Mental Health

Mental Health

Many of the youth who access our programs and services, have experienced distressing life events, such as violence, poverty, abuse, and other forms of trauma, all which can negatively impact their mental and physical health, and lead to depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Mental health challenges can be both a cause and a symptom of homelessness. It is close to impossible to improve your mental health when your basic needs are unmet.

We believe that working with youth to overcome their traumas and treat disorders is key to preventing lifelong homelessness. Our goal is to empower youth to effectively manage their symptoms which will carry on into adulthood.

We offer a wide range of support designed to address the mental and emotional well-being of youth.

Mental Health Services

One-to-one counselling

  • Registered Clinical Counsellors offer personalized sessions that are tailored to meet each youth’s unique needs.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

  • We implement this type of therapy to help youth look at the relationship between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to view challenging situations more clearly and respond to them more effectively.

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)

  • Based on CBT but for those who experience emotions very intensely.
  • It helps individuals understand how their thoughts affect their emotions and behaviours.
  • CHV offers full fidelity DBT in partnership with Foundry Granville which includes seeing an individual therapist, attending weekly groups and access to phone counselling outside of session time.

Physical Health

  • We offers a fully equipped gym and fitness room to encourage regular physical activity which helps reduce anxiety, improves mood, and builds self-confidence.
  • Staff and volunteers support youth in developing fitness routines tailored to their preferences and goals.
  • We offer recreational outings like hiking to foster peer connections.

Music and Art Therapy

  • We offer regular art therapy sessions for youth to explore their emotions, and express themselves in a safe environment.
  • The music room is available for all youth to play instruments, write songs, and build peer connections. 
  • Art therapists offer one-on-one sessions for youth as well as weekly group sessions.

Spiritual Care Services

  • We provide inclusive support for youth of all faiths and traditions to give them the option to explore their spiritual, religious, and cultural identities.
  • Connect youth with local relevant communities.
  • Offer compassionate support during times of grief and loss.

Partnerships for Comprehensive Care

  • CHV works closely with trusted community partners to provide specialized care.
  • The Foundry and their team of psychiatrists work with our Registered Clinical Counsellors to provide the most effective care possible.
  • Referrals to psychiatric care, treatment centres, and other essential services are available.
  • Dan’s Legacy provides one-on-one counselling sessions two days per week to offset waitlists and to provide an alternative to our in-house counsellors.