Alternatives for Youth provides community-based substance use and addiction treatment services that engage and mobilize youth and their families. We inspire hope and resilience in youth by respecting client choice and rights, involving their supports/circle of care when appropriate, and by creating an environment that supports inclusion, equity and diversity. We value youth wisdom and experience in our recovery oriented practice and customize the support we offer based on our clients individual needs and treatment goals. We are grounded in our values as we promote improved health and well-being while helping youth have a meaningful, productive role in their community.
Recent News
We’ve Moved! - The Alternatives for Youth offices have moved! After 10 years of being co-located with Youth Wellness Centre, we’ve moved to a new site. We want to thank YWC for their partnership and support over the years! Please visit us at our new location: 460 Main Street East, Suite 304
Parent Education, Support and Skills Development Program (PEP) - 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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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 any other substances. We also provide 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 are BACK! - Alternatives for Youth offers the SMART Recovery® Virtual Group for young people ages 16 to 25 who are looking to make changes to their substance use. This open group allows participants to join as needed, with initial registration required to access the virtual meeting link. New for February 2025, Alternatives for Youth will provide this …
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Alternatives for Youth is proud to have been awarded a four-year accreditation by the Canadian Centre for Accreditation (CCA) in recognition of achieving established CCA standards for quality in governance, management, and community mental health and addiction services. CCA accreditation is based on widely-accepted best practice standards that support excellence and quality in our provision of community-based programs and services.
Contact Us
460 Main Street East, Suite 304
Hamilton, Ontario L8N 1K4
Phone: 289-768-0014
Fax: 1-905-234-1515
E-mail: intake@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 during business hours 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.