Young Adult Substance Use Program (YA-SUP)
About YA-SUP:
Substance use peaks in young adulthood and is a significant challenge for many young people and their families. Substance use also often co-occurs with other mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Our Young Adult Substance Use Program offers services for youth and parents to reduce the negative consequences of substance use and to promote healthy living. The program provides access to a wide variety of evidence-based approaches to maximize benefits to youth and their loved ones.
Young Adult Substance Use Program (YA-SUP)
The program offers both individual counselling sessions, daily drop-in group programming, and consultations with specialists to optimize patient outcomes
Our mission:
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To reduce the negative impact of substance use on young adults' lives, whether that be through abstinence or harm reduction
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To improve mental health and wellbeing by focusing on the whole-person
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To increase engagement in substance-free activities, creating a life in which values, goals, and behaviours are in alignment
We value:
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Providing young adult centered care
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Creating a safe(r) space
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Caring for the whole person
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Collaborating with stakeholders and community providers
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Using evidence-based practices and generating new evidence
More information about the Ya-SUP:
Loved Ones Program for Parents and Other Family Members
The YA-SUP Loved Ones Support Group is a group for loved ones of those with substance use. This may include biological, extended, or chosen family members or close friends and partners. These group sessions use the Community Reinforcement Approach to Family Training (CRAFT), an evidence-based program that teaches family members skills for navigating the challenges of addiction
The Loved Ones Stream is distinct and operates separately from the Young Adult Stream. You do not have to have a child in the youth program to participate in the Loved Ones Support Group.
For more information about our 7-module program:
If you are interested in participating in a Loved Ones Support Group, email us at
TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM’S NEXT CYCLE, CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Additional Parent Resources
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Families for Addiction Recovery
https://www.farcanada.org/family-support/we-can-help/parent-parent-support/ https://www.farcanada.org/family-support/we-can-help/free-phone-support-line/
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Centre for Motivation and Change
http://addictionthenextstep.com/interactive-guide/
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Al Anon
http://www.alanonhamiltonburlington.ca/
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SJHH Youth Wellness Centre
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Alternatives for Youth
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Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre (Ottawa)
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Wayside House of Hamilton
http://www.waysidehouseham.com/
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ConnexOntario
https://www.connexontario.ca/en-ca/
Your Care Team
We have a multi-disciplinary and collaborative team with expertise in mental health and community support counselling, nursing, addiction psychiatry, and substance use research.
James MacKilop, PhD
I'm James and I direct the Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research. I'm a psychologist and I'm interested in understanding the causes of substance use challenges and the best ways people can make changes in their lives. Outside of work, my wife and I wrangle two kids and a dog, and I'm a running enthusiast.
Catherine McCarron, MSW
Hello, my name is Catherine, and I'm both a registered social worker and manager of the Young Adult Substance Use Program. In my free time I enjoy sailing and going on adventures with my niece and nephew.
Jillian Halladay, RN, MSc
Hi, my name is Jillian, and I am a mental health nurse and researcher. I have helped with the development and evaluation of the YA-SUP. Outside of work, I like to hike, watch Netflix, try to cook, and lift weights.
Kyla King
Hi, my name is Kyla, and I am a Community Support Counsellor with the YA-SUP. I love music, yoga and hiking.
Michelle Venantius, MD
Hi, my name is Michelle, and I provide psychiatric consultation to the wonderful team at YA-SUP. When I am not at work, I am spending time with my family, trying new recipes, and finding creative ways to help out at schools.
Holly Raymond, MSW
Hi, my name is Holly and I am a Director in the Mental Health and Addictions program at St. Joe's. I am very passionate about working with people who have experience with co-existing mental health and substance challenges. In my spare time I like to exercise, watch cooking shows, and spend time with my cat.
Jacinda Burns
Hello, my name is Jacinda and I am a Research Assistant on the Young Adult Substance Use Program. In my free time, I like to try new foods, listen to podcasts, and find new trails to explore.
Kiran Punia, MSc
Hi, my name is Kiran, and I am a Research Assistant at the Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research. I am excited to be helping out with the YA-SUP program. Outside of work I enjoy Netflix, trying cool new restaurants, and doing different types of workouts
Marina Kennedy, MSW
I'm Marina, a registered social worker who has been working with young people for nearly 15 years, dedicating the past 6 years to treating addictions and mental health. I'm an avid runner who loves hot summers and engaging children in philosophical discussions; I typically spend my downtime reading non-fiction or playing music.