Working with Youth and Families

Youth are a highly diverse group and vary in age, development, culture, religion, sexual orientation, skills, capacities, interests, and strengths. Students examine youth in a system of relationships such as family, peers, their community, and others and the ways the members of this system can have a significant impact on substance use, as well as other addictions and mental health. Students are introduced to current issues in addiction and mental health in youth, risk factors and other considerations for assessment, treatment counselling, relapse prevention, maintenance, and other supports including harm reduction and skill building strategies.