
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
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