Resources for Mental Health and Well-Being in Issaquah & Sammamish

Behavioral Health Care in King County Community Survey

There is a new online survey to learn how the behavioral health system can better serve communities. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and is available in 21 languages. Learn more and take the survey here. You can download promotional flyers and blurbs to include in social media posts or email newsletters, available in 21 languages, at that link. The survey is open until October 31.

Friends of Youth: We have openings for counseling services (both mental health and substance use treatment) in-person at our Issaquah office and virtually over zoom. To request services email clientservices@friendsofyouth.org or call (425) 392-6367.

KCLS: Teen Mental Health Book Club Next: Thur,Nov 21 , 4:00pm–5:00pm Sammamish

Title This Month: You Are Not Alone by Ken Duckworth. Join a supportive community! Explore books that address mental health topics, promote understanding and foster resilience. Each month, discuss a new book, share insights and engage in meaningful discussions to empower and uplift one another. In partnership with NAMI Eastside. View all dates

Adult Mental Health First Aid  Oct 25, 2024

Must live or work in King County, WA and be 18 years or older to take this FREE training. Mental Health First Aid virtual training is an interactive course that introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health issues, and emphasizes that recovery is possible. Participants are taught a five-step action plan to assist someone experiencing a crisis and connect them to appropriate professional care. King County MIDD partners with Valley Cities to offer this training at no cost to residents and employees throughout King County who are over the age of 18.

Friendship Circle: Teen Talks Oct 29 & Dec 3, 2024

Feeling like life’s a bit too much sometimes? We get it. Join UMatter Teen Talks Mind Matters: Tackling Stress and Anxiety with Marcelle Waldman! Through interactive discussions and hands-on activities, this 2-part series will help teens learn the tools and techniques needed to manage their mental health effectively. Session dates are Tuesday, October 29th, and Tuesday, December 3rd from 6-7 pm at the Friendship Circle office.  Snacks and good company are provided. Feel free to bring a friend, or come on your own! Teens do not need to have been previously involved with UMatter or Friendship Circle to attend. Register HERE

Recovery Beyond: October Events

  • Recovery Boot Camp / 4 Session Starter Series, Saturday, October 19,26 | 11:00am – 12:00pm Location: Transform Fitness, 1290 NW Mall St, Issaquah, WA 98027 Join us for a Recovery-Based Boot Camp! This 60-minute workout is open to everyone (ages 13+), no matter your fitness level. Workouts include bodyweight exercises, cardio, flexibility, and strength, tailored for all abilities. Come challenge yourself in a supportive environment! Note: Please RSVP separately for each session.

  • Corn Maze at Sterino Farm in Puyallup, Saturday, October 26 | 12:00 – 2:00pm Location: Sterino Farm, 6006 52nd St E, Puyallup, WA 98371 Join Recovery Beyond Members for a fun day at the corn maze and pumpkin farm! The first 15 members to RSVP get free tickets; children under 5 are free. Additional tickets can be purchased for $10. Enjoy food, coffee, and pumpkins on-site!

Youth Mental Health First Aid Nov 7, 2024

Youth Mental Health First Aid is a program designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. Youth MHFA teaches parents/caregivers, educators, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help a teen (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health crisis or substance use challenge. Must be 18 years or older to take this training. This FREE training is provided for residents of King County, WA, or individuals who work in King County, WA.

Influence The Choice: Power of Me, Power of We Nov 9, 2024

CALLING ALL MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE ISSAQUAH SCHOOL DISTRICT! POMPOW 2024 promises a day filled with fun and laughter as youth develop leadership skills, work on team building and create new connections. Former Issaquah High student and POMPOW facilitator, Addie Powell, will now be leading the POMPOW conference! ISD high school students will be facilitating small groups. We can't wait to welcome you! Free t-shirts for the first 35 students registered! Lunch, snacks and drinks will be provided! Questions? execdir@influencethechoice.org

NAMI Eastside: Mental Health First Aid Nov 9 & 10, 2024 In Person

Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.

NAMI Eastside: Virtual Chai & Chat Nov 7 * Nov 14 * Nov 21 6pm - 7:30pm

We're excited to partner with NAMI Seattle to bring a new program, Chai & Chat, to King County! What is Chai & Chat? Chai & Chat aims to destigmatize conversations around mental health and wellness in South Asian communities. Cultural or language barriers can make accessing support difficult. Chai & Chat brings people together to openly share their experiences and support one another. Learn more and register here

KCLS: Helping Loved Ones Through Addiction Tue, Nov 12, 1:00pm–2:00pm Online event

Learn to navigate helping a loved one through addiction with City of Auburn Peer Specialist Christina Alexander. Please register to attend online and you will be sent a Zoom link. Registration not required to attend in-person. View all dates

Connection Health Solutions Now Open in Kirkland!

  • Connections is excited to share that our crisis response center in Kirkland is now open and welcoming individuals seeking emergency behavioral health care!   The center is located at 11410 NE 122nd Way, Kirkland, WA, and cares for all individuals, regardless of circumstance or insurance status. 

  •  When individuals enter the main entrance, they are greeted at reception by a Connections team member and guided to the appropriate service area. The first floor houses our walk-in urgent care, which does not require an appointment or referral to be seen, our outpatient referral program and our 23-hour observation secure treatment area. The second floor contains the extended stabilization and evaluation and treatment units, as well as administrative offices.  

