Children and youth come to Thunder Bay Counselling to get support for different issues at home or school. We offer friendly and welcoming therapists to help young people build confidence, reduce stress and find new ways to cope with personal issues.
Youth talk to us about a wide range of challenges including: anxiety, depression, sexual abuse, bullying, school stress, suicidal thoughts, violence, self esteem, or others. We also work with children and youth who feel affected by their parent’s separation, divorce, or addictions.
Child & Youth Services:
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Assessment & Referrals
- Youth Counselling
- Family Counselling
- Peer Support Groups
- Court Support for Victims & Witnesses
Child & Youth Programs:
Click or tap on the program to view the details.
Child Protection Alternative Dispute Resolution
Child Protection ADR is a free service that helps families develop plans for children and youth when Child Protection Services is concerned about their well-being. This is a voluntary service that can be faster and less complicated than going through court.
The program is funded by the Ministry of Community, Children and Social Services. The program options are:
- Family Group Decision Making (FGDM)– can bring your family together with service providers, including Child Protection Services, to develop a care plan that makes sure everyone is safe and well.
- Child Protection Mediation (CPMed)– a mediator will work with your family and the Child Protection Worker to talk through issues together and develop a plan for child(ren) that address the concerns raised by Child Protection Services.
Child Victim Witness Program
Child Victim Witness Program offers services free of charge if you are:
- A victim or witness to a crime
- Require to testify in court
- Under the age of 18
Our workers will help you by:
- Describing the court process
- Preparing you to testify
- Attending trial dates with you
- Supporting you through the process
Choices Program
CHOICES is a free social skills program for young people aged 12-17 that supports youth to find the right direction in life. This program will encourage youth to think and act positively, feel more confident and learn healthy coping strategies with other young people. Group sessions are held every week for 10 weeks and are supported by community role models. Evening and daytime sessions are available.
At CHOICES, youth will talk about and explore topics including:
- Communication
- Decision Making
- Goal Setting
- Alcohol and Other Drugs
- Coping Skills
- Relationships
- Self-Respect
- Social Media
CHOICES is offered by Uturn, a partnership with Thunder Bay Counselling, Children’s Centre Thunder Bay and St. Joseph’s Care Group. Register for the Fall group now!
We are currently seeking volunteers to be involved as role models. For more information or to become a volunteer with CHOICES, visit our Volunteer page.
Contact Pia at 684-1871 for more information.
U-Turn
U-Turn provides seamless, easy access for youth 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 counselling, treatment, support and information at no cost. When youth are ready to talk, we are ready to listen.
Get more information about U-turn
Voices Program
Voices is a free group for children 16 years and younger, who have been exposed to woman abuse in their homes. The group provides an opportunity for children to share and talk about their experiences. Children learn woman abuse is not okay and is not their fault. Mothers and female caregivers are also supported to understand how abuse impacts children and how to help them. Child care for younger siblings, transportation and a light meal are provided.
To find out more information call Heather (807) 684-1889.
Youth-in-Transition and Housing Support Worker Programs
Leaving the care of the child protection system can be overwhelming with many unknowns. Thunder Bay Counselling’s Youth-in-Transition Worker Program is free and can help you transition into a new life with the right confidence, skills and community connections.
Workers assist youth ages 16-24 one-on-one to:
- Access health and mental health services
- Secure stable housing
- Obtain education and training information
- Connect to employment services
- Identify and access life skills support
- Locate legal services
- Access Human Trafficking supports and resources
Housing Support Workers provide housing supports and services to youth aged 16 and 17 who are involved in Voluntary Youth Services Agreements (VYSA).
Where else to get help
If you or someone you know is being trafficked or is at risk:
- If there is immediate danger or if you suspect a child under 18 is being trafficked, call 911 or your local police service.
- For information and support, call Canada’s confidential Human Trafficking Hotline:
1-833-900-1010 or visit www.canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca
Youth Outreach Counselling
Youth Outreach Counsellors are available to provide free short-term counselling support to youth ages 12 to 25 and their families. Youth Outreach Counsellors serve as a clinical “bridge” in situations where a youth is in crisis and services are not immediately available or a youth requires support in accessing further community services for issues related to:
- Substance use
- Mental health
- Trauma
- Relationship violence
- Human/sex trafficking
- Criminal activity
- Personal and/or family relationships.
Call 684-1880 for information on how to access a Youth Outreach Counsellor. For more information about the service, review our information flyer.
