Central Toronto Youth Services (CTYS)

Central Toronto Youth Services (CTYS) is a community-based, accredited Children’s Mental Health Centre that serves many of Toronto’s most vulnerable youth. We believe in building the strength and resiliency of young people in ways that are engaging, respectful and empowering.

Our programs and services

• meet a diversity of needs and challenges that young people experience, such as
  1. serious mental health issues
  2. conflicts with the law
  3. coping with anger, depression, anxiety, marginalization, rejection
  4. issues of sexual orientation and gender identity
• offer both one-on-one and group counselling
• connect with youth in their homes, neighbourhoods, schools and communities

Pride and Prejudice offers unique programs for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and questioning youth, ages 13-24.

Individual and group counselling

Through individual counselling and group work, our programs support youth who are challenged by a wide range of issues. Our clients may be exploring issues related to gender identity and/or sexual orientation, community, homophobia, friendships, and family. They may also need support during a life transition. We serve youth who are struggling with depression or anxiety, or confronting traumatic experiences, including childhood abuse and family violence. We help clients make sense of and cope with a variety of complex struggles. At the same time, they are encouraged to explore and embrace their own individuality and identity.

The Pride & Prejudice program offers a number of Groups for LGBTQ youth.

CTYS also hosts an ongoing peer support group for parents and caregivers of transsexual and transgender youth and adults: TRANSCEPTANCE.