The statistics are as sobering as they are a call to action.
A Canadian Mental Health Association report from December 2023 suggests those between the ages of 16 and 24 are experiencing burnout, anxiety, depression, substance use disorders and suicidal ideation at levels not seen in years.
The numbers are highest for those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, non-binary or racialized.
It’s a path many try to navigate alone, but it needn’t be so.
Vancouver Island’s Homewood Ravensview treatment facility is proud to launch the My Path Program, Canada's first and only treatment program dedicated to young adults aged 19 and over who may be struggling with those issues or many others. According to a current paper underway with the Homewood Research Institute, this age group reports higher use of cannabis and other drugs more often, experiences more mental health challenges and has higher rates of coexisting conditions compared to adults over 26. This highlights the unique needs of young adults and shows the importance of tailoring treatment plans to address them directly.
“We see young adults coming into this program really needing some distinct programming to focus on what they're dealing with in their life right now,” explains Homewood Ravensview General Manager and Vice President Deanna Brady. “We really want to be specific and intentional with the program we offer this demographic.”
My Path is centred around an open, inclusive and supportive approach to addressing trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance use disorders and addictions, including opiates or alcohol. Treatment is also available for process addictions such as gambling, pornography, excessive shopping, gaming and technology use. According to the Newport Institute, young adults may turn to these behaviours as a way to cope with emotional stress, looking for short-term relief from their feelings.
The program also examines challenges related to the transition to adulthood, sexuality, identity, self-esteem and social dynamics.
“What we're seeing with this demographic is those who are really struggling with their identity,” Brady explains. “It's such a transformative time between the ages of 19 to 25 when trying to figure out, ‘Who am I?”
During an inpatient treatment period of up to nine weeks, clients participate in an immersive program where they connect with a specialized healthcare team and other treatment participants.
As for the team, My Path clients are supported by master’s level therapists who help them develop emotional coping skills, gain personal insights and create strategies to achieve their individual goals. The broader onsite team consists of psychiatrists, addiction physicians, counsellors, occupational therapists, horticultural, recreation, art and music therapists, in addition to a 24/7 nursing staff.
My Path combines group therapy, one-on-one counselling and a range of therapeutic approaches — including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) and recreational and expressive therapies such as art, music and horticultural therapies — to help clients build a strong foundation for recovery and personal growth.
Homewood Ravensview also places a concerted focus on First Nations wellness. A cultural knowledge keeper and cultural liaison are on staff to lead storytelling, drumming, dream weaving and any number of other culturally appropriate treatment options.
“At any time, we have about 25% to 30% of our clients in-house who identify as Indigenous, so we really make them feel safe and like they can continue participating in their culture while they’re here for treatment,” Brady says.
Meanwhile, the facility itself is spread across a 28-acre site nestled on a forested hilltop. Homewood Ravensview’s amenities include: a therapeutic teaching kitchen, fitness facility, basketball and pickleball courts, a newly built cultural space, 24/7 nursing stations, games rooms and so much more.
“There's nothing more rewarding than seeing people walking out at the end of their treatment with their head held a little bit higher, knowing that they have learned so much and get to start a new chapter,” Brady says.
To learn more about Homewood Ravensview’s My Path program, visit ravensview.com/who-we-help/young-adults.
