Y Mind Youth

A free seven week program for young adults to manage stress and anxiety.

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Y Mind Youth

Program Description

Y Mind Youth is an early intervention support for youth experiencing mild to moderate stress, worries or anxiety. Through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness and self compassion, participants learn coping tools and build meaningful connections in a supportive group environment.

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

Y Mind Youth is a free seven week mental wellness program for young people ages 18 to 30 who want support managing stress, worry or mild to moderate anxiety. The program is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and supporting young adults through a welcoming space where they can explore their mental health, build skills and connect with others who understand their experiences.

Participants learn simple, evidence-based tools from Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness and self-compassion. This program is interactive i.e. participants learn via experiential activities and discussion, according to comfort level.

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Y Mind programs for all ages share the same foundations and approach. Y Mind Teen is available for ages 13 to 18, and Y Mind Adult supports participants ages 31 and older.

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Program benefits
  • Participants learn
    • How to recognize anxious thoughts without being controlled by them
    • Skills for grounding, emotional awareness and navigating challenging moments
    • How personal values can guide choices that feel meaningful
    • Practical tools to use at home, school, work and in daily life
  • ACT based learning
    • Mindfulness skills to manage worry and stress
    • Techniques for shaping healthier thought patterns
    • Evidence based strategies for building resilience and self awareness
  • Peer support and connection
    • Small group environment of 10 to 12 young people
    • A supportive setting where shared experiences build confidence
    • Guidance from trained facilitators who understand youth mental health
  • Program materials and supports
    • Workbook provided for weekly reflections and practice
    • A copy of The Happiness Trap
    • Free YMCA membership for up to 14 weeks to support physical and emotional wellness

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Program eligibility
  • Ages 18 to 30
  • Experiencing stress, worry or mild to moderate anxiety
  • Residing in British Columbia
  • No referral or diagnosis needed
Program schedule

Y Mind groups run throughout the year. Inquire for upcoming dates

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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)
  • Location:
    • Robert Lee YMCA (Downtown Vancouver),
    • Coquitlam's Bettie Allard YMCA,
    • John Tod Centre Y ( Downtown Kamloops),
    • Prince George Family YMCA (Prince George),
    • and Virtual sessions open across BC
  • Y Mind programs are run in-person in various locations in the Lower Mainland. Inquire regarding upcoming locations
  • Virtual programs via Zoom and in-person programs in other communities are available periodically
  • 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 and full program information
Register for
Y Mind Youth
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.

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.

Is this therapy? Is prior counselling experience required?

Y Mind is a group based psycho-educational program grounded in cognitive behavioral and mindfulness approaches. It teaches coping skills but is not clinical therapy. And no, previous counselling experience is not required. Many participants join Y Mind as their first step in seeking support.

Is the program really free?

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

Is there another Y Mind program for other age-groups?

Yes. Y Mind Teen supports ages 13 to 17, and Y Mind Adult supports ages 31 and older. We also provide mental wellness support to indigenous teen and youth via YMCA BC's Mind Medicine program as well as autistic teens ages 13 to 17 via Y Mind Teen with Canucks Autism Network.

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