Peak House is a voluntary, ten-week, live-in, treatment program for youth experiencing problems with drugs, including alcohol. We are located in a large house in a residential neighbourhood in Vancouver. Our program is a suitable treatment option for youth with the willingness to get back on track with their lives. We welcome clients from all walks of life, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, genders and gender expressions.
Peak House may be a good fit for youth who:
Our program is voluntary, youth-centered, and grounded in harm reduction. We work collaboratively with youth, families, and referring professionals.
We prefer referrals from Alcohol & Drug Counsellors or other professionals in the community that have a relationship with the client. The involvement of community professionals helps to support an accurate assessment, service match and referral. Having community supports that participate in treatment planning, provide ongoing counselling and assistance in aftercare planning and referrals strengthen the post treatment experience of clients. The referral package can be downloaded from our website and faxed or emailed to our Intake and Assessment Counsellor.
Once a referral is accepted and a match in service assessed, our Intake & Assessment Counsellor will contact the young person’s referring counsellor to estimate an approximate intake date, provide the client, caregiver/parent and relevant professionals a Pre-Intake Information form, and arrange to speak with the youth directly. This an opportunity for us to get to know more about you prior to your intake. You can call or email us any time you like if you have questions.
THERE IS NO COST TO ATTEND
Peak House is free for British Columbia youth; it is funded through a contract with Vancouver Coastal Health.
During the first two to three weeks in the program, staff work closely with youth to help orient them and assess treatment readiness. During this time staff and clients collaborate to determine program suitability and willingness to participate in the remaining weeks of the program (10 total). If youth are to continue in the program past this stage, a therapeutic plan is developed to outline treatment goals and a welcoming ceremony is held.
During this phase of the program clients will set daily and weekly goals, track their accomplishments, have individual sessions with a Clinical Counsellor, and participate in group work and activities.
The program balances therapeutic work with fun activities and exercise. Many past residents have commented that while at Peak House, they re-learned how much fun they can have without drugs and alcohol. Peak House’s program is structured. Our schedule includes individual and group counselling, education, fitness, holistic wellness practices, connection to nature, arts and music, guest speakers, and community outings.
Our school program is run by a full-time resource teacher employed by the Vancouver Board of Education. The teacher supports clients to develop their own plan for their education while at Peak House and provide opportunities to re-engage in school and learning through a variety of activities that develop positive personal, social, and cultural awareness through art. The youth attend school four mornings a week for two hours and on the fifth day, there is an afternoon art class which is typically a field trip.
Research and experience have shown time and again that treating youth without regard to their family and community environment is ineffective.
Youth require and deserve a safe and supportive environment once they leave the program. Community supports and access to service providers that will support clients from initial assessment, through treatment and into aftercare are a vital piece of the community of care. There must also be a family member, foster parent or social worker willing to support the youth’s progress in our program and be available for support.
The last three weeks at Peak House are dedicated to aftercare planning, ideally including family and professional supports to help facilitate a safe transition back into the young person’s community.
Once clients leave Peak House, they are encouraged to return for four aftercare therapy sessions. These sessions can be individual or family sessions. In addition, staff are available for phone support. Our staff-led group meets monthly to continue support and build sober community ties with former Peak House residents. As well, former Peak House residents are invited to come back to speak to current residents about their experiences of remaining substance free.
Still have questions? We encourage you to explore our website. You will find images of the house, experiences from past residents, information about coming to Peak House, resources, and more. Visit our FAQ »
