IH Substance Use Day Treatment program supports wellness journey

July 28, 2025

Interior Health’s free community-based day program offers clients skills, tools and social connections to sustain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

IH’s Adult Substance Use Day Treatment program is a free six or eight-week community-based service for adults 19-plus. It’s designed for those seeking support and treatment for substance use and who are ready to make changes based on their personal recovery goals. The program offers a welcoming, stigma-free environment in community settings close to home.

Janine Frey, who holds a master’s degree in social work, is a substance use clinician and Day Treatment facilitator with the program. Based in the Kootenay Boundary region, Janine has been a clinician since 2017. For her, supporting individuals on their recovery journey through the Day Treatment program is an honour.

A smiling person with short dark hair and bangs with long feather earrings and wearing a burgundy tank top in front of trees. — Substance use clinician and Day Treatment facilitator Janine Frey.

Janine describes meeting with clients as the best part of her day. “We begin each session with a check-in guided by the Indigenous Medicine Wheel. Every gathering centers around a weekly theme—such as self-regulation, social connection, or grief and loss. Educational materials such as PowerPoint slides, videos, handouts and trusted online resources are also shared.

“Following a short break, we come back together to discuss, reflect on, and integrate what we’ve learned by applying it to our individual recovery journeys, while offering mutual support. We close with a check-out, and review homework activities that participants can practice between sessions and over the weekend.”

“Our wonderful, brave clients meet me with grace and humility,” she adds.

In this Story…

Skills and tools to help support health and well-being

Ruth's journey

Get help today

Skills and tools to help support health and well-being

To support change and wellness, clinicians and facilitators use effective and proven treatments such as education, open discussions, activities, skills practice and peer support. Sessions run three hours per day, five days per week and include 12 months of continuing care after graduation.

Clients come away with new coping and self-care skills, social connections in their community and the tools to sustain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

The program is offered in Castlegar, Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton and Vernon. Participants can attend in person or online, depending on the location.

I look forward to continuing as a facilitator so that more clients can have access to effective and accessible treatment from the comfort of their own homes and communities.

-- Janine Frey, substance use clinician and Day Treatment facilitator

Ruth's journey

A person wearing a dark red long-sleeved top sits in a kitchen with a large black stove. The person is smiling and has blonde braids. — Ruth

Ruth began participating in the Day Treatment program in January 2025 and shares how impactful the experience was for her:

“The program gave me the tools I needed to make positive, sustainable changes in my life. Both facilitators were knowledgeable, approachable and supportive. They created a welcoming space where everyone felt comfortable sharing their thoughts without pressure.

“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of this program and feel that I have grown in many ways because of it.”

Get help today

Call 310-MHSU (6478) to reach your local Mental Health and Substance Use Centre for support in your community and to access the Substance Use Day Treatment program. No referral is needed.

If you’re experiencing feelings of hopelessness or thoughts of self-harm, you can call one of these numbers. These services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays: