WHAT IS U-TURN

U-Turn provides seamless, easy access to specialized mental health and substance use treatment. The program is offered by Thunder Bay Counselling, St. Joseph’s Care Group and Children’s Centre Thunder Bay. It provides free counselling, treatment, support and information to youth who are struggling with substance use.

Know a young person who could benefit from U-Turn programming?

Complete the referral form and email to uturn@tbaycounselling.com

CHOICES Program

(Youth aged 12-17)

The Choices program supports youth in finding the right direction in life. The program encourages young people to think and act positively, build self-esteem, and learn valuable life skills in a safe environment.

DBT Skills Group

(Youth aged 16-24)

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is a well-researched technique that is often used to support people who have difficulty managing their emotions and behaviours. The program focuses on developing a youth’s skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, effective interpersonal interaction, and “walking the middle path,” which is a way of thinking that avoids extremes and focuses on compromise and positivity.

OM Group

(Youth aged 12-18)

The Oshikiniikidjig Miikanens (OM) program is a youth-driven group for youth ages 12-18 with traditional Indigenous programming.  Weekly meetings provide the opportunity for learning about land-based treatments, cultural practices, and community resources in order to support youth healing and connection.

Intensive Live in Treatment

(Youth aged 16-24)

The Youth Intensive Treatment Program is a five-week program that is rooted in a strength based, holistic, harm reduction approach to recovery. The program’s objective is to build youths’ capacity for hope and increase their abilities to reduce the harmful behaviours associated with substance use. 

REC-covery Group

(Youth aged 15-24)

This upcoming program offers a leisure/recreation based group for youth considering a live in treatment program or youth who have fully/partially completed the live in treatment program.

Counselling/Case Management

(Youth ages 12-24)

One-to-one counselling in a community setting is available for individuals struggling with substance use. This program provides stabilization for youth or youth who are transitioning into adult services with family involvement encouraged

“After getting in touch with U-TURN, I talked with a real person who told me what programs are out there and what was available to me. I didn’t feel stupid or scared, everyone is nice and friendly. They don’t talk to you like you’re a kid.”

Program Attendant

“After getting in touch with U-TURN, I talked with a real person who told me what programs are out there and what was available to me. I didn’t feel stupid or scared, everyone is nice and friendly. They don’t talk to you like you’re a kid.”

Program Attendant