It’s a hard time to be a human. And, it’s a really hard time to be a young person.
2020 – Present: It’s a hard time to be a human. And, it’s a really hard time to be a young person.
Young people today are being asked to navigate a lot. Changes in school delivery, competitive university admissions, climate change anxiety, a pandemic… the list goes on. This is on top of a life stage that can already be tumultuous. However, one silver lining amongst all of this is that the younger generation often presents as being more open than their predecessors to seek out help.
So, if you’re a young person reading this, we see you! And if you’re a not-so-young person reading this, we hope this is a valuable resource to help the young ones you love in your life get connected to the right supports.
Services for Young People at Peak Resilience:
We are fortunate to have several clinicians on the team who love working with young people. We’ve expanded our services and now offer the same high quality 1-1 counselling sessions for folks 15 and over. Just like the support available for our adult clients, it’s always important to find the right fit. Check out our finding your counsellor form to get matched. Or, take a look through the profiles and videos of some of our counsellors who offer youth counselling : Mik, Yvette & Raelene
What if the young person is under 15 or Peak Resilience isn’t the right fit?
Below is a non-exhaustive list of resources available in the lower mainland and throughout BC.
Who’s it for?
Young people aged 12-24 and their caregivers
What is it?
A virtual hub or “1-stop-shop” for young people and their families. Using their app or website to drop-in or schedule a virtual counselling appointment, find peer support, join a youth group or caregiver group or browse our library of tools and resources.
Why we love it?
- It’s free!
- All services can be accessed from the app
- Young person chooses whether they want video counselling, phone or type chat
- They offer groups, peer support and additional library of tools & services
- Family counselling & supports also available
How to learn more?
2.YMCA Y Mind Teen & Y Mind Youth
Who’s it for?
There are 2 different programs. Y Mind Teen is for 13-18 year-olds and Y Mind Youth is for 18-30 year olds. Both programs are for young people who self-identify with mild to moderate anxiety.
What is it?
A seven-week mental wellness program delivered across BC that supports young people who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety to learn and practice evidence-based strategies to increase coping. This group is led by trained mental health professionals and gives young people the chance to connect with others who are experiencing similar thoughts and feelings.
Why we love it?
- It’s free
- It’s evidence-based
- It’s accessible with different in-person and online delivery options
- It’s a chance to try group therapy, which can be more effective/accessible than traditional 1-1 therapy for some folks
- Many of our Peak Resilience Staff have facilitated these groups!
How to learn more?
To learn more or register, contact ymind@gv.ymca.ca or 604.673.6182.
3. Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA)
Who’s it for?
Indigenous youth 13-24
What is it?
- Culturally relevant 1-1, drop-in and group counselling
Why we love it?
- Counsellors can meet clients at the office or anywhere in East Van
- Wide range of group topics
- UNYA centre provides a variety of services and can support young people in many different ways including connecting with other supports or services
4. Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH)
Who’s it for?
Children and youth ages 0-18 and their families
What is it?
Intake, assessment, treatment and consultation services all provided. Some options for group and family counselling.
Why we love it?
- It’s free!
- It is also location specific. So if you live in Burnaby, there are specific services in your area. You can find the locations here.
- Youth can be seen as ‘mature minors’ and do not need the consent of their parents.
- Some specialized programming available (Early psychosis intervention, substance use).
You can also search the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) website and select an age group through the “areas of practice” drop-down menu to search for practitioners who provide specialized counselling services for children and youth.
Missing a great resource? Please contact us to update!
