WHAT WE DO
WHAT WE DO
At Anam Rural Youth Association, we’re dedicated to providing innovative mental health support services tailored to marginalized and at-risk youth and young adults aged 13-25 in the rural communities of Central Alberta.
WHAT SETS US APART
- Support for those who don’t fit traditional models: Our services are specifically designed for individuals who may not find traditional therapy settings suitable or effective. We understand that generational trauma and negative previous experiences with traditional services can create barriers to seeking help. That’s why we offer an informal, casual environment, free from constraints of traditional therapy, catering to those whom conventional approaches are not the right fit.
- Personalized, Non-Clinical Approach: We prioritize providing personalized support in a non-clinical setting. Our unique blend of introspective education and motivational interviewing empowers individuals to explore their challenges and strengths in a supportive environment.
- Free: Our services are not only innovative and person-centered but also completely free of charge, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to accessing the critical support needed.
HOW WE CAN HELP
- Tailored support for unique needs: We offer personalized support tailored to the unique needs and experiences of each client, whether they’re facing challenges related to trauma, mental health, suicidal ideation, self harm, parent conflict or high conflict divorce.
- Community Outreach and Education: In addition to our direct support services, we’re dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and providing education and resources to communities, schools and organizations.
- Mobile Support: As a mobile service, we travel to our clients, ensuring that support is accessible and convenient for those in rural communities.
“I wish we found you sooner, it would have made such a difference to her.”
IS THERE A COST TO YOUR SERVICE?
No, our services are completely free to access.
DO I REQUIRE PARENTAL CONSENT?
Youth aged 16+ do not require parental consent.
HOW DO YOUR SERVICES WORK?
We come to you. When we receive a referral, or if you self-refer, we phone, give a quick summary of our services and book a day that works for an introductory meeting. Our introductory meeting usually does not take too long. We explain our services are one on one, confidential, unless the client threatens to harm themselves or someone else, and that should the youth/young adult agree to receive our services we come and pick them up, either from home or school, for our appointments and bring them for something to eat as we work to support them. We can also meet within school, should the youth/young adult prefer this option, with permission from the school.
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO AS A PARENT/CAREGIVER?
The only requirement from the parent/caregiver is that the youth/young adult is there when we pick them up.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU MEET?
That is entirely dependent on the client. Our services are flexible and work around what you, as the client, need. There are no restrictions to the number of times we meet.
HOW LONG IS THE APPOINTMENT FOR?
We generally meet for about an hour, but this also varies from client to client. Some clients can only manage meeting for 30 minutes before they have reached their capacity and that is okay. Other clients have met for 1.5 – 2 hours. Our conversations are casual, supporting youth/young adults in understanding themselves and they appreciate the opportunity to go with their comfort level.
WHAT AGE DO YOU SUPPORT?
We support youth aged 13+ and young adults up to the age of 25.
HOW LONG DOES YOUR SUPPORT LAST FOR?
There is no time line on accessing our support services. We recognize vulnerable, at risk, high-risk youth and young adults have experienced a lot of trauma in their lives. We do not put a time frame on when they ‘should’ be ‘better’.
WHAT COMMUNITIES DO YOU SUPPORT?
We support youth and young adults in the rural communities of Central Alberta, from Rocky Mountain House to Stettler and Wetaskiwin/Camrose to Airdrie.
DO YOU REFER CLIENTS TO OTHER SERVICES?
Yes, we always encourage our clients to set themselves up for success and in order to do that, to access the trained professionals who can help them. Whether it be a counsellor, career support, accommodation support, food bank etc, we believe by working together we are better able to support our youth and young adults.
WHERE DO YOU RECEIVE REFERRALS FROM?
We have received referrals from School Counsellors, RCMP, School Resource Officers, Alberta Corrections Services, AHS Mental Health Therapists, Step Up Step Down, PChAD, Family Resource Networks, Community Organizations and Self Referrals.
WHAT CREDENTIALS DO YOU HAVE?
Our Executive Director studied Child Psychology, is a Traumatologist, has a background in early childhood brain development and working with trauma survivors. Our youth support workers will have a background in early childhood brain development, trauma and youth support.
