PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: Crossing Bridges

Jun 26, 2023

Have you heard of Crossing Bridges yet?!

One of our newest programs, Crossing Bridges is a confidential, virtual, safe space for young people aged 12-24. The program launched publicly in April 2023 and was developed in partnership with Choices for Change: Alcohol, Drug, and Gambling Counselling Centre (CFC) and CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services (CMHA TVAMHS). Its development was augmented with direct feedback from and engagement with young people.

Our mission is to break down barriers for young people seeking support and services to address substance use and behavioural addiction. Services and counselling aim to create a safe space for all youth, where they can reflect on and process their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Our approach to counselling is strengths-based, trauma-informed, and person-centred.

Care is offered virtually through the Crossing Bridges website, which helps reduce certain barriers to service. Clients engaged with the program are connected virtually with an addictions counsellor. Following a general assessment and collection of information regarding any substance use and/or behavioural addiction/s, counsellors will develop a unique plan with each client that utilizes the services offered through the partner agencies in addition to one-to-one counselling. We recognize the value of harm reduction and fostering safety while supporting young people to have choice on their path to recovery – whatever that looks like to them.

All services offered through Crossing Bridges, including addictions counselling, are free. This program was made possible by the financial support from the Ontario Ministry of Health.

To access addiction counselling and support, please visit www.crossingbridges.ca.

For more information on this program, addiction-focused services offered by partner agencies, or resources for caregivers, please visit: