Program focus: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Interpersonal Relationships
The Slaight Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Program is a voluntary treatment program featuring a team of clinicians from Strides Toronto and the Scarborough Health Network (SHN) Child and Adolescent Outpatient Mental Health Clinic. This is a 25-week therapy program provided to Scarborough youth with complex mental health conditions between the ages of 14 and 24 years. A family physician referral is required. Please visit your family doctor to discuss a referral to the Slaight DBT Program.
After a referral is submitted, you will be contacted for a telephone intake to determine your eligibility for this program. If you are eligible, you will be placed on a waitlist until a spot becomes available. Please be aware that wait times can exceed 6 months.
Each client will establish their own individual goals for treatment. Success is defined by a decrease in harmful and unwanted behaviours and an increase in skilful behaviours. Success is impacted by the effort put forth by each client to actively engage in all components of their program and to implement the skills in their everyday life.
Program focus: Abuse, Anti-Human Trafficking, Behaviour Difficulty, Budgeting, Case Management, Child Welfare, Communication Skills, Developmental Disability, Employment, Housing, Immigration, Legal, LGBT, Life Skills, Male identified, Mental Health, Postnatal, Psychoeducation, Resume building, School, Sex Work, Sexual Relationships, Skill Development, Socializing, Substance Abuse, Trauma, Work more…
The Gender-Based Violence Program provides free support to individuals who are involved or at risk of being involved in human trafficking or those who have been involved in the sex trade by choice, circumstance, or coercion. The program is grounded in treating trauma, relational therapy and addressing human rights. Our team works from a strength based, sex-positive, harm reduction and trauma-informed approach. We believe in empowering survivors to have self-worth and to build healthy support systems.
Our team is composed of Trauma Therapists, Community Outreach Workers and Peer Navigators. The GBV program offers the following services centred around client-directed service planning:
- Trauma Therapy. Our therapists use a trauma-informed approach to help clients overcome psychological trauma. The GBV program recognizes that individuals who access our services often experience a combination of acute and developmental trauma. An acute trauma can be one where a person perceives a threat to one’s life, body, or emotional safety. Developmental trauma can occur because of adverse and chronic childhood experiences, such as neglect and abuse. As a result of trauma, people may have difficulty coping with their experiences, which can be very distressing and disruptive to daily functioning. Our therapists support individuals by working toward managing trauma symptoms, reducing shame and blame and building healthy relationships. Our therapists apply various therapeutic modalities in this process, including relational therapy and EMDR, as well as provide psychoeducation for participants and their family.
- Community Outreach & Education. The GBV team is available to provide outreach and education to youth 12-29 years old in various settings. Outreach and education take a preventative, non-judgemental approach to human trafficking/sex trafficking and incorporate topics such as healthy relationships, safety, consent and boundary setting. Concurrently, as part of our outreach, the GBV team can provide education on the topics of sex trafficking and trauma-informed care to service providers.
- Case Management & Service Navigation. Our Community Outreach Workers assist individuals with finding safe and affordable housing, accessing financial assistance, finding medical care, obtaining identification documents or legal consultation, school enrollment, job searching and can provide external referrals when needed. Assistance with life skill development, goal setting and budgeting support is also available
- Peer Support & Navigation. Our Peer Navigators actively advocate to reduce and end sexual exploitation. They act as support workers to encourage trauma recovery, build hope, confidence, and resilience within participants. The lived experience of the Peer Navigators lessens the isolation that many survivors feel, by creating a sense of belonging, connecting survivors with each other and to community-based resources. They can also offer assistance with appointments, court support, and aid with safety planning
- Support Group. Our Peer Navigators run an online support group with support from one of our Trauma Therapists. The group focuses on life skills and social/recreational activities.
- Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Counselling Program. This program offers short-term (8-12) immediate counselling sessions for children and youth who are victims of internet sexual exploitation and to their immediate family members. *ICE is available by referral only via the Ontario Provincial Police and BOOST. Learn more about ICE .
Any questions can be directed to the Gender-Based Violence Program at GBVinfo@stridestoronto.ca or 416-438-3697 ext. 13265.
On November 9, 2022, the Government of Canada endorsed the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence. Preventing and addressing GBV in Canada requires a coordinated national approach, with federal, provincial and territorial governments working in close partnership with survivors, Indigenous partners, direct service providers, experts, advocates, municipalities, the private sector and researchers.
The work of Strides Toronto’s Gender-Based Violence Program supports the vision of a Canada free from gender-based violence and supporting victims, survivors and their families regardless of where they live.
Eligibility details
- Youth aged 12 – 29 years
- Residing in Toronto
- Involved in or at risk of being involved in human trafficking and/or current or previous involvement in the sex trade by choice, circumstance, or coercion
- All gender identities welcomed
- Have an identified need or goal to address
Please note that we are not a crisis service. If you are in immediate danger, please contact 911 immediately. The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline (1-833-900-1010) is available 24 hours, 7 days a week for telephone support and referral information.
