UNYA works in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) to connect Indigenous youth with clinical counselling through the Youth Assertive Outreach Mental Health Team.
The Youth Assertive Outreach Mental Health Team is a community-based service that supports youth who may be experiencing mental health or substance use concerns, as well as challenges or barriers to accessing traditional mental health services. The team provides flexible, youth-centred clinical support using a relational and outreach-based approach, and works to connect youth with services and resources that meet their individual needs.
A mental health clinician from the team is available through UNYA, allowing youth to access culturally relevant and supportive counselling in a familiar and welcoming space. Counselling can take place at UNYA or in the community, depending on the youth’s needs.
How We Can Support You
The team supports youth up to 19 years old, particularly where previous attempts to connect with mainstream mental health services have been unsuccessful. Support may be a good fit for youth experiencing:
- Mental health or substance use concerns
- Trauma or difficult life experiences
- Housing instability or homelessness
- Disconnection from family, community, or other supports
- Barriers to accessing mental health services
Depending on a youth’s needs, support may include:
- One-to-one, trauma-informed clinical counselling
- Connections to psychiatric assessment and follow-up
- Connections to community services and supports
- Advocacy and support with transitions and care planning
Support for people involved in a youth’s care and support network
How to Make a Referral
If you’re connected with UNYA:
Talk to a UNYA staff member or counsellor. We can help you learn more about the service and support you in completing the VCH referral form. Once the referral form is complete, a UNYA staff member will submit it to the Youth Assertive Outreach Mental Health Team for review.
If you’re a community partner:
Referrals are typically made through the VCH referral pathway by someone involved in the youth’s care and support network.
For more information, contact UNYA’s Indigenous Youth Intake Counsellor at (604) 754-2048 or [email protected].
