‘We’re here to support you’: Youth treatment facility opens Moncton office

A new youth rehabilitation treatment centre has opened in Moncton.

Downtown Moncton is a little over an hour’s drive from a youth rehabilitation treatment centre near Sussex, but for those in need of help it can feel like it’s a world away.

Portage Atlantic is located in picturesque Cassidy Lake and since 1996, staff there have been helping youth between the ages of 14 and 21 struggling with substance use disorder.

The facility has 64 beds and the rehabilitation programs usually last between three to six months.

Now, there’s a satellite program in Moncton that doesn’t require the same commitment as the live-in treatment centre located in a rural area.

“We’ve learned that through data collection that some of the youth who come to Portage feel that they could be better prepared for residential live-in treatment,” said Carol Tracey, the director of Corporate Development at Portage Atlantic.

The new Moncton Community Care Program located in the Community Peace Centre on Church Street got up and running on Monday.

The outreach program supports youth in the area who are facing challenges with substance use and mental health issues.

It also educates them on what they will experience at the Portage live-in treatment

“What we’re trying to do is reach youth who otherwise we haven’t been able to reach. Youth who are treatment resistant or who are on the fence about coming to treatment,” said Tracey.

Suzanne Boucher is a youth counsellor for the Portage Community Care Program and said it’s a no commitment, non-judgement service being provided in the heart of the city.

“It’s how can we help you. Let’s see if we can guide you in the right direction,” said Boucher.

Although only a few days old, the program is gaining traction, Boucher said, and a few people have already attended drop-in services open to both youth and their parents.

“I think that it’s going to be a big asset to the community. There’s a lot of youth out there that need help, that want help, they just don’t know where to go and they’re scared to make that commitment,” said Boucher. “We’re here to support you.”

Boucher said agreeing to get live-in treatment at the main facility is a big commitment that scares a lot of youth.

“There’s a big fear of leaving your friends behind, changing your life and I think that coming here they’re going to know what to expect when they’re going to Cassidy Lake. There’s more of a preparation,” said Boucher.

Casandra Power is also a counsellor with Portage and works alongside Boucher.

Power said Moncton has become a hub for many outreach services and believes other cities in the Maritimes see it that way as well.

“We do have resources here that other cities don’t. We have seen the population of those who are homeless and those who are precariously housed and those who are struggling with substance use disorder get younger,” said Power.

There’s been a good deal of interest in the program already, according to Power.

“A lot of parents, a lot of moms, a lot of dads and a lot of youth that are interested in the program,” said Power. “It’s gained a lot more traction a lot more faster than we anticipated, which I think shows the need for it in our city.”

Tracey said there’s no commitment for coming to the satellite office in Moncton for a visit.

“If you just want to talk, get a little bit of guidance, know what your options are we can refer you to other programs in the city as well,” said Tracey. “It’s really a safe place for you to go and figure things out in regards to your substance use.”

More details about Portage’s Moncton Community Care Program and the schedule for drop-ins can be found here.

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