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
Youth Substance Use Therapist - Alternatives for Youth (AY) is a non-profit organization that provides community based substance use and mental health treatment to youth and young adults, as well as support services to their families. The Youth Substance Use Therapist provides comprehensive substance use screening, intake, assessment and treatment to youth and young adults ages 12-25 at various locations … 
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 … Continue reading "Parent Education, Support and Skills Development Program (PEP)"
- 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 support to parents/caregivers/families through our Parent Education, Support and Skills Development program. In addition to …
Continue reading "Call for Applications – Board of Directors (Volunteer Positions)"
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 …
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
38 James Street South, 2nd 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.
