Youth Programs at CMHA
Programs for ages 12 to 25
Being a teenager can be stressful. You are not alone. In fact, approximately 1 in 5 children and youth in Ontario has a mental health challenge. Experiencing mental health issues or mental illness is not something to be ashamed of. If you’re looking for help, you’ve come to the right place.
Our Youth Programs for ages 12-25 provide the tools to navigate life’s challenges such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, thoughts of suicide, relationship struggles, homelessness, physical health needs, substance and alcohol use or gender affirming care.
We provide safe and confidential support through walk-in visits, ongoing individual counselling, and groups and workshops.
Francophone Integration Pathway
Si vous voulez accéder aux services en français, veuillez contacter notre équipe d’acceuil centrale à intake@cmha-yr.on.ca ou appelez-nous au 1.866.345.0183.
If you wish to access French language services, please contact our Central Intake team at intake@cmha-yr.on.ca or call us at 1.866.345.0183.
There is no doctor’s referral or OHIP required; you can refer yourself, a friend, or family member at any time. If you need help getting referred, you can talk to your school social worker or contact us at:
Email: youth@cmha-yr.on.ca
Phone: 289.879.2376
You are not alone, here are the youth programs and services we have to offer:
MOBYSS offers a safe space to talk to a medical or mental health professional in a warm, welcoming environment. Services are free and confidential. Walk- ‘on’ only! Reach out to your school social worker to find out when MOBYSS is coming to your school this year.
For mental health counselling or to see a nurse practitioner, our community clinics are here to support you.
Can’t come to the walk-in clinic in-person? Access the virtual clinic via the Save a Spot form to connect with a youth mental health worker virtually. Physical health care appointments are not available through the virtual clinic.
Questions about the MOBYSS schedule or the services we offer on MOBYSS? Use our FAQ document to find the answers you’re looking for, or contact us:
Email us: youth@cmha-yr.on.ca
Call us: 289.879.2376
If you are in a crisis, please call the Community Crisis Response Service at 1-855-310-COPE (2673), Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1
Supported by:
Time-limited supportive counselling/case management with a registered mental health professional to support recovery, develop wellness and coping strategies, and address what is happening in your life right now.
Our referral process is easy! Register for individualized care using the referral form below.
Questions about our groups and workshops?
Email us: youth@cmha-yr.on.ca
Call us: 289.879.2376
Learning about mental health in a community-based setting with other youth and a registered mental health professional. Groups are up to eight-sessions, workshops are one-time.
Our programs include:
- Choices Group: This eight-week group will encourage you to learn skills that will help you make more positive choices. We will cover topics including communication, healthy relationships, mental health, alcohol and substance use. Ages 12-17.
- LGBTQ+ AFFIRMative-Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (AFFIRM CBT) Group: We talk about how anti-LGBTQ+ and other types of discrimination can create negative thoughts and feelings, and what we can do about that. Ages 12-18.
- Why Try Group: Geared to youth in grades 7 and 8, this group provides hands-on experimental-based activities to help you learn how to overcome everyday challenges, build resilience and increase motivation.
- Mental Health Myth Busters Workshop: Uncover myths about mental health to better understand your mental health challenges and how you can get support.
- Tackling Stress and Anxiety Workshop: Learn the differences between stress and anxiety and gain practical strategies to manage your signs and symptoms.
- Let’s Talk about Depression Workshop: Discuss the signs and symptoms of depression and gain effective strategies to help you cope and get help.
- Stopping My Pain: Self-Harm and Suicide Workshop: Learn healthy alternative strategies to self-harming as well as how to get support if you are thinking about suicide.
- Experimenting with Substances and Alcohol Workshop: Learn the risks and consequences associated with experimenting with substances and alcohol, and develop a harm reduction plan.
- Managing Difficult Emotions Workshop: Learn some strategies to begin managing your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours effectively.
- Overcoming Depression Group: This 8-session group helps you understand your feelings and make positive changes in your relationships, thinking, physical health and behaviour.
- Looking in the Mirror: Body Image and Disordered Eating Workshop: Explore ways to develop self-compassion and improve your relationship with yourself. We will also talk about the signs and symptoms of disordered eating and how to get help.
- Building Positive Mental Health through Art Workshop: Interactive and hands-on introduction to using art modalities for self-expression and self-confidence.
- Being Mindful Workshop Series: This is a practice-based program designed to teach the basic skills of being mindful in our day-to-day lives. Choose any or all 4 of these practice-based workshops.
Our referral process is easy! Register for groups and workshops using our referral form below.
Questions about our groups and workshops?
Email us: youth@cmha-yr.on.ca
Call us: 289.879.2376
CMHA Youth Programs (including MOBYSS) participate in various community booths, festivals, mental health events and more!
If you’re interested in having us present at an event, please send us your request using our event request form below.
Other programs and services for youth:
BounceBack Ontario (15+)
Through safe and friendly telephone coaching, workbooks and online videos, BounceBack can help you cope with your thoughts and emotions.
Gender Affirming Health Clinic (16+)
Aims to create a safe, confidential, and inclusive space to get culturally competent and gender-affirming care to trans and gender diverse people.
H.O.P.E - Early Psychosis Intervention (14 to 35)
Helps young adults in York Region and South Simcoe who are experiencing a first episode of psychosis to get their lives back on track and stay well.
Mental Health & Justice Youth Court (12 to 17)
Provides assistance with developing bail plans and assisting youth, and their families, in custody and upon their release.
Newcomers’ Health and Well-Being (12+)
Provides mental health and primary care services to newcomers in York Region and South Simcoe who have physical and mental health concerns.
Looking for other programs for ages 16+? Check out our Adult Mental Health Support page to find the right fit for you.
