About Us
The Chilliwack Youth Health Centre (CYHC) is a community-based non-profit that focuses on providing free, drop-in, low barrier services for youths aged 12-26. The CYHC functions through a dedicated team of counsellors, physicians, and youth advocacy workers dedicated to wellness for youth and young adults. No referral is needed! Teams of service providers can address a youth’s medical and mental health needs from acne to sexual health to counselling for issues related to anxiety, depression, substance use, gender identity, family conflict, peer conflict, and school and life planning. Counselling and medical services are available on a drop in basis, with both virtual and in-person sessions are available. The CYHC also hosts a variety of free groups throughout the year focused on skill-building, coping strategies, emotional regulation, creative expression, social connection, and healthy relationships. Our waiting rooms are warm and welcoming, with comfy couches, colouring supplies, and a take-what-you-need pantry stocked with a variety of supplies. The CYHC was established in 2014 by Dan Bibby, Katrina Beeple, Kelowa Edel, David Manuel, Dr. Robert Lees and Dr. Melanie Madil. The CYHC was originally created as a collaborative partnership between the Ministry for Children and Family Development, Chilliwack Division of Family Practice, School District 33 (Chilliwack Senior Secondary), Stó:lō Service Agency, Chilliwack Community Services, Fraser Health Authority (Aboriginal Health, Primary Care), Fraser Valley Aboriginal Children and Family Services Society/Xyolhemelyh, Pacific Community Resource Society, Ann Davis Transition Society and the University of the Fraser Valley.
Our vision is to create a space that provides integrated health and wellness services to youth and young adults on a drop-in basis in a safe and supportive environment.
Our Vision
To create a space that provides integrated health and wellness services to youth and young adults (ages 12-26) on a drop in basis in a safe and supportive environment.
Our Model
The Chilliwack Youth Health Centre currently has three running locations (NLC, Stó:lō, Ch’íyáqtel) available for free drop-in counselling. It’s confidential, non-judgemental, and low barrier access that can refer out to other services if necessary. Our NLC and Stó:lō locations offer free drop in medical, so we can tend to all your health needs. Whether it’s an acne concern, a sexual health question, or you just need someone to talk to, we are here for you.
Our Philosophy
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Easily Accessible
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Early Detection and Prevention
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One-Stop Service
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Family Doctor Connections
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No Cost
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Referral Ready
FAQ
as long as you are 12+, no parental permission or referral necessary! Drop-in or call and you can get started right away.
Absolutely! You can often see them back to back, depending on availability. Doctor services can be limited, so double check our calendars to be sure. there is no limit for accessing services!
Of course! you can come as often as you need, but counsellors vary by day. If you have a regular counsellor you see, you can always fill in the gaps with someone new and return to your preferred counsellor when they are available.
While our medical and counselling is for 12-26, we are always happy to guide you! Questions, resources, and pantry items are available to all. If you have extenuating circumstances, contact us to see if arrangements can be made.
No one will be alerted that you are receiving our services. Everything will be kept confidential unless there is an imminent risk of harm or a court order. Confidentiality can always be discussed with your counsellor to ensure your comfort.
Your care card is only required when accessing medical services. If you have seen our doctors before, we will most likely have your number on file already. If you’re unsure, bring it with you!
Yes! We are able to refer you to any location or provider that best fits your needs.
We are committed to having a safe and respectful space for all LGBTQ2S+ people. We have free gender affirming apparel available to youth, weekly groups run by Gender Support Network, and can refer out to local gender clinics. We can also provide you with online resources and knowledgable counsellors to help support you!
We are 100% free! We are a registered non-profit committed to providing low barrier services to our youth.
All of our counsellors are Masters or Doctoral practicum students of psychology from accredited universities across North America. Our counsellors work under the direct, close guidance of senior supervisors who must be a registered psychologist or counsellor with 5+ years of experience. Often, counsellors will briefly step out to contact their supervisors during sessions to ensure you get the best quality of care.
We will not turn you away because of your location. Every door is the right door!
We cannot provide depo shots, birth control, or IUD’s in house, but we can provide a prescription and have depo/birth control filled same-day at your local pharmacy. IUD’s or implants require a referral from us and can be done at primary care.
Our doctor schedule is updated monthly and can be found on our social media or by clicking here.
We can try our best! Since we are drop-in only, we can’t guarantee your preferred counsellor will be free, and each counsellor is only available on select days. Feel free to call ahead to check availability.
Since our counsellors are practicum students, they are only with us for a select amount of time. Each counsellor is available for roughly 9 months. Don’t worry, we always have new counsellors coming in!
Once we have you in our system, you can visit any of our locations without filling out new intake forms.
Our sessions are typically 50 minutes long. If you prefer a shorter session or have to leave early, that’s no problem!
Counsellors will often let you know ahead of time when they are wrapping up. If you plan to continue your counselling journey, your counsellor can introduce you to someone new who they think would be a good fit. If its been a while, our front desk can pair you with someone similar!
