*NEW* The Youth Substance Use Support and Treatment Services

We are very pleased to introduce our joint program with Addictions and Mental Health Services Hastings Prince Edward (AMHS-HPE), Youth Substance Use Support and Treatment Service (YSUSTS) program for youth ages 16 to 24 who are experiencing substance use issues.


Our Youth Substance Use team consist of Avery Mackintosh, an Addictions Counsellor from AMHS-HPE and Brittany Jones, Mental Health Addictions (MHA) Therapist from Youthab. Together, Avery and Brittany will collaborate to address each client’s needs, and provide support and/or therapy for youth and young adults experiencing substance use issues.

This free and confidential program is for youth ages 16 to 24 who:

  • are concerned about their current substance use
  • have experienced a problem with substance use
  • have co-existing substance use and mental health issues
  • may need information and/or support to manage substance use safely
  • may have experienced withdrawel with or without medical support
  • want to develop new coping skills and make healthier choices
  • live in Belleville, Quinte West, Prince Edward County

Youth Substance Use Support and Treatment Service include:

  • A youth-centred approach that is responsive to clinical needs
  • Ongoing screening and assessment to ensure appropriate interventions and/or therapeutic treatments
  • Supportive addictions counselling and therapy
  • Individualized treatment planning that matches the youth's level of need and ability to develop skills for independence
  • Options to manage substance use, including harm reduction skills and strategies
  • Linkages to information, support and treatment to manage use or to withdraw safely
  • Connection to other community services:
    • Coordinating with the HPE TAY Connector or AMHS-HPE case management services for assistance with housing, health care, employment, education, financial support, government ID, etc.
  • After care planning to support recovery

Referral Information:

  • Self-referral
  • Family members, friends, caregiver
  • Frontline staff that serve youth with substance use, or co-existing substance use and mental health issues
    • Includes and not limited to: Intake workers, child & youth workers, adolescent care workers, social workers, teachers, family physicians, nurse practitioners and promary care staff, mental health, justice, social, health services, etc.
    • Community agencies: central intake, crisis intervention, schools, primary care, justice services, social services, acute care or emergency, detox or residential treatment, mental health services, health services, etc.
  • Rapid access within 24 to 48 hours, available when youth are ready
  • Warm welcome and introduction from service/care providers
  • Rapid re-entry as services are needed
  • Author: Youthab
  • Article Source: Youthab