In this course, students examine issues relevant to working with youth and families who are struggling with mental health and/or addiction issues. Students have the opportunity to consider the unique manner in which addiction and mental health issues impact youth and families as well as some of the barriers that this population encounters when accessing services. Students combine research and critical thinking skills to identify the relevant services in their community, to analyze the variety of service models and treatment methods available to assist youth and families, and to employ strategies to engage youth and families in challenging circumstances. Students also practice providing collaborative, culturally-sensitive, and strengths-based services to youth and families in a manner which incorporates evidence-based approaches alongside ongoing self-reflexivity and self-care.