Free therapy program for N.B. youth has helped over 450 teens

More than 450 New Brunswick young people have accessed free licensed therapy.

An organization aimed at helping youth who face a variety of challenges says its free therapy program has now helped over 450 young people across New Brunswick.

The program started about three years ago after the not-for-profit organization Partners for Youth decided to try and connect more youth to mental health services.

Now called PFY Connect, it provides counselling to youth ages 14 to 24.

“We will connect them to services within seven days, is our goal,” said executive director John Sharpe. “And we’ve provided literally thousands of hours of free licensed therapy for young folks. We cover transportation if needed. They have autonomy in who they choose to see… so that we can find the right expert in order to support them.”

A fundraiser was held Friday in Fredericton to help ensure the program continues.

Almost 300 people, including police officers, therapists, teachers, social workers and politicians, came out to support the program, and hear from four current ministers on how they’re working to make a difference for youth mental health.

Ministers of social development, education, mental health services and public safety were asked questions about the barriers facing youth, both in and out of the school system.

“Having dialogue with four key cabinet ministers that are responsible for those files are really important because it raises awareness of the issue, and it allows us to look at where the critical areas are that need to be addressed and need to be improved,” Sharpe said.

According to the 2023 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, 26 per cent of respondents aged 16 to 21 rated their mental health as ‘fair’ or ‘poor.’

Sharpe says the aim of PYF Connect is to ensure youth have quick access to therapy support, providing up to eight free, private sessions.

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