Who can access these services?

Young people between the ages of 12 - 19 who are being negatively impacted by their own substance use and/or the substance use of others.

Where are the counsellors located?

Freedom Quest's Youth Substance Use Counsellors are located in Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, Salmo, Grand Forks, Nakusp, and Kaslo. For more information on these locations, click here

How much does it cost?

Nothing. All of Freedom Quest's services are free. This service is fully funded by Interior Health.

What will we talk about?

Whatever you want! Young folks who attend counselling at Freedom Quest often talk about relationships, family, friends, school, work, their mental wellness, physical health, spirituality, experience(s) of trauma, as well as about the substances that are impacting their life.

How do I get in touch with a Counsellor?

• If you are a young person looking to connect with a counsellor, you can give a Freedom Quest counsellor a call or pop them a text.
• If you are a parent/guardian, you can similarly give your local Freedom Quest counsellor a call.
• If you are a professional and would like to refer your client to any of Freedom Quest's services or programs, you can give us a call or fill out and fax our referral form.

What are youth saying about this service?

"Just having another person to talk to that I’m comfortable with and is willing to help me and understand what I’m struggling with."

"It's some of the best support I've been given its great!!! Although my home life has gotten worse the support has changed to match my needs I personally think it's amazing!!!!"

"In my personal experiences with other counselors, not in freedom quest, their tone of voice and attitude towards me was always as if I was a 5 year old little kid and I was fragile. Freedom Quest counselors they've taken the time to bond with me more on a friend level than a client level and they talk to me as if their an older sibling giving advice or a close friend and it's really made me more comfortable and easy to trust them."

"Having support available even if not physically available, by text or phone has been great support."

"my counsellor is so lovely and a genuinely amazing person. i always feel safe and comfortable around her, and she always gives me great advice. she is relatable and just overall so wonderful and has always been there for me when i need her most!

"Just having a non judgemental space to vent and talk about my feelings is always important and freedom quest allows me to do so."

"A safe place with no judgment."

"Kind people and supportive."

"I feel safe with my counsellor, she is available when I need help. She is very trustworthy. She is awesome."

"No judgement and to have an adult who actually listens, moral support with blood tests etc and defiantly am more aware of drug use and how to use them [more safely]."

"feeling comfortable enough to work on tough things."