Expanded substance-use supports available for youth in B.C.

Press Release

Sept. 18, 2025

SURREY – More female, female-identifying and non-binary youth living with substance-use challenges can access expanded support through 12 new treatment beds in Surrey.

“Now, more than ever, young people need safe and dependable support systems they can count on,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “That’s why we’re expanding mental-health and substance-use services across B.C., so youth can receive compassionate, developmentally appropriate care during these critical years. The addition of new treatment beds will provide female, female-identifying and non-binary youth with specialized supports, connection and the tools they need to build resilience and long-term wellness.”

Healing House – q’ay’tl’et ew’xw – the 12-bed treatment centre, will provide live-in care for female, female-identifying and non-binary youth age 17 to 24. Stays can be as long as 90 days. Healing House will accommodate youth from throughout the province who are experiencing severe and/or high-risk substance-use challenges, often alongside moderate mental-health needs.

The program includes comprehensive supports, such as individual, group and family therapy, and therapeutic recreational activities, such as hiking. Life-skills training, high school completion options and after-care services support a safe and successful transition back to the community after treatment.

The program is overseen by B.C. Children’s Hospital and operated by Coast Mental Health, a not-for-profit organization that serves communities across the Lower Mainland and supports people in their recovery from serious mental illnesses.

“Youth are at significant risk of long-term harms associated with substance use,” said Sarah Bell, chief operations officer, B.C. Children’s Hospital. “We are proud to partner with Coast Mental Health to enhance available services to support them on their recovery journey with the goal of improving their long-term health and well-being, as well as their quality of life.”

The program’s approach to care is rooted in respect, recognizing each young person’s unique strengths, history and culture. It emphasizes autonomy, collaboration and choice, ensuring every youth or young adult is an active partner in their healing process.

“Healing House has helped me find stability and confidence in finding my future,” said Gillian B., a Coast Mental Health client at Healing House. “Staying sober and becoming the garden specialist has given me something to be proud of. With support from Coast Mental Health staff, I’m learning to manage my eating disorder and build a healthier future.”

The Province is expanding treatment options in all regions of B.C. so more people can find the pathway to recovery that works for them. Adding bed-based services is one part of government’s work to build the entire continuum of mental-health and substance-use care for people to get the right support for them.

Quotes:

Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for mental health and addictions –

“B.C.’s network of comprehensive substance-use care continues to grow. The opening of Healing House adds much-needed treatment spaces for female, female-identifying and non-binary youth in Surrey, making it easier for them to get help closer to home and begin their recovery journey.”

Jodie Wickens, Minister of Children and Family Development –

“Youth are facing increasingly complex mental-health challenges that can make life difficult and make them more vulnerable to addiction and substance-use challenges. These Healing House beds will provide a life-changing safe space for the youth that need it most and help give them the hope and support they need for a brighter future.”

Keir Macdonald, CEO, Coast Mental Health –

“At Coast Mental Health, we believe everyone deserves access to compassionate, individualized care that supports their path to recovery. Healing House is a safe and inclusive space that offers trauma-informed care, integrating Indigenous wellness teachings and skill-building programs. By combining holistic approaches with support for educational and employment aspirations, Healing House will provide the tools and support necessary for lasting, positive change.”

Quick Facts:

• In July 2023, B.C. Children’s Hospital assumed the contracts from B.C. Mental Health and Substance Use Services to oversee the service provision of the not-for-profit organizations, Coast Mental Health and Phoenix Society, to provide longer-stay community beds for youth and young adults who require enhanced substance-use services.
• Coast Mental Health began accepting referrals and admitting clients to the 12-bed treatment centre in May 2025.
• B.C. Children’s Hospital, in partnership with Phoenix Society, also opened 18 treatment beds in Surrey in March 2023 to support male, male-identifying and non-binary individuals, age 17 to 24, with severe and high-risk substance-use challenges who may also have moderate mental-health needs.

Learn More:

To find mental-health and substance-use supports in B.C., visit:
https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/

To learn more about the treatment beds in Surrey for female, female-identifying and non-binary youth, visit:
https://www.bcchildrens.ca/clinics-services/substance-use-services#accordion-provincial-youth-and-young-adult-substance-use-live-in-treatment-program

To learn more about the treatment beds in Surrey for male, male-identifying and non-binary youth, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023MMHA0039-000940

To learn how B.C. is building better mental-health and addictions care, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/BetterCare

Contact:
Ministry of Health
Media Relations
250 952-1887

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