AY recognizes that treatment for youth must consider their cognitive, emotional and social development and be aware of the impact that alcohol and other drugs have on the normal transition to adulthood.
The philosophy of AY is that treatment must be customized to meet individual needs and respect client choice.
Individual/Family Treatment Treatment is provided to youth to assist them in exploring the underlying reasons for engaging in substance use, in reducing or discontinuing use, relapse prevention and/or referral to residential treatment. Treatment includes comprehensive education about the risks related to youth substance use. Parents and other family members are encouraged to participate in youth's treatment.
Secondary School-on-site Treatment On-site treatment and family support is provided at a number of secondary schools within the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board and the Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board. Please call AY's main office for specific locations.
Getting Ready Education Group This 3-5 session group includes substance education, exploration of reasons youth engage in substance use, development of healthy coping strategies and decision making. This group may be offered in secondary schools and other youth serving agencies.
Parent Education and Support Service Consultation/treatment/education services are provided to parents/caregivers ranging from telephone consultation or a brief treatment service to a multi-session parent education group. Please call AY's main office for further information.
Youth Affected by Substance Use of Others Treatment is provided for youth whose lives have been negatively affected by the substance use of their parents, guardians or other family members (parents, siblings, caregivers) and/or significant others.
Street-Involved Youth Outreach Youth who are street-involved or who are at risk of homelessness are at greater risk for substance use and other related risks. This outreach service is provided in collaboration with other agency members of the Street Involved Youth Planning Collaborative.
Pregnant and Parenting Youth Outreach Support for youth who are concerned about their substance use and who are pregnant or parenting a child.
Fees and Payment
Our services are provided free of charge.
This is a registered charity.
Services Offered To: Adults Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual LGBTQ
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono
Were You Able To Make an Appointment?
One quick last question. Who was seeking counseling today?
Do you know the reason they are not accepting clients?
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.
