Alternatives for Youth

AY recognizes that treatment for youth must consider their cognitive, emotional and social development and be aware of the impact that alcohol and other drugs have on mental health and the normal transition to adulthood.

The philosophy of AY is that treatment must be customized to meet individual needs and respect client choice.

With Alternatives for Youth you can expect a positive, recovery-oriented experience that is strength-based and inclusive.  Our services use treatment approaches that are modelled after best practices in substance use and addiction. 

• Call for Applications – Board of Directors (Volunteer Positions) - Alternatives for Youth (AY) is a non-profit agency that provides substance use and concurrent mental health treatment to children, youth and young adults who are experiencing difficulties related to the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. We also provide therapeutic support to parents/caregivers/families through our Parent Education, Support and Skills Development program. In addition …

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• SMART Recovery virtual group meetings - Alternatives for Youth is providing a SMART Recovery® Virtual Group for young people ages 18 to 25 looking to makes changes to their substance use. This group uses a peer support model where participants support each other towards achieving their goals. In the group we will be learning tools and techniques to assist with goal …

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• Alternatives for Youth – Parent Education, Support and Skills Development Program (PEP) 6 week virtual group for 2021 - Alternatives for Youth (AY) is committed to providing substance use treatment services for youth aged 12 to 25 years and those who care for them. Research has shown that engaging caregivers in substance use education and counselling programs improves treatment outcomes for youth with substance use and concurrent mental health problems. The feedback we have …

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• Important message regarding COVID-19 and AY services - The health and safety of our clients and staff remains our top priority as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. We are continuing to offer all individual intake, assessment and counselling services virtually via telephone and videoconferencing, and now have increased capacity for in-person services at our 38 James Street location as well as …

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38 James Street South, 2^nd Floor
Hamilton, Ontario L8P 4W6
Phone: (905) 527-4469
Fax: (905) 527-8291
E-mail:   admin@ay.on.ca

Hours of Operation:
Monday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday and Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

An intake worker is available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm at the main office to provide information, consultation and to schedule an appointment. Evening appointments available.

AY Referral Form

Do you think you or somebody you know could benefit from AY services? You can make a referral online using the form below.

We would like to acknowledge that the land on which we are located is  situated upon traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wyandot, the Haudenosaunee, and the Mississaugas of the Credit. The territory is mutually covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant. Today, this is still the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work in the community, on their territory.