Topic 1

Between school, friends, family and life, it’s completely normal for teens to be overwhelmed and stressed out. When bad feelings last longer than normal, it’s really important to understand what options there are to get help. 

The good news? Teens right here in Ontario can access free mental health support through BounceBack^®, a fully remote program to help young people build coping skills, improve their confidence and become more in control of their thoughts and feelings.

If you’re a teen or family member wondering how to get mental health help in Ontario, here’s a simple guide to how BounceBack^® works, how to sign up and what many teens get out of it.

What Is BounceBack^® All About?

BounceBack^® is a 100% free mental health program for Ontario youth between the ages of 15 and 17 who are dealing with:

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Feeling down
• Worry
• Being easily annoyed
• Signs you’re not feeling like yourself
• Feeling like things are piling up 
• Loss of motivation
• Doubt about their abilities 

Instead of traditional therapy, BounceBack^® is more hands-on and gives teens the knowledge and skills they can use every day.

What can teens do in BounceBack^®?

• Speak with a friendly mental health coach over the phone
• Watch videos to teach you positive skills and strategies (that aren’t boring!)
• Work through easy-to-read workbooks
• Complete activities and worksheets
• Build healthy habits

Think of it like building a customized mental wellness toolkit that will change as you learn and grow.

How Does BounceBack^® Mental Health Coaching Work?

One of the most helpful parts of the program is the BounceBack^® online coaching option. Teens can work with a trained coach over the phone for up to six sessions. Sessions are usually:

• Around 15 to 20 minutes long
• Scheduled every 2–3 weeks
• Flexible around school and activities

During coaching sessions, teens can:

• Talk about their progress tackling their challenges
• Learn coping strategies
• Give themselves goals and work toward them
• Stay motivated

The workbooks do much of the teaching, while the coach serves as a guide and support throughout the program – they are simply someone to reach out to.

How Do Teens Sign Up for BounceBack^® in Ontario?

Getting started is easy.

Option 1: Fill out the form online

Teens or their family members can complete our online intake form.

Option 2: Referral Through a Doctor or Nurse Practitioner

A family doctor, walk-in clinic physician, nurse practitioner or psychiatrist can help complete the referral form. 

Option 3: Support Through School

A school guidance counsellor may also help teens complete the intake form or connect them with resources.

After the Intake Form is Submitted:

1. One of our team members will review the information.
2. Within a few business days, the teen will be contacted directly by a BounceBack^® coach. (BounceBack^® coaches only communicate with the teen participant.)
3. Coaching sessions and materials will be set up, and the program will begin whenever the teen is ready.

In most cases, teens can walk through the program at their own pace, building their confidence and practicing utilizing the healthier habits. 

What Does This All Mean in Real Life?

Teens who start the program never have everything figured out before they begin BounceBack^®.

And teens don’t have to go ‘all in’ right from the beginning. They can just watch a video or two a week and build from there. Many teens opt to receive coaching, but there are some who go through the material on their own as well. 

Whichever path is chosen, mental health help is free, flexible and designed to fit around your life and schedule. 

You don’t even have to wait until things feel “really bad” to register. BounceBack^® is here to help early, before stress and emotions build up too much.

Complete the Intake Form right now to get started!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Teens Need a Mental Health Diagnosis?

No. You do not need a formal diagnosis to use BounceBack^® or even a note from your doctor. The program is designed for any teens who are struggling with stress, worry or feeling emotionally ‘stuck’.

Do Parents Have to Give Permission?

No. Teens can sign up on their own. If coaching is chosen, a parent or guardian’s contact information may be requested, but private information is not shared unless there is a safety concern involving harm to the teen or someone else.

BounceBack^® protects your private information.

What If Talking to a Doctor Feels Scary?

A lot of teens feel nervous bringing up their struggles with their mental health for the first time. That’s completely normal. Sometimes jumping in to talking to a trained coach for the first time can also feel like an overwhelming first step.

