Y Mind Teen

A free program helping teens build coping skills for stress and anxiety.

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Y Mind Teen

Program Description

Y Mind Teen is part of the YMCA’s commitment to mental wellness, equity and belonging. Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness and self compassion, Y Mind supports teens to learn evidence-based skills for coping with mild to moderate anxiety, stress or worries.

7 Weeks
Free
Small Group Program
Y Membership Required: No
Y Mind Teen
Program overview

Y Mind Teen is a free seven week mental wellness program that helps young people ages 13 to 18 learn effective ways to cope with stress, worry and mild to moderate anxiety. This program offers a welcoming environment where teens do not need a referral, diagnosis or parental consent to participate.

Groups are small, with two trained facilitators who create a supportive, youth centered space where teens feel understood, respected and encouraged.

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Y Mind programs for all ages share the same foundations and approach. Y Mind Youth is available for ages 18 to 30 and Y Mind Adult for ages 31 and older.

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Program benefits
  • Participants learn:
    • How to notice anxious thoughts without letting them take over
    • Skills for grounding, observing emotions, and managing difficult moments
    • How personal values can guide meaningful choices
    • Practical tools to use at home, school and in daily life
  • ACT based learning
    • Mindfulness strategies to help reduce worry
    • Ways to unhook from difficult thoughts
    • Concepts that support acceptance, self compassion and meaningful action
  • Peer support and connection
    • Small groups of approximately 10 to 12 participants
    • Opportunities to share at your own comfort level
    • A space where anxiety feels understood and normalized  
  • Program materials and support
    • Personal workbook for each participant
    • A copy of The Happiness Trap
    • Free YMCA BC membership for up to 14 weeks*

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*For participants attending through a YMCA and who live near a YMCA if attending virtually

Program eligibility
  • Ages 13 to 18
  • Experiencing stress or mild to moderate anxiety
  • Residing in British Columbia
  • No diagnosis or referral required
  • No membership required
Program schedule

 Y Mind groups run throughout the year and in various locations across British Columbia. Inquire for upcoming dates and locations

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  • Length: 7 Weeks Time
  • Time Commitment: 1.5 hours one evening per week for seven weeks
  • Mode: In-person, and online (varies by location)
  • In-person Locations:
    • Greater Vancouver:
      • Robert Lee YMCA (Downtown Vancouver)
      • Coquitlam's Bettie Allard YMCA
      • Surrey City Centre Library
    • Interior:
      • John Tod Centre Y (Kamloops)
      • Merritt Secondary School
    • Northern BC:
      • Prince George Foundry
    • and Virtual sessions available periodically across BC
  • Y Mind is also offered by community organization across BC; if you would like to learn if Y Mind is available in your area, please reach out
  • Program process begins by attending an information session
  • We encourage you to register to receive details about upcoming information session, upcoming cohort dates, new locations, mode of program delivery and full program information
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Y Mind Teen
Register for this program in your region

Our youth support and development programs are offered in the regions listed below. Select a region below to learn more and receive next steps.

Greater Vancouver Programs

Find a program in the Greater Vancouver Region

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Kamloops Programs

Find a program in the Kamloops Region

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Northern BC Programs

Find a program in the Northern BC Region

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Program FAQs

Find answers to common questions about our program below.

Is the program really free?

Yes. The program is free for participants, thanks to our generous funders!

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?

ACT teaches skills for working with difficult thoughts and feelings while taking meaningful action guided by personal values. It is an evidence based approach that supports long term wellbeing.

What if I am nervous about joining a group?

Facilitators understand that attending a mental wellness group is a brave step. They create a supportive space where sharing is always optional.

Can my family get support too?

Yes. Foundry, Y Mind Youth, and Y Mind Adult offer programs for older age groups, and caregivers can explore resources through their local YMCA.

Is there another Y Mind program for other age groups?

Yes. Y Mind Youth supports ages 18 to 30, and Y Mind Adult supports ages 31 and older.

When you join the YMCA you join more than a gym. You join a community.