
YouthLAB members create presentations and campaigns for their high school peers, focused on topics including depression, anxiety, LGBTQ2S+ issues, disordered eating, bullying, and relationship violence. If you’re ready to make a real difference in your community. For additional information click here.
Applications for YouthLAB 2021/2022 cohort (beginning in October 2021) are open now. Please click here for an application form.
The YouthLAB 2019/2020 cohort produced an amazing art book that provides a creative illustration of their youth-lead work in addressing mental health issues facing young people. Eleven youth attending North Shore Schools created this book to share their artistic reflections about wellness and mental health topics such as anxiety, depression, trauma and social justice concerns with their peers. Click here to view and download this book. The 202/2021 YouthLAB created a video, check back here to see it later in May.

PROUD2BE
We created our PROUD2BE programs, because we know that those of us who identify as LGBTQ2S+ need a safe place to talk about how that feels – and how hard it can be sometimes. We also offer help to parents and family members if they’re having a hard time, too.

Services are available in English and Farsi

If you or your loved one is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. If the situation involves imminent safety risks or a possible threat of violence, police may be required to respond.

PACT is a mobile civilian-led team that will respond to crisis calls related to mental health and/or substance use on the North Shore. The program pairs a mental health professional and a peer worker to provide trauma-informed, culturally safe support to youth aged 13+ or adults in the North Shore.  Call 1-888-261-7228 or text 778-839-1831.

PACT is your local support team that you can reach out to when you or someone around you is in distress due to:

• thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• family members experiencing challenges
• substance use
• loss of reality
• feelings of hopelessness or despair
• social isolation and loneliness
• fear, anxiety, and depression
• other mental health-related emergencies

How we can help:

• Offer support to you or your loved one over the phone, text, or in-person wherever you feel comfortable
• Listen without judgement and provide a safe space for you to share your story and tell us what is going on
• Provide crisis counselling and de-escalation
• Advocate for you and accompany you to emergency departments, police stations, or community organizations
• Connect you to the appropriate resources, services and supports in the community to meet your underlying needs
• Provide short-term follow-up care to you and your family after a crisis event

What we cannot do:

• Transport you or your loved one from one place to another in the staff vehicle (if needed, transportation will be provided through taxi services)
• Perform psychological assessments to diagnose mental illnesses or write prescriptions for medication
• Make referrals to psychiatrists or other medical specialists for specific treatments for mental or physical health conditions (but we can help you to access primary care)
• Fast-track applications for housing, income or disability assistance, or mental health services.

Foundry North Shore is a place where any youth or parent in our community can find easy access to the help they need, when they need it. It is an integrated youth and family initiative that transforms how mental health and substance use services are delivered on the North Shore; providing early intervention to support young peoples’ well being.

Hosted by Vancouver Coastal Health, Foundry North Shore unites over 10 partner organizations that work together to address the health care needs of youth ages 12 to 24 and their families.

Drop In Counselling Hours
Monday & Thursday 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Tuesday/ Wednesday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Medical Services Drop In
Monday to Thursday 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Through fusion of recreational activities,”STEPS” encourages youth to interact in a nurturing and non-judgemental environment while promoting healthy living habits. Activities like hiking, yoga and laser tag build self confidence and strengthen both social and personal fitness goals. The program touches on all aspects of wellness aiming to equip participants with understanding, skills and strategies for living and maintaining a mentally healthy lifestyle.

Currently the STEPS Program runs September to June. STEPS youth meet weekly. Communication between program coordinator and participants is encouraged on an open group chat webpage keeping youth connected and supported throughout the week. One-on-one meet-ups are also offered through the coordinator as needed. Activities and locations vary, bringing new STEPS adventures weekly.

For more information contact STEPS Youth Program Coordinator, Sydney Mattu.

Youth clinics offer free and confidential drop in services for youth. At a clinic, you can talk to a health care provider about the health issues that are important to you.

Services vary depending on which clinic you go to. Some of the free and confidential services that may be offered include:

STI/HIV testing & treatment
Free condoms and water-based lubricant
Birth control (free or low cost)
Emergency contraception
Pap tests
Free or low-cost birth control options
Pregnancy testing and counselling
General counselling and health information
Immunizations
Smoking Cessation
Mental health and addictions referrals

A Care Card is not required.

The North Shore Stress and Anxiety Clinic offers effective help for adults, parents, teens, children, couples, and families. They will help you better understand your problems, develop a treatment plan that meets your needs, and teach you skills to make lasting positive changes. Their diverse team of psychologists and psychiatrists have the compassion, training, and expertise to provide high-quality assessments and therapy that works. They use state of the art cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based treatment approaches to treat everything from day-to-day stress, anxiety, and low mood to anxiety disorders, clinical depression, and a range of other problems.

