Coast Mental Health is proud to announce the opening of Healing House, a new 12-bed treatment centre offering live-in care for female-identifying and non-binary youth aged 17 to 24 who are experiencing severe and high-risk substance use challenges, often alongside moderate mental health needs. 
 
This new facility is part of a province-wide expansion of mental health and substance use services, ensuring young people have access to compassionate, developmentally appropriate care during critical years of their lives. 

 (L-R: Josie Osborne, BC Minister of Health, Jodie Wickens, Minister of Children and Family Development, Dr. Annabel Mead, Senior Medical Director of the Mental Health and Substance Use Programs on the BC Children’s & Women’s Campus, Gillian B, Coast Mental Health client at Healing House.)

“Now more than ever, young people need strong support systems and safe, dependable places they can count on,” says Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “The new treatment beds will give female, female-identifying and non-binary youth access to specialized support, connection, and the tools they need to foster resilience and long-term wellness.” 

A Holistic Approach to Healing 

Healing House offers up to 90 days of live-in treatment, with a program that includes individual, group, and family support, along with exciting therapeutic recreational activities such as hiking, leisure activities, outdoor exploration like walk to the beach. We provide life-skills training such as job readiness, preparation for high school completion and other academic goals, coupled with aftercare services to ensure a smooth, successful transition back into the community.  
 
The program is operated by Coast Mental Health and overseen by B.C. Children’s Hospital, which assumed oversight of youth substance use services in May 2025. 

“Healing House has helped me find stability and confidence in finding my future”, said Gillian B., a Coast Mental Health client at Healing House. “Staying sober and becoming the garden specialist has given me something to be proud of. With support from Coast Mental Health staff, I’m learning to manage my eating disorder and build a healthier future.” 

“Youth are at significant risk of long-term harms associated with substance use,” says Sarah Bell, Chief Operations Officer, BC Children’s Hospital. “We are proud to partner with Coast Mental Health to enhance available services to support them on their recovery journey.” 

Trauma-Informed, Culturally Inclusive Care 

Healing House is a safe and inclusive space that integrates trauma-informed care with Indigenous wellness teachings. The program emphasizes autonomy, collaboration, and choice, ensuring that each youth is an active partner in their healing journey. 
 
Participants have access to Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers, who incorporate teachings on Indigenous wellness, offering gender-responsive and culturally inclusive care throughout all areas of the programming.

(L-R: Keir Macdonald, CEO of Coast Mental Health, Dr. Annabel Mead, Senior Medical Director of the Mental Health and Substance Use Programs on the BC Children’s & Women’s Campus, Gillian B, Coast Mental Health client at Healing House.)

“Healing House reflects our commitment to meeting youth where they are with compassion, dignity, and culturally inclusive care,” says Keir Macdonald, CEO of Coast Mental Health. “By offering holistic supports and opportunities for growth, we aim to help young women and non-binary individuals build the foundation for lasting wellness and meaningful futures.”

Expanding Access Across B.C.

The opening of Healing House is part of the Province’s broader strategy to enhance treatment options throughout all regions of B.C., creating a comprehensive continuum of care for mental health and substance use. 

“B.C.’s network of comprehensive substance-use care continues to grow,” says Amna Shah, Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health and Addictions. “Healing House adds much-needed treatment spaces for female-identifying youth in Surrey, making it easier for them to get help closer to home.” 

Referrals and Contact 

Clients can be referred to the program through a health care professional. 

For more information on the referral process, please visit: https://www.bcchildrens.ca/health-professionals/refer-a-patient 

For questions related to Healing House, please email: Healinghouseaccessandflow@coastmentalhealth.com 

Learn more about Healing House and expanded youth treatment services here: BC Gov News

(Coast Mental Health team at Healing House on the launch announcement with the Ministry.)