Avanda Care Support

Mental Health Support

At Avanda Cares, mental health support is a core pillar of our care model. We recognize that many of the youth we serve have lived through chronic adversity, trauma, developmental disruption, and systemic neglect. As such, our mental health programming is both proactive and responsive, designed to stabilize, empower, and support healing for youth ages 12–29.

Our mental health services are delivered through a multi-layered support system that includes in-house interventions, external clinical partnerships, and daily therapeutic engagement embedded within our care routines.

Trauma Informed Care Resources and Insights

In-House Mental Health Oversight

N

A Mental Health Nurse (consulting or part-time role) oversees medication adherence, supports case conferencing, and advises on care plans involving psychiatric needs.

N

Clinical case management in collaboration with community psychiatrists, general practitioners, and school mental health teams.

Crisis Prevention and De-escalation

N

All staff and caregivers receive training in trauma-informed de-escalation, nonviolent communication, and safety planning.

N

Individualized behavior support plans are co-developed for each youth, guided by mental health indicators and risk assessments.

Daily Emotional Regulation and Coping Support

N

Staff use real-time coaching, check-ins, and grounding techniques to help youth manage stress, triggers, and dysregulation.

N

Coping tools such as journaling, art, movement, mindfulness, and sensory interventions are built into the daily structure.

Access to Therapy and Counselling

N

Youth are connected with community-based therapists, social workers, and culturally matched clinicians for 1:1 sessions.

N

Group-Based Mental Health Programming

N

Peer-based sessions covering topics such as managing anxiety, understanding trauma, self-esteem building, and healthy relationships.

N

Facilitated by trained staff, visiting clinicians, or partner organizations.

Staff Supervision and Mental Health Literacy

N

Regular clinical supervision and debriefing opportunities for staff to process incidents, reduce burnout, and maintain professional resilience.

N

Ongoing training in mental health first aid, suicide prevention (ASIST), and youth brain development.

Culturally Responsive, Trauma-Informed Care

All mental health supports at Avanda Cares are delivered with a commitment to cultural safety and intersectionality. This means recognizing the unique mental health experiences of:

N

Black, Indigenous, and racialized youth

N

2SLGBTQIA+ youth

N

Youth with disabilities and neurodivergence

N

Survivors of abuse, neglect, or state intervention

We do not pathologize behavior—we contextualize it. Our goal is not just symptom management but to restore a sense of self, safety, and belonging.