Assessment
At Fourcast we believe that the best way to begin treatment is through an assessment using provincially standardized tools. This helps everyone involved realize the impact that substance use or gambling has on a person’s life. Our service users gain valuable information that helps them make informed choices about their treatment goals and needs.
Individual & Group Counselling
While treatment plans differ person to person, most of our service users find that community treatment (sometimes called “outpatient treatment”) is the best approach to meet their treatment goals.
Individual
Service users are linked to a primary counsellor where treatment plans are established and the Counsellor offers specialized individual and group treatment options. When required, referrals are provided to other addiction or local community resources including:
- Bed-Based Withdrawal Management Services
- Bed-Based Addiction Treatment Services
- Other Community Agencies
Group
Service users can participate in a wide range of group treatment sessions on topics that meet their needs. Group treatment is part of a best-practice approach to addiction treatment, with sessions focused on building specific skills. Our group options include:
- Getting Started – A drop-in group program intended for service users who are in the early stages of treatment. This program provides an introduction to helpful coping strategies necessary for people looking to make changes in their life and move forward with their goals. Service users can access this group at any time.
- Options – An early intervention group for adults who have not yet set a substance use goal. The program is designed to motivate and provide educational information for the service user while they reflect on their current situation. Information regarding the risks related to substance use is intended to assist in making more informed decisions.
- Weekend Planning – We recognize that weekends can be a triggering time for many people. This drop-in group looks at ways we can make changes in our life to feel safer, healthier, and stronger. Service users will develop a plan for dealing with triggers and risks that may occur over the weekend, as well as talk about other parts of their life that impact their wellbeing, such as sleep, nutrition, and stress.
- Acu-detox – Auricular Acupuncture is a non-verbal therapy that occurs in a group format and involves the insertion of five very fine needles into each ear. Acu-detox has been shown to provide both physical and emotional relief, and assist in managing withdrawal symptoms, anxiety, and cravings to use substances. Service users can be referred directly from first contact or through their counsellor. A review of the information sheets and consents signed must occur prior to their first treatment.
- Mindfulness – The Mindfulness Group is a four-week group that teaches practical mindfulness tools such as body scans, urge surfing, and present-moment awareness. Sessions focus on helping service users notice thoughts, emotions, and cravings without judgment, reducing impulsive reactions, and supporting healthier coping. Each week includes guided practices, discussion, and take-home exercises that service users can integrate into everyday life. The overall goal is to strengthen service users’ ability to pause, reflect, and make intentional choices in their substance use journey.
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy – The DBT Skills Group is a structured, evidence-based program that teaches service users practical tools to manage emotions, reduce crisis behaviours, and improve relationships. Drawing from Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, the group focuses on core skill areas: Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. Each session includes skill teaching, real-life examples, and opportunities for service users to practice new strategies in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment. The goal of the group is to help service users build stability, increase coping capacity, and make meaningful changes that support recovery and overall well-being.
Family Programs
We also offer individual and group counselling for those affected by a loved one’s use of substances or gambling. The person struggling with addictions does not need to be a Fourcast service user in order for their family members or loved ones to access our support.
We offer 2 Family Program options:
- Family Information Sessions – The Family Information group is the first step for family and friends who have loved ones who struggle with substance use and/or gambling. This introductory session provides a brief overview of addiction, as well as the services Fourcast and other community partners can provide for you and your loved one. This group helps to figure out what the best next steps could be and what options are available.
- Family Education Programs – The focus of this group is on topics that family members find most helpful to discuss, such as setting boundaries or effective communication. This group occurs weekly, providing time for learning, reflection, and discussion.