Youth Programs
AYSP offers office-based, outreach and virtual counselling programs for youth, ages 12-17, and at times their caregivers. Programs focus on managing mental health issues; school/employment issues; housing and connection to services, including transitions to adult services; and support for youth who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
Adolescent Team
This counselling program is for youth ages 12-17, and at times their parents/caregivers. Sessions occur in the home, community and/or virtually once a week for 6-8 months. The program is part of a partnership with the Peel Children’s Aid Society and the EveryMind Wraparound Program, with the aim of preventing out-of-home placement.
Counselling
The Counselling Program provides individual and/or family counselling for children and youth ages 0-17 who are experiencing mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, emotion dysregulation, history of trauma, or struggling with grief and loss, family or peer issues. Sessions are client-centered and goal-focused, and occur in the office and/or virtually. Length of service may be up to 6 months, as determined by client need.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Program (DBT)
The DBT program provides therapeutic services to youth ages 12-17 who have experienced suicidal thoughts, actions, and/or self-harming behaviour in addition to quality of life-interfering behaviours and interpersonal issues. Support includes weekly in-person individual therapy sessions and group skills training, 24/7 phone coaching for youth and caregivers, and family counselling as needed. Treatment ranges from 6-12 months.
Education and Community Partnership Program (ECPP)
For Grade 9 and 10 students unable to attend regular or special education classes within a community school, Peel District School Board and AYSP jointly deliver the Education and Community Partnership Program in two Peel secondary schools. Programs are designed to address the students’ individual academic, social and emotional needs, and assist the home school in developing education plans/programs upon discharge.
STEPS – Youth Community Counselling Program
The STEPS – Youth Community Counselling Program is an outreach-based counselling and care management program for youth ages 15-17 years. Counsellors provide support to youth experiencing on-going mental health challenges, who may be under-housed or homeless and/or likely to transition into adult services. This program utilizes a strength-based, client-centered approach, focusing on immediate needs and long-term goals.
Youth Beyond Barriers (YBB)
The YBB Program provides confidential services for youth ages 12-17 who identify as 2SLGBTQ+. The program offers in-person and/or virtual individual counselling, weekly youth groups, and community capacity building around 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion.
“It was a very good experience that allowed me to understand myself and helped my family understand me and what I go through better. I was very nervous coming into this but my Counsellor helped me feel comfortable and safe enough for me to be very open.”
“My Counsellor built a strong relationship with me, and even though I was hesitant at first, she made me feel as though I finally had a safe spot to talk about myself.”