Youth Services
Pinewood Centre's Youth Services are designed to support youth ages 12 to 18 who question or identify concerns related to alcohol, substance use, concurrent mental health concerns, and/or gambling. There are also services specific for youth who are impacted by a caregiver's substance use. Through group and individual support, youth are invited to reflect upon their present situation. This may include exploring substance use, risks, patterns of use, consequences, and concerns of use and mental health symptoms (e.g. depression and anxiety) as well as explore the possibility of making changes.
Assessment, Referral and Treatment Planning
Service begins with an intake which can be conducted over the phone or in person at the different community treatment offices. During the intake, an assessment appointment will be scheduled for the youth. A comprehensive assessment consists of questionnaires and an interview to explore the effects of substance use and mental health symptoms on all areas of the youth's life, highlighting strengths, as well as developing a collaborative treatment plan. The treatment plan may include short-term individual therapy, group services, DBT skills training, and/or referrals to other treatment agencies (e.g. residential treatment). Services for youth who are impacted by their caregiver's use can access support and individual counselling.
Programs
The DAWN program is four sessions designed to help youth evaluate and explore the impacts of their use of substances on various aspects of their life. Topics include risk factors, cost and benefits, use in relation to values, beliefs, and personal goals. This program can be completed in a group setting or individually with the counsellor.
The Transitional Youth Program is a group for individuals between the ages of 18 to 24 who are interested in exploring the effects of their substance use, developing coping skills to manage substance use and mental health as well as participate in activities such as mindfulness meditation.
The Parents Group is an eight-session program which includes education and information as well as peer support and guidance. Topics include education regarding substance use and symptoms of mental health concerns; the process of dependence; adolescent development and how substance use interferes with development; natural and logical consequences; additional parenting techniques; and family dynamics.
The Youth Diversion Program is funded by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS) and is a partnership with the Durham Region Police Service, John Howard Society, Eastview Boys and Girls Club, and Pinewood Centre. The objective is to divert youth from the justice system by referring the youth to the appropriate community based services to address underlying issues which place youth at risk of legal involvement. If the youth opts to attend services, they sign a treatment contract with the police and upon completion of the contract, no charges are laid. Pinewood Centre provides an assessment, individual therapy and/or the Dawn program as the substance use treatment component of the contract. Upon completion of the program, the police are notified and the contract is fulfilled. Youth may opt to conclude or continue with treatment services at that time.
All youth services are covered by OHIP and are confidential.
Contact
For general information or to book an appointment, please contact a location that is convenient for you.
- 95 Bayly Street West Suite 406, Ajax 905-721-4747 ext. 6
- 200 King Street East Suite 206, Bowmanville 905-721-4747 ext. 3
- 419 King Street West Suite 125, Oshawa 905-721-4747 ext. 2
- 180 Mary Street, 3rd Floor, Port Perry 905-721-4747 ext. 4