Discovery Youth & Family Substance Use Services

Discovery Youth and Family Substance Use Services offers free community-based counselling services, access to residential care and treatment for youth struggling with substance use. We assist youth and/or their families to reduce the harms associated with substance use and related issues. 

Discovery’s services are available to anyone in the community directly or indirectly impacted by substance use. 

This includes:
•    Youth aged 13 to 19 who have concerns about alcohol or drug use
•    Families/Caregivers who are concerned about a youth using alcohol or drugs 
•    Any support person who is worried about a youth’s use of alcohol or drugs
•    Youth who are affected by someone else’s use of alcohol or drugs 

Our Commitment

Discovery Youth and Family Substance Use Services on Vancouver Island are committed to providing effective, integrated, strength-based community services that are accessible and accountable to youth and their supports. Youth, their families and relevant others will be offered services based on their own goals and can expect our services and staff to be:

  • Welcoming
  • Confidential
  • Respectful
  • Client-directed
  • Non- judgmental
  • Supportive
  • Informative
  • Strength-based

Referrals: 

Discovery Youth and Family Substance Use Services are available throughout Vancouver Island and can be reached by calling any of the phone numbers below, or by e-mail. For new referrals, ask to speak with the Intake Counsellor.

You can reach the Greater Victoria office via e-mail at discovery.southisland@islandhealth.ca

Contact the Central/North locations by email at discovery@islandhealth.ca.

Referral forms: 

Victoria-South Island Discovery referral form
Central Island Discovery referral form 
Mt. Waddington area referral form 


Concerned about the quality of care?

Quality health care is important to all of us at Island Health. Your feedback will further improve the quality of the health care system. 
If you have a compliment or a concern regarding the program please visit the Compliments & Complaints page to learn more. 

General Information on Discovery Youth & Family Substance Use Services

Referral Required?
Required
How to get a Referral

Discovery Youth and Family Substance Use Services are available throughout Vancouver Island and can be reached by calling any of the phone numbers below, or by e-mail. For new referrals, ask to speak with the Intake Counsellor.

You can reach the Greater Victoria office via e-mail at discovery.southisland@islandhealth.ca

Contact the Central/North locations by email at discovery@islandhealth.ca.

Referral forms: 

Victoria-South Island Discovery referral form
Central Island Discovery referral form 
Mt. Waddington area referral form 

Contact Us

Locations:

Victoria/South Island
Esquimalt Health Unit
530 Fraser St, 2nd Floor
Victoria, B.C.  V9A 6H7
Phone: 250‐519‐5313
Fax: 250‐519‐5314
Hours: 8:30 a.m. ‐ 4:30 p.m.

Cowichan Valley Area
2041 Tzouhalem Road
Duncan, BC  V9L 5L6
Phone: 250‐737‐2029
Fax: 250‐709‐3046
Hours: by appointment only

Ladysmith
1111 – 4th Ave
Ladysmith, B.C. V9G 1A1
Phone:  250‐739‐5790
Fax: 250‐740‐2672
Hours: by appointment

Nanaimo
206 – 96 Cavan St
Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2V1
Phone: 250‐739‐5790
Fax: 250‐740‐2672
Hours: 8:30 a.m. ‐ 5 p.m.

Parksville/Qualicum
Parksville Family Place
494 Bay Ave, Box 339‐0
Parksville, B.C. V9P 2G5
Phone: 250‐947‐8215
Fax: 250‐947‐8244
Hours: by appointment

Mt. Waddington
7305 Market St, Box 1035
Port Hardy, B.C.  V0N 2P0
Phone: 250‐902‐6063
Fax: 250‐902‐6064
Hours: by appointment

Other Locations:
Please note that in some locations services are available through our community partners. Please download our contact list: Youth and Family Substance Use Services by Area.

Learn About

News & Events

group of children lying in a circle

Whooping cough resurgence prompts vaccination reminder

With the resurgence of a vaccine-preventable disease in Canada, Island Health Public Health is encouraging everyone to ensure they’re up to date with their vaccinations.

Read more

image with text that reads BC Vision Zero in road grant safety program

Vision Zero road safety grants call for applications

Organizations can now apply for the 2025 British Columbia Vision Zero in Road Safety Grant Program for projects to make roads safer.

Read more

image with text changing the narrative on suicide

Spreading the supports: Island Health grant to help expansion of youth suicide prevention program

A youth suicide prevention program that has supported thousands of young people in Greater Victoria is expanding to more school districts on Vancouver Island, thanks in part to an Island Health Community Wellness Grant Program.

Read more