FAQ’s

How do I know I am eligible to come to Tsow-Tun Le Lum?

Please read through the Admission Criteria to determine if you are eligible to come to one of our programs. If you still have questions, please phone us at 250-390-3123.

Where is Tsow-Tun Le Lum? How do I get there (plane, bus, taxi)? 

Click for Road Map to TTLL_Cowichan

We are located on Miller Rd south of Duncan on Cowichan lands. Travelling south from Nanaimo on Highway 1, turn right onto Miller Rd (across highway from The Old Farm Market).  In approximately .75km, TTLL is on the left at 2850 Miller Rd – a large building with green roof.

If travelling from Victoria, turn left on Miller Rd and continue to TTLL on the left at 2850 Miller Rd.

If travelling by air: Nanaimo is the nearest airport (YCD). Taxi’s are available at the airport. You must have a taxi voucher or cash, as we do not pick up people at the airport.

When is the next available intake date? Is there a waiting list?

Once an applicant has been approved, there is between a three to a six month wait list. Please ensure your application package is complete (no information, dates, or signatures missing); as this can increase the time it takes to approve an application.

We have intake dates throughout the year. Program participants are booked on a first-come-first-served basis.

When your application is approved, your referral worker is notified and advised of the assigned intake date. Please check back with your referral worker for the date and other information.

How long is treatment? 

• Thuy Na Mut Program (Substance Use Program) is a 6-week intensive live-in program and requires you to have 2 weeks sobriety before you arrive for your program; should be seeing a counsellor/therapist on a regular basis (minimum of 6 sessions) who can provide aftercare once the program is completed. This program begins on a Tuesday of the 1st week and runs until Friday of the 6th week.
• Kwunatsustal Program (Second Stage Recovery with a focus on Trauma) is a 5 week intensive live-in program that requires you to have abstained from the use of drugs or alcohol for 6 months or more prior to submitting an application. You should be seeing a counsellor/therapist on a regular basis (minimum of 6 sessions) who will provide aftercare once the program is completed.
• Honouring Grief is a 2 or 3 week program that requires you to have abstained from the use of drugs or alcohol for 1 month or more before submitting an application. You should be seeing a counsellor/therapist on a regular basis, who can provide aftercare once the program is completed.

Why are there mandatory sobriety lengths?

Tsow-Tun Le Lum does not have medical staff, and therefore cannot properly care for those who are experiencing withdrawals or detoxing.  The work of healing and learning about yourself is intense.  Past experience has proven that participants have a much better time in program and higher success rates if they have arrived with the recommended sobriety time.

What will I do in treatment?

Group and individual therapy programs are under the direction of our professional team. Cultural and spiritual healing is provided under the direction of our Elders. Each of our programs successfully integrates traditional teachings with modern therapeutic techniques.

Can couples or families come together?

Tsow-Tun Le Lum provides programs for individual participants. This allows for participants to focus on their own healing, rather than that of a family member.  Our programs are COED.

Is there a minimum age for admission? 

Applicants must be 19 years of age and older.

What does it cost?

There is no per diem charge for Indigenous people who have Status, and Recognised Inuit, who are residents of Canada. Programs are funded by First Nations Health Authority. Travel to and from the Centre is the responsibility of the participant. Self-pay admission must be paid in advance – contact Tsow-Tun Le Lum at 250-390-3123 for the current daily rate.

How do I get referred to Tsow-Tun Le Lum?

Please see a referral worker (Counsellor, Psychologist, or Therapist) to be referred to our programs.

Where can I get an application for treatment?

All applicants must meet admission criteria and adhere to requirements identified in the intake package. Applicants must see a counsellor to be referred for treatment (we do not accept self-referrals). Referral workers may print an intake package under the “Referral Package” tab within our website menu.

Does Tsow-Tun Le Lum offer detox services?

No. We do not have the medical facilities nor the resources required to support people who are experiencing detox.

Applicants must be able to physically and mentally participate in an intensive live-in program. A minimum of 2 weeks sobriety is required to be considered for admission to the substance use program. The 5-week trauma program requires applicants to have abstained from the use of drugs and alcohol for a minimum of 6 months prior to submitting an application.

Longer sobriety times before treatment result in greater success in maintaining sobriety after treatment.

Is there a store, bank, or bank machine near the centre?

Participants are encouraged to bring enough personal supplies for the duration of their stay; and must bring Identification cards, bank cards, and spending money, which will be stored in a locked safe.  There are stores, banks, etc nearby that can be accessed while on a weekend pass.