The team also conducts psychoeducational assessments and other specialized evaluations (e.g., medical-legal and disability assessments). Their high quality psychoeducational assessments for children, adolescents, and adults are designed to examine potential learning challenges, symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or giftedness and to assist with school and life planning.

Youth clinics offer free and confidential drop in services for youth. At a clinic, you can talk to a health care provider about the health issues that are important to you.

Services vary depending on which clinic you go to. Some of the free and confidential services that may be offered include:

STI/HIV testing & treatment
Free condoms and water-based lubricant
Birth control (free or low cost)
Emergency contraception
Pap tests
Free or low-cost birth control options
Pregnancy testing and counselling
General counselling and health information
Immunizations
Smoking Cessation
Mental health and addictions referrals

A Care Card is not required.

Counselling
We can help you when life gets hard or you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, bullying, disordered eating, sexual abuse, relationship violence, coming out, gender identity, and more. Our counsellors have the training and experience to ensure you feel safe, comfortable, and supported.
If your parents can’t afford the counselling fees or you don’t want to tell them about your sessions, we can help. Our intake counsellor can tell you more about the ways we can support you.
We also provide:
• Free transportation, as needed, to and from our office
• Free drinks and snacks during your counselling sessions
We know you’re busy with school, work, and life in general, so our office is open:
• Weeknights until 8:00 pm
• Saturdays from 9:00am – 4:00pm

Embody
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, or disordered eating of any kind, Embody has education, resources, and inspiration that can help.
We also encourage you to check out Love Our Bodies, Love Ourselves movement. Join the conversation on Facebook , Twitter or Instagram and connect with other B.C. youth who are talking about what it means to have a healthy body image.

YouthLAB
Every year, a small group of North Shore high school students (grades 10-12), come together as volunteers to form the Youth Leadership Advisory Board (YouthLAB). If you are interested in public speaking, writing, and mental health, we’d love to connect with you.
YouthLAB members:
• Meet two evenings each month (weekday evening to be determined), from 4:30 – 6:30pm (snacks included when meetings take place in-person)
• Earn up to 50 hours of community service from September through May
• Learn about mental health issues from our professional counsellors
• Advocate for the needs of at-risk youth in our community
• Develop leadership, communication, and public speaking skills
YouthLAB members create presentations and campaigns for their high school peers, focused on topics including depression, anxiety, LGBTQ2S+ issues, disordered eating, bullying, and relationship violence. If you’re ready to make a real difference in your community. For additional information click here.
Applications for YouthLAB 2021/2022 cohort (beginning in October 2021) are open now. Please click here for an application form.
The YouthLAB 2019/2020 cohort produced an amazing art book that provides a creative illustration of their youth-lead work in addressing mental health issues facing young people. Eleven youth attending North Shore Schools created this book to share their artistic reflections about wellness and mental health topics such as anxiety, depression, trauma and social justice concerns with their peers. Click here to view and download this book. The 202/2021 YouthLAB created a video, check back here to see it later in May.

PROUD2BE
We created our PROUD2BE programs, because we know that those of us who identify as LGBTQ2S+ need a safe place to talk about how that feels – and how hard it can be sometimes. We also offer help to parents and family members if they’re having a hard time, too.

Services are available in English and Farsi

If you or your loved one is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. If the situation involves imminent safety risks or a possible threat of violence, police may be required to respond.

PACT is a mobile civilian-led team that will respond to crisis calls related to mental health and/or substance use on the North Shore. The program pairs a mental health professional and a peer worker to provide trauma-informed, culturally safe support to youth aged 13+ or adults in the North Shore.  Call 1-888-261-7228 or text 778-839-1831.

PACT is your local support team that you can reach out to when you or someone around you is in distress due to:

• thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• family members experiencing challenges
• substance use
• loss of reality
• feelings of hopelessness or despair
• social isolation and loneliness
• fear, anxiety, and depression
• other mental health-related emergencies

How we can help:

• Offer support to you or your loved one over the phone, text, or in-person wherever you feel comfortable
• Listen without judgement and provide a safe space for you to share your story and tell us what is going on
• Provide crisis counselling and de-escalation
• Advocate for you and accompany you to emergency departments, police stations, or community organizations
• Connect you to the appropriate resources, services and supports in the community to meet your underlying needs
• Provide short-term follow-up care to you and your family after a crisis event

What we cannot do:

• Transport you or your loved one from one place to another in the staff vehicle (if needed, transportation will be provided through taxi services)
• Perform psychological assessments to diagnose mental illnesses or write prescriptions for medication
• Make referrals to psychiatrists or other medical specialists for specific treatments for mental or physical health conditions (but we can help you to access primary care)
• Fast-track applications for housing, income or disability assistance, or mental health services.