Brief Intervention Services (BIS)

Brief Intervention Services (BIS) provide short-term, goal-focused support to youth aged 12-25 experiencing mild to moderate mental health concerns. BIS typically includes 4-6 sessions with one of our mental health professionals, sessions are rooted in measurement-based care as well as evidence-based care. During BIS, youth will develop coping strategies, build resilience, and address specific mental health concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions, etc. Our BIS is not a crisis service. If you find yourself in crisis, please visit our resource tab below for supportive services. Here at YWHO Cambridge, our Brief Intervention Services are collaborative and designed to empower the youth accessing the services.

Mental Health Workshops

At YWHO Cambridge, we offer a variety of mental health programs with different end goals. Our Mental Health Workshops are currently being offered twice a month and are an interactive, psychoeducational session that is designed to raise awareness, build a deeper understanding of self/the topic being discussed, and teach practical skills related to mental health and wellbeing. These workshops often cover topics such as stress management, self-care, sleep hygiene, emotion regulation, and so much more! Our workshops are facilitated by mental health professionals, as well as volunteers. In these workshops, we foster a safe environment and provide space for youth to learn, reflect, engage and connect in discussions that promote personal growth. 

Groups

At YWHO Cambridge, we offer a range of mental health services, including closed groups. Closed mental health groups are structured therapeutic groups that meet regularly over a specific period of time, typically 6-8 weeks in length. Unlike open groups, our closed group means no new members are added once the group has started. This group framework fosters consistent psychological safety and a supportive yet vulnerable environment. Closed groups are led by mental health professionals and have a shared common goal, such as regulating emotions, coping skills, etc. Groups are rooted in evidence-based care and use modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), etc. Our closed groups allow our youth to build trust, deepen connections, engage in vulnerability and be more open in the therapeutic process.

For all services, if you are a youth aged 12-25 and are looking to connect with this free mental health service, please call our program receptionist at 519-653-1470 ext 361.

Our walk-in clinics offer single-session, strengths-based support using brief and solution-focused approaches for youth ages 12–25 who live in or attend school in Cambridge or North Dumfries. Youth can consent to services on their own, and parents or caregivers may join with the youth’s permission. This free service does not require a health card, and while you may not see the same clinician each visit, our Care Navigator can connect you to ongoing supports if needed. The walk-in clinic is not a crisis service, but if a youth arrives in crisis, they will be supported with resources and safety planning.

Walk-in clinics are on Thursdays from 3:00–7:00 pm at rotating locations. Please check the calendar above for current sites

Spark Skills

Join us every afternoon to learn a different set of skills! The activities will change every three months and will include topics such as expressive arts, pet care, adulting 101 and cooking! Please see our calendar for this month’s activities.

Girls Multi-Sport

Our new Girls Multi-Sport program is a drop-in where the sport changes every week. Come join us if you are looking to play sports like volleyball, ultimate frisbee, basketball and much more! All skill levels are welcome, and the program is available for girls in Grades 6-12.

STEAM

STEAM is a drop-in program offered in YWHO Cambridge each Thursday from 3:00-4:00 pm. The STEAM program explores science, technology, engineering, arts, and math through creative challenges. The activities are designed for creativity, exploration and all learning and skill levels.

Hoops

Hoops is a drop-in, 5-on-5 basketball program hosted in the gym on the main floor of the Langs Community Health Centre twice a week. If you are looking for some court time to work on those basketball skills in a semi-competitive game, come join us. All skill levels are welcome. The Hoops program is available for all youth in Grades 6-12. Every Monday and Wednesday evening from 7:00 - 8:00 pm.

Drop-in Centre

Every weekday, YWHO Cambridge offers a drop-in space where youth can come hang out, have a snack, play PS5, use our Nintendo Switch, play on our gaming computers, and use the Makerspace to create some art! Youth are also able to use the computers to do homework, complete assignments, search for jobs, work on their resume, and much more. The drop-in centre is a great place for youth to come create some connections with others, and have some fun!

Youth Dinner

On the third Thursday of every month, youth can join us for a free dinner. Youth Dinner is a great opportunity to enjoy a terrific dinner, bring some friends and meet new people. We offer anything from pizza, subs, breakfast for dinner, lasagna, chicken strips and fries, walking tacos, to mac n’ cheese and so much more. Each dinner offers a vegetarian and halal option as well. Youth Dinner is the 3rd Thursday of every month from 5:00 - 6:00 pm. Follow us on Instagram to learn about the next menu!

All Skills and Wellbeing Activities are free and available for youth aged 12-25 (except Hoops, see description). For more information, please call ext 287 or email Taylor.

Are you interested in earning volunteer hours, giving back to your community, adding experience to your resume, and helping shape the programs and services offered to youth in Cambridge? Then volunteering with YWHO Cambridge’s Youth Advisory Council (YTCYC) is for you.

YTCYC members meet on the third Thursday of every month (6:00 - 7:00 pm) to help shape, design and inform the services offered at YWHO Cambridge. YTCYC also designs and facilitates its own special events.  Members are able to join for a free dinner (5:00 - 6:00 pm) before every meeting. YWHO Cambridge also provides all YTCYC members with completely free leadership training, YWHO swag and team outings.

Starting soon, YWHO Cambridge will also be providing all YTCYC members with an honorarium for their participation, this means you will be paid to attend meetings!

Membership is currently open for the 2025-2026 academic year for any Cambridge youth aged 12-25. For more information, please contact Taylor at ext 287.