Home > Halton Mental Health > Youth Overcoming Depression and Anxiety (YODA)

Youth Overcoming Depression & Anxiety

Youth learn skills to improve mental health

Woodview’s YODA Programs help students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 build skills to manage depression and anxiety. This in-person program runs all year, with sessions in spring, summer, fall, and winter.

YODA Programs focus on improving social and emotional well-being. In small groups, youth and their families learn simple ways to support their mental health. The program offers different group formats and flexible schedules to meet the needs of families.

Woodview Mental Health & Autism Services offers YODA Programs to youth and families in Halton.

YODA Programs help youth reach their full potential

Through a variety of evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Emotional Focused Family Therapy (EFFT).

Make a referral:

Service providers can contact ASN by phone 289-266-0036 or online.

Family members can call the Halton Access and System Navigation (ASN) service at 289-266-0036 to speak with a system navigator to complete the YODA referral.

Location

YODA is a community based program that is offered throughout Halton region.  Programs run in North Halton, Oakville and Burlington.  Transportation is the responsibility of the Caregiver.

YODA Programs will help young people feel confident, valued, and equipped with coping skills.
  • Empowerment helps youth develop confidence to learn the skills they need to cope with anxiety and depression
  • Validation ensures that each young person has their feelings, thoughts and experiences validated
  • Skill building provides each young person with the opportunity to learn the necessary skills to cope with their feelings

Are YODA Programs right for your child?

Moving into the teen years can be a challenging time for young people. Many deal with depression and anxiety. If your child exhibits any of the following, YODA Programs can help.

  • low self-esteem
  • withdrawal from others
  • flat affect (reduced expression and displays of emotion)
  • avoidance of school or situations
  • sadness and unease
  • fear of being embarrassed
  • feeling worthless
  • loss of interest and pleasure in activities that once gave pleasure
  • feelings of guilt
  • excessive worry/fears about future or past events
YODA programs are offered in a variety of group formats for youth and families in Halton.

Junior group empowers students in grades 4 and 5 with skills and strategies that help manage feelings of sadness and worry.

Youth group empowers youth with skills and strategies that help manage overwhelming feelings.

Parent group empowers caregivers with skills and strategies so they can effectively support their young person.

Family group focuses on supporting families by having both caregiver and youth attend the program.

Fall 2026

Woodview YODA Programs – Burlington Youth Group (Youth only)

Location: Woodview Office at Halton CAS, 1445 Norjohn Court, Unit 1, Burlington, ON L7L 0E6
Date: Wednesday mornings from October 14 to December 16, 2026
Time: 9:30 am to 12:00 pm (2.5 hours)
Duration: 10 weeks

Woodview YODA Programs – Parent Group (Parents only)

Location: Virtual
Date: Tuesday evenings from October 20 to December 8, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm (1.5 hours)
Duration: 8 weeks

Woodview YODA Programs – Georgetown Youth Group (Youth only)

Location: Woodview Office at Harrison Public School, 59 Rexway Drive, Georgetown, ON L7G 1P9
Date: Thursday mornings from October 15 to December 17, 2026
Time: 9:30 am to 12:00 pm (2.5 hours)
Duration: 10 weeks

Woodview YODA Programs – Burlington Junior YODA (Grades 4 to 5 youth only)

Location: Woodview Office at Halton CAS, 1445 Norjohn Court, Unit 1, Burlington, ON L7L 0E6
Date: Wednesday afternoons from October 21 to December 9, 2026
Time: 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm (1.5 hours)
Duration: 8 weeks

Learn more about YODA Programs

For more information about YODA programs, please contact Steve or Vanessa:

Referrals to YODA programs can be made by caregivers, school staff or members of the community.

Download the YODA Flyer
Everything about the program was great. The lessons learned, the kit my son got, the support he received – everything was fantastic. Staff are exemplary and we’re thankful for all their help.

Parent

It was truly amazing. My daughter was extremely reluctant to join but understood she needed help, so agreed. And has used skills since. The change in her is quite noticeable in only the few weeks since completion.

Parent

I liked how the staff were very nice and I learned numerous strategies to help me cope with my anxiety.

Youth

I got to learn new things and learn different strategies like how to calm myself.

Youth

84% of youth responded that they would recommend Woodview.

Client Satisfaction Survey Results 2018