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YMCA OF GREATER TORONTO

Youth Substance Awareness Program

The Youth Substance Awareness Program (YSAP) is a confidential, community-based, and self-referral program offering free counselling to young people, 14–24, who need substance use support.

What We Do

If you are looking for support with substance use or know someone who is, we can help. Our services are free and confidential. Our counsellors are available to support youth with substance use issues, provide options to make healthier choices, and reduce risk. 

We provide:

  • No waiting list, quick access to support, and easy referral process 
  • Individual counselling for 14- to 24-year-olds
  • In-person (YMCA site or in the community), telephone, and virtual counselling sessions 
  • Transit supports to in-person counselling sites. 
  • Person-centred and strength-based approach
  • Practices from a harm reduction philosophy
  • Harm Reduction safe supply distribution (substance testing kits and equipment for safer use and Naloxone)
  • Educational workshops on substances, substance use, and harm reduction for youth, parents, and professionals 

Our Approach

Everyone has the right to make their own decisions about their lives, which is why YSAP works from a harm reduction perspective. It is about mutual respect and collaboration to reduce the risks and harms associated with substances and substance use. YSAP supports, encourages, and empowers young people to develop their own substance use goals and to make informed decisions for themselves.

Please contact us if you would like to connect with a counsellor. Sometimes it may be hard to ask for help, and it’s okay to have someone you trust help you reach out to YSAP.  
Call us today at 416-473-7407 or fill out the online form to request a counsellor or workshop.

Harm Reduction is…

Non–judgment

No behaviour has bad intentions

Knowledge 

The power to make informed decisions 

 Autonomy

Being in charge of your own life

 

“…an evidence-based, client-centred approach that seeks to reduce the health and social harms associated with substance use and dependency, without necessarily requiring people who use substances to abstain or stop.”

—CMHA Ontario

Contact Us

Take the first step toward positive change.

Fill out the form below and someone form our team will connect with you soon. 




Our Locations

Brampton
Brampton Central Park Dr. YMCA Child Care Centre
9996 Kennedy Road
Brampton, ON
L6V 0A1

Mississauga
Mississauga YMCA Employment and Community Services
55 City Centre Drive, Suite 100
Mississauga, ON
L5B 1M3

Toronto - Scarborough
Scarborough Centre YMCA
230 Town Centre Court
Scarborough, ON
M1P 4Y7

Toronto - North York
North York YMCA Employment and Immigrant Services
4580 Dufferin Street, Suite 200
North York, ON
M3H 5Y2

Toronto - Central
The Wagner Green YMCA (formerly Vanauley Street YMCA)
7 Vanauley Street
Toronto, ON
M5T 2V9