What are Youth Overcoming Depression and Anxiety (YODA) Services?
YODA is a small group therapy program for young people in grades 6, 7, and 8 who are dealing with depression and/or anxiety. Groups are made up of 8 to 10 youth.
Youth Overcoming Depression and Anxiety (YODA)
Is the YODA program 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, the YODA program 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
What is the focus of the YODA program?
The aim of the YODA program is to improve the social and emotional well-being of children dealing with anxiety and depression. In a small group setting, facilitators help children find new ways to behave by changing their thought patterns. The program utilizes evidence based Cognitive
Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and the FRIENDS for Life Program to help young people reach their full potential. Children learn:
- To be empowered-young people develop confidence to learn the skills to cope with anxiety and depression
- Validation-ensuring that each young person has their feelings, thoughts and experiences validated
- Skill building-providing each young person with the opportunity to learn the necessary skills to cope with their feelings
The YODA program also offers the additional services listed below.
- Parent information sessions and education
- Parent and school consultation
- Liaison with community supports
WHERE
Where are YODA programs located?
YODA is a community based program. YODA is offered throughout the Halton region.
Programs run at the same time in North Halton, Oakville and Burlington. Transportation is the responsibility of the parent.
WHAT
What does the YODA
program cost?
There is no cost for the program.
WHEN
When does the YODA program take place?
Therapy is offered in a variety of formats:
YODA 3 hours a week for 10 weeks
Family YODA evening program 2.5 hours a week for 8 weeks
Summer YODA 3 hours per day 8 sessions for 2 (4 days per week)
Fall Session: September to December
Winter Session: January to March
Spring Session: April to May
Summer Session: July/August (condensed to four sessions per week for 2 weeks)
HOW
How do I refer my child for the YODA program?
If a child is in grade 6, 7, or 8 and showing symptoms of depression and anxiety, they can be referred to the YODA program. A parent, school staff or a community agency can make a referral.
For Referral to the program please contact:
Access and System Navigation at ROCK (Reach Out Centre for Kids)
Phone: 1-289-266-0036
Fax: 1-905-681-7477 *Mark Attention Access & System Navigation*
To learn more about the YODA program, please call us at 905-689-4727 and reach either Steven Kovar ext. 127 or Vanessa Marko ext. 121
After a referral is made, a Woodview staff member will contact you to discuss which YODA program best suits the needs of the family.
