Live-In Treatment

Vanier’s Intensive Live-in treatment services are provided by a multidisciplinary clinical team that includes (as needed) child and youth individual counselling, family therapy, psychiatry, psychology, nursing, special education, and other clinical supports. 

Referrals are made through Tandem’s Coordinated Access team. To learn more about the referral process, please contact Tandem to speak with a Crisis and Service Coordination Worker. The referral package, consent form, and links will be sent to a case manager to complete once information is gathered to ensure a Live-in program will best meet the needs. If there is no case manager involved, clients and their families are still encouraged to call Tandem, and they will be supported in finding a case manager.  

Vanier has offered live-in treatment since 1965. This service is designed to reduce the severity of mental health challenges, strengthen coping and resilience, and improve functioning at home, school, and in the community.  

There are three phases of live-in treatment; each phase is targeted to be a maximum of 3 months; however, this is assessed on an individual basis. The goal is always to work with the family to transition their child home as soon as possible. 

• The Engagement Phase: Involves family therapy to map out treatment goals. Interventions in this phase may address reasons for the referral, and an admission to the Live-In phase may not be needed.  
• Live-In Phase: Children reside at Vanier while maintaining contact with family members. Some children attend Vanier's on-campus school, and others remain attending a community school. 
• Transition Phase: Supports the child returning home full-time.