Substance use support for youth and families (Discovery program)

Last updated: September 4th, 2026 at 4:21pm

When this service may help

This service may help if you:

  • are concerned about your alcohol or drug use
  • want to reduce the harms related to substance use
  • are affected by someone else’s substance use
  • are worried about a young person’s alcohol or drug use
  • need help finding treatment or residential care

You do not need to be certain that there is a problem before contacting us.

Can I use this service?

You may be able to use this service if you are:

  • a young person ages 13 to 19
  • a family member or caregiver concerned about a young person
  • someone who supports a young person
  • a young person affected by someone else’s substance use

How to get started

  1. Contact the Discovery office in your area and ask to speak with an intake counsellor. 
  2. Complete the form for your area and send it in: 

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

Email

General Information on Substance use support for youth and families (Discovery program)

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 

Preparing for Your Visit

You do not need to prepare anything before contacting us. It may help to think about:

  • what concerns you most
  • what support you are looking for
  • any services you have used before
  • whether you would like a family member or support person involved
  • questions you would like to ask
What to Expect

An intake counsellor will speak with you about:

  • what is happening
  • what you would like help with
  • who you would like involved
  • which services may best meet your needs

Support is based on your goals and may include:

  • individual or family counselling
  • information about substance use
  • strategies to reduce harm
  • support for families and caregivers
  • connections to community or residential treatment

You can expect care that is:

  • welcoming and respectful
  • confidential
  • non-judgmental
  • guided by your goals
  • focused on your strengths
Finding Us

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.

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