Get in touch with us on Instagram
Program focus: Abuse, Behaviour Difficulty, LGBT, Mental Health, Nutrition, School, Sex Work, Trauma more…
The What’s Up Walk-In® Clinic is Toronto’s only free, six day a week mental health counselling walk-in service for children, youth, young adults, and families. The clinic helps with issues such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal ideation, sexual identity matters, bullying, behavioural concerns, addictions, and anything else that might be on one’s mind. All the information you provide is confidential.
Therapists offer single sessions up to an hour long. We don’t judge. We will support you in your concerns and work collaboratively with you. The focus is on abilities, resources, and skills that you have, or you want to develop. Together we will target a priority concern and develop a plan with you that you feel comfortable with. If you feel you need more help, you can come back to the What’s Up Walk-In. All our therapists are clinically trained.
The clinic is barrier free, and accessible. No health card or appointment is necessary and it’s completely free! The What’s Up Walk-In network is a collection of 6 agencies operating at 8 sites across the City of Toronto.
Hours of service
Important Service Schedule Update
November 13 to November 19, 2024
We are adjusting our service schedule during the transition to our new location. Please see the updated service hours below:
- Wed. Nov 13 – In-person 12 PM – 5 PM 📍 1200 Markham Road
- Thu. Nov 14 – Virtual 12 PM – 5 PM
- Fri. Nov 15 – Virtual 12 PM – 5 PM
- Sat. Nov 16 – Virtual 10 PM – 4 PM
- Mon. Nov 18 – Closed
- Tue. Nov 19 – In-person 12 PM – 8 PM 📍 100 Consilium Place, Ground Floor, Suite 102
Regular schedule resumes on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at our new space: 100 Consilium Place, Ground Floor, Suite 102. Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time of change!
Virtual Sessions
Friday, 2 PM – 8 PM Last registration: 6:30 PM
To be connected to a counsellor for a telephone or video session, call us at 416-438-3697 press 1 and then enter ext. 12230 for reception.
In-person Sessions at Strides Toronto (as of March 1, 2024)
Monday – Thursday, 12 PM – 8 PM Last registration: 6:30 PM
Friday, 12 PM – 5 PM Last registration: 3:30 PM
Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM Last registration: 2:30 PM
Location: 1200 Markham Road, Suite 200, Scarborough
- Call to schedule sessions in Tagalog, Mandarin, Cantonese. Interpretation in other languages can be planned in advance.
- No appointment is necessary; first come, first served.
- Registration closed 1h 30 mins prior to the end of in-person service hours.
- Capacity at times reached before last registration.
- Services closed on statutory holidays.
- Face masks are available for in-person sessions.
Supported by RBC:
In partnership with:
Program focus: Anti-Human Trafficking, Bilingual Services (French), Case Management, Child Welfare, Employment, Housing, Legal, LGBT, Mental Health, School, Sex Work, Sexual Relationships, Skill Development, Substance Abuse, Trauma, Work more…
Youth In Transition Workers aim to meet youth where it is more convenient for them, in the community, at coffee shops, libraries or at the office. Some resources and supports offered to youth may include:
- Housing and or educational supports
- Employment and services training
- Life skills (e.g., financial management and household management)
- Legal services and psychoeducation
- Health and mental health services
- Access to Trauma Therapy and Human Trafficking Peer Support Group
- Snacks and TTC fare for case management needs
- Access to Strides Food Mart available upon sign up
In addition to the above supports, Strides YIT workers provide targeted/focused assistance in the following areas:
- Mental Health and Addictions YIT
- Bilingual (French speaking) YIT connects youth with Francophone resources within their communities.
- Anti-Human Trafficking YIT provides individualized case management to youth at risk of sexual exploitation and Human Trafficking.
The length of work with youth varies based on their long-term and short-term goals. Once youth provide consent, referrals can be emailed directly to our team: YIT@Stridestoronto.ca.
Eligibility Details
Youth aged 16 – 24 years and is:
- in Extended Society Care or
- in a formal Customary Care arrangement immediately prior to the youth’s 18th birthday or
- eligible for support under Continued Care and Support for Youth (CCSY) or
- accessing Ready, Set, Go (RSG) funding
Get in touch with Strides Toronto Youth In Transition (YIT) workers on Instagram:
Program focus: Communication Skills, Community Service/Volunteer Hours, LGBT, Skill Development, Socializing
The Volunteer Readiness Program serves youth between12 to 25 years of age who are looking to complete community service hours towards high school graduation and/or probation requirements.
Youth will participate in a variety of activities including community events and packing food hampers for those experiencing food insecurity among other things. Participants are assured to gain community service hours and employability skills including communication and leadership skills through hands-on experiences with the support of Youth Outreach Workers. They will also have opportunities to develop their resume and access other programs and services based on their individual needs.
Snacks and TTC tickets are provided for the youth volunteers.
Program focus: Communication Skills, Community, Multimedia, Skill Development, Socializing, Youth, Youth Engagement more…
Studio 2 Multimedia Program supports youth in the development of multimedia skills, as well as social skills, with an emphasis on media literacy, employability skills and mental health.