In those cases, BounceBack^® encourages teens to ask for support from someone they trust, such as:

• A friend
• Parent or guardian
• Teacher
• Sport coach
• School counsellor

Sometimes even sending a simple text can help start the conversation.

For example:

“Hey, I found a mental health program that could help me, but I’m nervous about asking my doctor about it. Could you come with me?”

Does BounceBack® cost anything?

Nothing at all. The BounceBack^® program and materials are free. We believe that BounceBack^® provides core skills that all individuals should have access to, regardless of their situation. The program is fully funded through the Canadian Mental Health Association.

What is the approach that BounceBack^® uses?

BounceBack^® is based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT helps us understand how the way we think (“cognitive”) and the way we respond (“behavioural”) affect each other. 

An exercise might help you see how this works: imagine you’re walking in a park. You see a friend. The friend walks by, but doesn’t acknowledge you. One way to think about this situation is to assume that your friend doesn’t like you. This way of thinking might then lead you to feel angry. BUT you could also reframe this thought and consider that your friend is having a tough day and missed you because they were preoccupied with a difficult problem. 

The second thought might lead you to feel concerned for your friend rather than upset. If you dismiss the first thought and concentrate on the second thought, it’s possible you’ll stop feeling angry and make the effort to connect with your friend instead.  

Does BounceBack^® actually work?

BounceBack^® is based on research evidence which shows that simple skills and techniques are effective in helping people to overcome low mood and worry. The BounceBack^® approach is based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT has also been shown to be just as effective as medication for treating depression and anxiety disorders.

How is BounceBack^® different from counselling?

In counselling, the clinician – such as a social worker, psychologist, or a registered counsellor – is responsible for both teaching and supporting you through the process. On the other hand, BounceBack^® involves self-led learning with added supportive coaching. Think of the workbooks as the teacher and the coach as your guide.

How much time should a teen spend on BounceBack^® each week?

We recommend that you spend 20-30 minutes, two or three times a week on the materials. However, we recognize everyone’s life is different and so are your commitments. What’s important is finding a pace that works best for you. Practicing what you learn in BounceBack^® is ongoing. Mental health maintenance is a daily process and we hope the program will help you build this routine in your own life.

What does a coaching session look like?

Your first call with your coach is an opportunity for you to get to know each other, learn more about the program, and ensure that BounceBack^® is the right fit for you. You will work with the same coach for the entire program and have control over your scheduling. Your phone sessions will usually be 15–20 minutes long and are typically scheduled every two weeks. You can pick which booklets you want to focus on. You will work on the materials between sessions, and during your call, your coach will guide you to reflect on your progress.

How long is the waitlist for BounceBack^®?

We’ve got good news! There is no waitlist for any of the BounceBack^® platforms! The videos are available as soon as you sign up. Once we receive your referral form, our team usually needs five business days to get you set up with your coach.

Do I need parent/guardian permission to participate in BounceBack^®?

No, you do not need permission from a parent or guardian to participate; however, you will be asked to provide a parent or guardian’s contact information. Unless your coach believes you are at risk of hurting yourself or someone else, your coach will not contact your parent or guardian, and will never share any personal or private information about you without your permission. If you are at risk, your coach will tell you if your parent or guardian will be contacted prior to contacting them.

If my parent/guardian contacts you, what are you going to tell them?

During your first session, your BounceBack^® coach will ask you how much information you would like your coach to share if your parent or guardian contacts them. At most, with your permission, a coach would only share general facts about your participation, like the topics you’ve chosen to work on. That’s it. Involving a parent or guardian is generally beneficial, but it’s up to you to decide how much you would like to share, and with whom.

I don’t want anything sent to my home address. How will you ensure my privacy?

We will not send you any mail to your home address unless you specify that you would like something mailed to you. For instance, you have the option to receive the booklets in the mail or use an online platform. Your coach will confirm where you would like your booklets mailed prior to sending them. If you do not want materials sent to your home address, you can ask your school counsellor if they can be sent there instead.