YouThrive
YouThrive is a specialized community-based program that provides culturally-informed and affirming mental health services for children, youth, and their families, who identify as Black, Indigenous or Persons of Colour (BIPOC).
Program Details
Type: Counselling Program
For: Children / Youth / Families
Ages: 4 - 25 years
Fees: Free
Location
Mobile Mental Health Program and at 460 Main Street East, Suite 201, Hamilton, ON L8M 1K4
The YouThrive team offers in-home visits and regularly visits local community groups and organizations, such as schools, community centres, and cultural centres.
Referrals
Referrals to YouThrive are made through Access and System Navigation (ASN) for ages 4-15 and St.Joseph’s Youth Wellness Centre for ages 15+.
It’s time to level the playing field.
The YouThrive Program is a partnership between St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton’s Youth Wellness Centre, Hamilton Regional Indian Centre, De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre, Centre de santé communautaire Hamilton/Niagara, and Lynwood Charlton Centre.
The innovative program was born out of feedback from the BIPOC community about the significant challenges in accessing mental health services that consider racial identity and the effects of racism on mental health. Over the last few years, YouThrive has grown to include peer support workers, psychiatrists, a psychologist, an occupational therapist and a pathways coach who connects youth to employment and/or post-secondary school.
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About the Program
Everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported—especially when facing challenges like racial stress, trauma, or systemic barriers. That’s why YouThrive, a mobile mental health program exists.
Designed for and with Black, Indigenous, and racialized youth (ages 4–25), and their families, this program offers culturally informed counselling, therapy, and peer support to help young people navigate racism, intergenerational trauma, and identity-based struggles in a safe, affirming space by:
Exploring how racial identity shapes mental health.
Building coping skills and celebrating their cultural roots.
Connecting with a team that gets it—clinicians who share lived experiences.
Where We Meet
We meet children, youth and their families where they are and where they’re comfortable—at parks, libraries, community centers, or online—breaking down barriers to care.
How We Help
One-on-one therapy for racial trauma, anxiety, and more.
Peer support groups to foster connection and resilience.
Community outreach to schools and agencies, educating others on culturally affirming care.
Join or Refer Someone
Youth can self-refer or be referred by family, schools, or community providers.
How to Access Services
YouThrive is a specialized community-based program that provides culturally-informed and affirming mental health services for children, youth, and their families, who identify as Black, Indigenous or Persons of Colour (BIPOC).
Eligibility
Referrals
Referrals to YouThrive are made through Access and System Navigation (ASN) for ages 4-15 and St.Joseph’s Youth Wellness Centre for ages 15+.
If you are young person (15-24 years old) you can refer yourself for the YouThrive Program.