New live-in youth mental health program to open in Sudbury

Compass and the Rainbow District School Board sign a Memorandum of Understanding

Article content Rainbow District School Board has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Compass to deliver the educational component of a new youth mental health program set to launch in Greater Sudbury in September 2026. Called Step Up Step Down, the live-in treatment program for youth ages 12 to 17 will provide a safe and affirming environment where children requiring intensive mental health support can build confidence, strengthen coping skills and prepare for long-term success. Recommended Videos Funded by the Ministry of Health, Step Up Step Down will operate out of the former Cyril Varney Public School on Gary Street in New Sudbury.

Compass acquired and renovated the building to accommodate the program. Youth will live at the facility for up to six months. During their stay, they will attend school on site, enabling them to remain on track academically while receiving integrated educational and mental health support from Rainbow District School Board educators and Compass clinical staff.

The program is rooted in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), an evidence-based psychotherapy that combines cognitive-behavioural techniques with mindfulness and acceptance practices. Step Up Step Down will provide youth and their families with practical tools before admission and after discharge to support successful transitions home, back to school and into the community. Step Up Step Down is designed to be inclusive and culturally responsive, recognizing and respecting each individual’s background, identity and lived experience.

Services will be available in both English and French. “The launch of this program is a landmark moment for youth mental health care in Northern Ontario,” Mark Fraser, the chief executive officer with Compass, said in a release. “As the region’s first fully-funded live-in treatment home, we are bringing DBT-based clinical care directly to those who need it most and closer to their home communities.

“Our partnership with Rainbow District School Board allows us to seamlessly blend intensive therapeutic support with daily learning to create a holistic environment where youth can heal and learn simultaneously. We look forward to opening our doors in the coming weeks and making a lasting difference in the lives of youth.” Bruce Bourget, chief executive officer with Rainbow District School Board, hailed the agreement.

“By working alongside Compass for Step Up Step Down, we are creating a supportive environment where students can continue their education while receiving the care they need,” Bourget said. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to ensuring every student has the opportunity to learn, grow and reach their full potential as confident, caring members of society.” To learn more about the Step Up Step Down program, visit www.compassne.ca/step-up-step-down-susd.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy DBT was originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan at the University of Washington as a treatment to help people who had attempted suicide multiple times. Since then, research has demonstrated that DBT is an effective therapy for a range of different problems. DBT works for people who struggle with problems such as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), suicidal thoughts or behaviour, self-harm, substance abuse, eating disorders, anger management, depression, anxiety, impulsive behaviours, and relationship problems.

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