You’re not alone.

We’re here for anyone under 18 in Hamilton who’s going through a tough time with their mental health. It doesn't matter how you identify—you're welcome here. We help with everything from daily stress to more complex stuff, and we also support your parents or caregivers.

We have different ways to help, depending on what you need. You don't have to figure it out alone—we'll help you find the right fit.

• If you need help outside of home: We have safe, supportive places to stay at a few locations in Hamilton.

• If you want help at home: We can come to you.

• If you're dealing with racism or cultural stress: We have specialized support for BIPOC, Immigrant, and Refugee youth.

• If you've experienced sexual violence: We have caring, expert counsellors who can help you heal.

• If you want help at school: We have programs right in schools, so support is easy to access.

We get it—privacy is important. What you share with us is confidential, which means it stays between us, with one very important exception: if we are seriously worried that you or someone else is in danger of being hurt, we have to step in to keep everyone safe. We'll always try to talk to you about it first.

Telling someone you need help is the bravest first step. You can ask a parent, your doctor, a teacher, or a guidance counsellor to contact Access and System Navigation (ASN) for you. They're the main hub for mental health services in Hamilton and can help figure out the best place to start.

Or, you can contact make an appointment for yourself by CLICKING HERE or calling 905-389-1361

Once you have contacted us, we will book an Intake Meeting. We'll have a conversation about what's going on in your life. We'll ask about your strengths, what you're finding difficult, and what you hope changes. This helps us understand how we can best support you. We'll also ask for some basic info about you and your health history.

It depends on the kind of support you need. Some services, like short-term counselling, have shorter waits. More intensive programs might have a longer waitlist. We know waiting is hard, and we'll do our best to get you support as soon as possible.

You will be supported by a dedicated team of mental health professionals who work together to provide you with comprehensive care. Your team may include:

• Child and Youth Workers (CYWs) who specialize in building therapeutic relationships and supporting the development of practical coping and life skills.

• Social Workers and Therapists who provide counselling and therapeutic interventions to help you process emotions and navigate challenges.

• Nurse Practitioners who manage psychiatric assessments and medication, supporting your overall mental wellness.

• Occupational Therapists (OTs) who focus on building daily routines, emotional regulation skills, and strategies to engage meaningfully in your life.

This collaborative approach ensures you receive coordinated, evidence-based support tailored to your unique needs.

It's different for everyone. There's no one-size-fits-all timeline. Your worker will talk with you about what to expect and the program length will be based on your personal goals.

Yes. What you say here, stays here. Your information is only shared with the staff who are helping you. The only times we can't keep something confidential are if we're seriously worried you're going to hurt yourself or someone else, if we suspect a child is being abused, or if the law requires us to share information (like a court order). We'll always try to talk to you about it first if we can.

Nothing. All of our services are completely free.