Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre
A Safe Place for a Fresh Start
Referrals to the DSYTC come from a variety of sources, including: Adolescents or young adults with addiction problems (self-referral) Parents, caregivers or family members Private practitioners, physicians or clergy Schools, colleges, universities Addiction and mental health assessment/treatment agencies Outpatient or … Continue reading “Referrals”
Youth is 13-21 years of age at time of application; Diagnosis or symptoms consistent with, at minimum, mild to moderate substance use disorder (no formal diagnosis required); Willingness to actively work towards healthy lifestyle goals. Exclusionary Criteria Actively homicidal and/or … Continue reading “Admissions Criteria”
Healthy and therapeutic recreation is a critically important and enjoyable aspect of DSYTC programming. Experiencing fun, healthy and pro-social activities in a non-using environment has many benefits, including a reduction in boredom and other drug use triggers, as well as … Continue reading “Pro-Social Recreation”
The majority of young people who struggle with substance abuse and dependency have fallen behind in their academic pursuits, been expelled or have chosen to drop-out of school. Given the relationship between academic achievement and longer-term success in areas of self-confidence … Continue reading “Academics”
In addition to substance abuse/dependency, the vast majority of DSYTC clients also suffer from at least one mental health condition. Recognizing this and consistent with established best practices, the DSYTC aims to provide an integrated treatment approach which appropriately identifies … Continue reading “Psychiatric Support”
Substance use impacts the entire family. It is for this reason that meaningful family involvement is one of the key treatment elements of the DSYTC clinical approach. In addition to the Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) model, DSYTC family … Continue reading “Family Services”
Continuing Care is a critically important phase along the treatment continuum. Relapse rates as high of 60%-75% are not uncommon in the first 30 days following discharge from live-in treatment, and this concerning reality can often be associated with a … Continue reading “Assertive Continuing Care”
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The DSYTC utilizes the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs (GAIN) family of assessment tools given their diagnostic, treatment planning and program evaluation benefits, as well as given they are validated for use with adolescents, generate invaluable reports and facilitate the … Continue reading “Assessment”
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Our clients are in many ways our greatest teachers. We thank them for their constructive feedback and appreciate them taking the time to share their thoughts and feelings about their experiences with the DSYTC. What follows are just a few of … Continue reading “Testimonials”
Coming Soon!
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At the DSYTC we aim to provide the most scientifically validated treatment interventions possible and everything we do is subject to continuous quality improvement (CQI). Ultimately, CQI entails continuously evaluating ourselves and working to improve – each and every day. … Continue reading “Continuous Quality Improvement”
Our philosophy of care supports a harm reduction approach. Harm reduction is commonly defined as “any program or policy designed to reduce drug-related harm without requiring the cessation of drug use. Interventions may be targeted at the individual, the family, … Continue reading “Harm Reduction”
We have adopted a 10 Key Elements of Effectiveness model in which each of the ten elements is satisfied by the use of evidence-based intervention or approach. DSYTC programming content was compiled with the aid of exhaustive research and expert … Continue reading “Treatment & 9 Key Elements”
MISSION To provide youth and families in need with integrated, evidence-based addiction and mental health treatment, delivered by competent professionals within a caring and compassionate environment. VISION Healthy, resilient, youth and families who have hope and life skills for creating … Continue reading “Mission / Vision / Values”
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Helping Youth & Families for more than 25 Years! Located in Ottawa the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre (DSYTC) is a non-profit, live-in, and community-based agency that is dedicated to helping youth (13-21) and families across Ontario overcome substance use … Continue reading “History”
Within this section we have attempted to respond to the most common questions we receive from prospective clients, caregivers and those who may be considering making a referral. While we understand that it is not feasible to address all potential questions … Continue reading “FAQs”
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