How does counselling at the Chilliwack Youth Health Centre work?
Counsellors are available to speak with young people about a range of concerns including anxiety, fears, stress, depression, sadness, relationships with family and friend, schooling, substance use, grief and loss, suicidal thoughts, eating, sleep, sexuality, unhelpful behavioural patterns, and unusual thoughts, for example.
Counselling at our locations of the Chilliwack Youth Health Centre is provided by university students from a variety of programs in counselling psychology and social work. All counselling sessions are delivered under the supervision of senior clinicians from helping agencies in Chilliwack.
A brief, solution focused counselling model is employed. This is meant to focus conversation on the immediate concerns of the person and have them leave with a short term plan. Everyone can come back as often as they want. You are not guaranteed continuity of counsellors, although on occasion this can be arranged.
Counsellors check regularly with our supervisors and if the presenting problems seems to warrant this, people are encouraged to follow up with other counselling resources or mental health resources, either through Child and Youth Mental Health, other community agencies, our doctors, paediatrician or psychiatrist. If more intensive professional supports are required, our counsellors and their supervisors will recommend them and assist with making those links.
People arriving at the Chilliwack Secondary Neighbourhood Learning Centre site will be greeted by one of our team members. We will assist you to complete the necessary paperwork and be linked with an appropriate counsellor.
How do I start?
To begin counselling at the CYHC, we require you to complete intake forms before your first visit. Once the forms are completed, you are eligible for counselling right away.
For in-person counselling, come to any of our locations during service hours and we can get you started.
For virtual counselling, call, text, or email us to request digital forms. Once received, you will be contacted by a counsellor.
Counselling is drop-in only. Call, text, email, or visit one of our locations and you will be connected with a counsellor as soon as possible. Please note our last available drop-in is at 5:30PM.