Counselling

Counselling Services Available through Yellowhead Community Services

Services are available to individuals residing in the North Thompson Valley from McLure to Blue River. Individuals are able to self refer by calling the Yellowhead Community Services (YCS) main office in Clearwater at (250) 674-2600 or the YCS Barriere office at (250) 672-9773. Individuals can also call 310-MHSU which will automatically connect them with the closest service provider.

Community Counselling Services

Due to Covid-19 and with additional funding received from The Community Action Initiative, we are able to provide flexible counselling options to meet the needs in the community, especially for those who are most vulnerable due to health concerns or are experiencing transportation challenges. While in-person services are available, we also offer individual and group virtual services through an approved telehealth platform and telephone counselling. If access to a phone, long distance plan/internet or technology is a barrier to receiving services, please call Yellowhead Community Services and ask to speak to the Manager of Counselling Services, Glen Follweiter, as we may be able to assist you in this area.

Mental Health Counselling

Mental Health Services are available to adults to assist those who are suffering from serious mental disorders, depression, self destructive behaviours, family conflict, stress issues and problems in daily living.

The specific services that are available include the following:

Assessment and treatment of diagnosed mental health disorders

Referrals to other agencies/services

Prevention and education services to assist communities in the promotion of good mental health

Facilitation of the establishment of self-help groups

Encouraging healthy living by empowering the community to care for itself

Substance Use

Substance Use Counselling Services provide individual and family counselling to people who experience problems as a result of alcohol and/or drug use. Counselling is also available to adult children and family involved with someone dependent on alcohol and/or drugs.

Services addressing Adult Substance Use provide the following range of services:

Outpatient counselling for individuals and families

Assessments and referral to treatment and detox programs

Facilitate public education through seminars, group training and workshops

Facilitate the establishment of support groups

Services addressing Youth Substance Use provide the following range of services:

Community outreach

Family support

Referrals

1:1 support including psychoeducation and counselling

PEACE Program for Children and Youth Experiencing Violence

Staff work to deliver the following services to children and youth under the age of 19 years who have been impacted by violence.

Sensitive, respectful, professional, accountable assessment, treatment and follow-up services for child/youth victims

Support and consultation for custodial parent(s), caregivers and siblings

A collaborative, team approach involving the therapist, RCMP, social workers, teachers, child care workers and other co-helpers, custodial parent(s) and caregivers

Stopping the Violence Counselling

The Stopping the Violence Program (STV) provides counselling services for women who have experienced abuse and/or violence. Counselling is provided to women who are in, or have been in, an abusive relationship or who are survivors of sexual violence - either a recent assault or historical abuse.

The program operates from a feminist perspective and provides a non-judgmental, supportive and safe environment for women to explore their experience and deal with the impact of violence and abuse

The focus is on increasing safety and empowerment through validation, education and exploration

For more information for clients or you would like to refer someone to one of our counselling programs, please download the Client Handbook .

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Ashcroft Family Counselling 

Family Counselling and Support Services supports diverse families with children under the age of 18 in the Ashcroft area and surrounding areas including Lytton to Clinton. Services increase the family's safety and well-being. Services are broad, promote empowerment, and are tailored to a family’s unique needs. A family counselor will support the family or youth in developing a service plan and, as appropriate, collaborate with other community professionals and the family's support network.

Services offered:

Individual and/or family sessions as needed addressing family violence, family dynamics, coping skills, substance misuse sexual assault/abuse, and trauma.

Parenting skill development services to families supplement their knowledge of their child and youth development and increase safety, communication, and connection.

Parent-teen mediation services for families experiencing interpersonal conflict aim to strengthen family relationships by meeting each family's unique needs.

Services are currently occurring virtually, during Yellowhead Community Services office hours.

How can I access:

There are three options for referrals, through MCFD, by a community professional, or self-referrals by parents with children under the age of 18. MCFD referrals take priority. See below for the MCFD referral process.

A referral can be made to the Family Counselling and Support Services program ANY TIME during involvement with the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD):

When a social worker has assessed that there are worries about the safety of a child or youth.

And the social worker and family agree that the Family Counselling and Support Services program would be the appropriate way to increase the child or youth's safety.

Then, the social worker makes a referral to the Family Counselling and Support Services program.

Outcome Measurement Reports for our programs are available for you to download and read. Click here for the Dec 2023, Family Counselling Outcome Report Funded by the Ministry of Children and Family Development --  Referral Form 

Clearwater  612 Park Drive, Clearwater, BC V0E 1N1
Phone: 250-674-2600
Fax: 250-674-3540
Email: Clearwater YCS Office Hours: Monday to Friday - 8:30 am to 12:00 pm & 1:00 to 4:30pm

Barriere 4936 Barriere Town Road Barriere, B.C. V0E 1E0 (in the old Barriere Ridge Elementary School)
Phone: 250 672-9773
Fax: 250 672-9709
Email: Barriere YCS
Office Hours: Monday – Thurs: 8:30 am – 12:00 and 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm Closed on weekends and all statutory holidays

Ashcroft 711 Hill Street, PO Box 599
Ashcroft, BC V0K 1A0
1-888-281-0107
Email: Ashcroft YCS