Y Mind is a free group program developed by YMCA BC for youth experiencing mild – moderate anxiety, stress or worries. Two Masters level mental health professionals support 8 – 12 teens during the 7 week group program, which runs on Wednesdays from 4:30PM to 6PM at the Robert Lee YMCA in downtown Vancouver. Y Mind uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and Self-Compassion techniques to increase connection and coping skills.

Youth may self-refer, and a diagnosis of anxiety is not required. A YMCA membership is not needed, as all participants receive a free YMCA membership for up 14 weeks, including 10 free guest passes to enjoy the health and wellness facilities with a friend or family member. Registering for an information session is the first step towards joining the program. At the information session, teens will meet the group facilitators and learn more about Y Mind. We understand that this can be a big step for many young people experiencing anxiety, so a support person is welcome to attend the information session with them. These teens are often the ones who by session 7 wish the program was longer as they don’t want it to end!

The following link includes details of the Fall dates and how to register:
https://oreo.itracmediav4.com/itracEmail/view?uuid=092df435-b972-4ab5-9939-34a4df7e94ae

Past Participant Testimonial:
“Y Mind is something special. It’s tailored with immense care. The facilitators were exceptional, blending professional expertise with genuine compassion. Their ability to create a safe, non-judgmental space allowed participants to open up, fostering a sense of community. It was moving to see other participants who often felt isolated by their anxiety find connection and validation among peers who truly understood their feelings. Y Mind is thoughtfully structured, combining evidence-based techniques with practical tools.”

If you have further questions, contact Rowena Kelly, Y Mind Youth & Teen Supervisor, at rowena.kelly@bc.ymca.ca or 604.673.6182