Our program uses various industry standard software and hardware to help youth design a variety of media projects. Youth are engaged under the supervision and guidance of professionals and Strides Toronto staff. Projects youth can work on include film and documentaries, print, photography, portfolio development, and music/audio recording. Programming is delivered through one-on-one sessions, group workshops and facilitated workshops in the community and/or school.
In partnership with
Program focus: Abuse, Employment, Housing, Legal, LGBT, Mental Health, Multimedia, School, Sex Work, Trauma more…
Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO) is an initiative that aims to bring the right services to youth (and their families) at the right time and in the right place.
We provide youth aged 12 – 25 with a range of services to address needs related to mental health, substance use, primary care, education, employment, housing, and other social services. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where youth can access support, connect with peers, and engage in activities that promote wellness.
When you first get connected to our Youth Wellness Hub, we will help you identify which service is the best fit for your needs.
Meet our integrated care team:
- Harm Reduction Counselling
If you need support reducing harm and improving well-being in relation to substance use, counsellors are available to provide you with guidance and tools to help you navigate through life while making safer and informed decisions. - Counselling
Therapists are available to help you explore your emotions, gain insights into your behaviours and thoughts, and provide helpful strategies that you can implement in your daily life. Whether you want to talk about anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationships, coping with trauma or managing stress, our counsellors will listen and support you in enhancing your emotional well-being. - Peer Support
Peer support workers provide support, guidance and understanding through their shared experience of navigating mental health services. Peer support is offered in both individual and group settings. - Care Navigation
Care navigators will work with you to set and achieve goals in areas such as health, mental health, employment, education, housing, and more. They will also help you to navigate social service and healthcare systems to find the best options for you. - Health Services
Our nurse practitioners can provide you with short term clinical care including physical, mental, and sexual health. They are here to help you with needs such as managing medications, discussing birth control options, referring to specialists and more. If recommended by one of our providers, a psychiatric consultation is also available to help with diagnosis, treatment plans, and medication management.
A proud partner of Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario
Program focus: Abuse, Employment, Housing, Legal, LGBT, Mental Health, Multimedia, School, Sex Work, Trauma more…
Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO) is an initiative that aims to bring the right services to youth (and their families) at the right time and in the right place.
We provide youth aged 12 – 25 years with a range of services to address needs related to mental health, substance use, primary care, education, employment, housing, and other social services. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where youth can access support, connect with peers, and engage in activities that promote wellness.
When you first get connected to our Youth Wellness Hub, we will help you identify which service is the best fit for your needs.
Meet our integrated care team:
- Nurse Practitioner
Our Nurse Practitioner provides primary care and transitional clinical care related to physical, mental and sexual health. They can support you with clarifying a diagnosis, creating treatment plans, prescribing and managing medication and making referrals to specialized health services. - Care Navigation
Care navigators will work with you to set and achieve goals in areas such as health, mental health, employment, education, housing, and more. They will also help you to navigate social service and healthcare systems to find the best options for you. - Counselling
Therapists are available to help you explore your emotions, gain insights into your behaviours and thoughts and provide helpful strategies that you can implement in your daily life. Whether you want to talk about anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationships, coping with trauma or managing stress, our counsellors will listen and support you in enhancing your emotional well-being. - Peer Support
Peer support workers provide support, guidance and understanding through their shared experience of navigating mental health services. Peer support is offered in both individual and group settings. - Harm Reduction
If you need support reducing harm and improving well-being in relation to substance use, counsellors are available to provide you with guidance and tools to help you navigate through life while making safer and informed decisions.
A proud partner of Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario
Program focus: LGBT, Multimedia, Socializing
The Zone Youth Space is a place where youth can come to create, connect, learn and inspire!
Created in partnership with Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation, The Zone Youth Spaces provides a dedicated space for youth, consistent staff, and programming tailored to a variety of youth interests.
The Zone Youth Space offers free programming 6 days a week, that includes after-school youth drop in, employment and leadership workshops, homework help, multimedia programming, and more. The space is equipped with video games, board games, a pool table, foosball, computers, and free WiFi.
For more information, contact Jessica Myers at jessica.myers@stridestoronto.ca
Get In Touch with The Zone on Instagram
Program focus: Communication Skills, Community Service/Volunteer Hours, LGBT, Mental Health, Skill Development, Socializing
The New Mentality group at Strides Toronto is part of a province-wide network of youth and adult allies working together to disable the label of youth mental illness and to amplify youth voice to create change in the children and youth mental health system and beyond.
The program consists of 2 to 3 projects a year that aim to destigmatize mental health in the community and bring awareness to mental health issues through art, photography, video and events and activities. All projects are created and implement by the youth with consistent supports from our adult allies. The goal of the program is to have participants engage in meaningful conversation about mental health, learning leadership and teamwork skills.
The New Mentality group at Strides Toronto is funded by the Children’s Mental Health Ontario.
Funders/Partners
