Youth-VAST (Vaping, Alcohol, Substance Use and Technology) Dependence Program

Youth-VAST offers a centralized intake process, where care coordinators conduct comprehensive assessments to discuss your treatment needs and goals. Based on these assessments, Youth-VAST provides both virtual and in-person group programming, focusing on arts-based activities, peer support, physical health, and psychoeducation. These sessions promote skill building, self-expression, and shared experiences, addressing nicotine and vaping use, substance use, and problem technology use. Additionally, one-on-one sessions are available to develop personalized care plans, ensuring tailored support for a range of needs and intensities. Resources may be provided directly by Youth-VAST or referral(s) made to other supports or programs based on your needs and interests.

You can follow these steps to get started with Youth-VAST:

1. Select “Book appointment now”
2. Complete a short questionnaire to tell us who you are and when you are available for an appointment
3. A member of the Youth-VAST team will contact you to schedule your first session.
4. Complete a few questionnaires prior to your first session to help us better understand your treatment needs 
5. Meet with a Care Coordinator for an initial assessment and to start a discussion about your vaping, substance use, or technology use

A personalized treatment plan will be developed to support your care.

Beyond CAMH’s offerings, below are other provincial resources dedicated to supporting youth across Ontario:

9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
The 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline is Canada’s 24/7 support line offering immediate, confidential assistance for suicide prevention and mental health crises. It provides quick, accessible help to those in severe emotional distress.

Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO)
Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO) is an Integrated Youth Services initiative that connects youth aged 12 to 25 with integrated mental health, substance use, and social services, addressing service gaps by providing quick, accessible, and comprehensive support in one location.

CAMH Problem Gambling
Visit this webpage to learn more about problem gambling, its risks, symptoms, and resources for prevention and support.

ConnexOntario
ConnexOntario is a free, confidential service providing support via phone, chat, text, and email for Ontarians, offering information on mental health, gambling, and addiction services available locally and beyond.

Yes, there are several tools individuals can use to manage their nicotine use, including:

My Change Plan App
"My Change Plan" is a client-informed, evidence-based mobile app developed with CAMH Nicotine Dependence Clinic clinicians and researchers to support individuals in quitting, reducing, or managing tobacco smoking. It is available for download on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Quash App
"Quash" is an evidence-based mobile app developed by the Lung Health Foundation to assist individuals in quitting smoking or vaping. The app offers personalized quit plans, tracks progress, and provides tools to manage cravings and setbacks. It is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Not An Experiment
“Not An Experiment” is an interactive, digital toolkit designed to help youth, parents, caregivers, and educators explore information about vaping products, current laws and regulations, the health impacts of vaping, and supports available for quitting

Self-Help Resources
Comprehensive resources to support self-guided change.

Support for Family, Friends, and Caregivers
Guidance to assist loved ones in their journey can be found here. 

NeedHelpNow.ca
NeedHelpNow.ca provides resources for youth facing cyberbullying or the non-consensual sharing of personal or graphic images online. It offers guidance on content removal, reporting, blocking, and accessing support.

OffScreen: Screen Time Control 
OffScreen is an app designed to help users monitor and manage their phone usage. It allows you to set screen time goals, provides daily insights into your usage patterns, and offers focus modes. It is available for download on the App Store and Google Play Store.

MediaSmarts
MediaSmarts is a Canadian organization focused on digital and media literacy. It provides resources for youth, parents, and educators on topics like online safety, misinformation, cyberbullying, and privacy, helping users navigate the digital world responsibly. 

Mind Your Mind 
Mind Your Mind is a Canadian non-profit mental health program that collaborates with youth aged 14 to 29 to develop interactive tools and resources aimed at building capacity and resilience. The organization offers information on various mental health topics, crisis support, and access to services.

Common Sense Media
A non-profit organization providing education and information about digital media including Digital Citizenship and age-appropriateness ratings for movies, TV, applications and games. It includes a helpful “Parents Need to Know” guide on cellphones, screen time and online privacy and safety.

ProtectKidsOnline.ca
Resources aimed at families, caregivers and professionals for protecting young people online, including information about online exploitation, cyberbullying, healthy online relationships and boundary setting.

Cybertip.ca
Cybertip.ca is Canada’s national tip-line for reporting the online sexual exploitation of children. It provides resources for youth, parents, and educators on internet safety, child protection, and how to recognize and report harmful online behavior. 

Gambling, Gaming, and Technology Use (GGTU) Knowledge Hub
The GGTU Knowledge Hub at CAMH provides evidence-based resources on problematic technology use, including excessive gaming, internet use, and social media engagement. It offers educational materials, research, and strategies to support individuals, caregivers, and professionals in addressing technology-related behavioral concerns.

School Mental Health Ontario
School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO) is a provincial organization that supports student mental health in Ontario schools. It provides evidence-based resources, strategies, and professional learning for educators, students, and families to promote well-being and mental health in school communities. Support for navigating a child’s use of digital technology can be found in the comprehensive information sheet: Helping Your Child Manage Digital Technology

Our programs are designed to welcome input, ensuring they meet the needs of youth and their communities. We also encourage passionate individuals to serve as ambassadors for these initiatives, helping to raise awareness and promote participation among young people. To learn more or get involved, please contact us at youth.vast@camh.ca.