  • Connections Health Solutions has partnered with five North King County cities to bring a dedicated Crisis Response Center to the community. Connections will be located in Kirkland and provide access to life-saving behavioral health care, connecting individuals to benefits, resources, and care to support long-term recovery and treatment.

  • At each of our centers, we have resources and teams that provide personalized treatment and care for people with urgent and immediate mental health needs. Our services are always available. That’s 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We accept everyone regardless of medical insurance coverage and who are ages 18 and older. Just walk in, No exceptions, and No judgment.

  • While we will be located in Kirkland, we welcome individuals from any area of WA State seeking supportive services. Connections Crisis Response Center will be located in the 405 Kirkland Corporate Center, close to Interstate 405 and the King County Metro and will have capacity to serve up to 14,000 individuals each year.

For Your Information: Issaquah School District Healthy Youth Survey Results 2023/2024 School Year Available

Many Washington school districts like Issaquah voluntarily administer the anonymous survey to 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students in October. In the fall of 2023, the survey was administered between Oct. 9 and 24. The survey includes questions related to physical activity and diet, unintentional and intentional injury, substance use, risk and protective factors, access to school-based services, and sexual behaviors, abuse, and orientation. Results are used by schools, communities, and state agencies to plan programs to support our youth and reduce their risk.

Ongoing Resources

The Garage:  A Teen Cafe for high school students

Free counseling sessions available for high school students age 13-18 years old.  Meet with one of the Garage Counselors.  Sign up for a private, confidential session here 

City of Sammamish: CrossPath Counseling and Consultation in Sammamish

Free mental health assessment and referral appointments available for Sammamish residents at CrossPath Counseling. A trained mental health counselor will assess mental health needs and help find a local counselor. To schedule your free appointment, call (425) 369-1111 or email cpc@crosspathcounseling.com.

Friends of Youth

  •  Now Available! DBT Therapy Our DBT Program for young adults (ages 18-24) can help you develop skills to feel happier, repair relationships and be more prepared to cope with life’s ups and downs. More Information here

  • Teen Art Therapy Group Thursdays - Get creative with us! Art is a great way to explore our thoughts and feelings. It lets us express ourselves where words often fail. Join us for 80 min of open studio, come draw, paint, craft or write while around your peers. You don’t have to be present for the full 80 mins or sign up for each open studio session you attend. All supplies provided. Public transportation to our North Bend office is available via the 554 and 208 bus routes. Everyone is Welcome! This group is pay what you can. Ages 12-18 years old.

  • LGBTQIA2+ Parenting Support Group Virtual | Monthly - 4th Tuesday 6:00pm Ongoing Parenting can be isolating and confusing, even in the simplest circumstances. Parenting a child who is exploring their gender or sexuality can evoke these feelings even further, perpetuating disconnection and a lack of support. Let us try and break this cycle together. It is clear that above all else, connection to other families who have a shared experience is a vital resource. Come join us where we will discuss all things gender and sexuality. Each meeting will have a topic of discussion, followed by open time to connect with other families. Occasionally we will be inviting speakers from our community to come and share their expertise so we can remain informed and supportive to our young people. Free. Contact for Enrollment

  • mental health outpatient counseling Mental health and substance use counseling services provided through individual, family and group sessions for youth and young adults ages 4-24. Services are provided Monday through Friday by appointment only, virtually and/or via offices in Issaquah, North Bend and Duvall. We accept most commercial insurance plans and apple health, exclusions may apply. For more information or to schedule an assessment email us at clientservices@friendsofyouth.org or call 425.392.6367 ext. 2

Encompass:

  • Workshops and Sessions: Encompass offers a number of free opportunities for caregivers to come and learn about a particular topic or just chat with other parents. Our workshops and sessions provide accurate, research-based parenting information that has been vetted by our expert staff. We strive to create an environment that is interactive and conversational, inviting participants to share their knowledge and advice in an open discussion format..

  • Kinship Meetings - Join other relative caregivers at monthly Kinship meetings. Encompass provides a safe place for those hoping to share concerns, joys, and resources associated with the unique responsibility of raising children. Kinship meetings are free and take place in three locations throughout our service area, as well as over Zoom. For in-person meetings, free childcare is available; please RSVP in advance if care is needed so we can provide staff. Online meets every Wednesday at 1 pm via Zoom Please contact Laura Lewis for more information. Kinship Care – Children living with family or friends who care for them and provide them with shelter and safety. Kinship caregivers include grandparents, godparents, aunts/uncles,  cousins, and stepparents (through blood, adoption, or marriage) or any adult who is not a relative but has a bond which the family recognizes with the child or children

  • Connections - Encompass Connections is a free program that provides resources, information, and social support for families with children with unique and special needs, developmental delays, disabilities, or who are receiving pediatric therapy services. To stay informed about Connections, follow the Encompass Connections page on Facebook!

  • CHERISH - An infant mental health program designed to meet the needs of foster children in tandem with a traditional early intervention program

Influence The Choice:

  • Talking with your teen about substance use - When teens know that their parents don't want them to drink or use other substances, they are 50% less likely to use. But starting those conversations can seem daunting. Here are some ways to start the conversation… Table Talk Flyer * Table Talk Tri-Fold

Issaquah School Distinct School Based Mental Health Counselors

Thanks to the voter-approved Levy monies, all schools in the Issaquah School District have a designated school-based mental health counselor providing in-person or consultation services. This program was established to support the mental health needs of students in a nurturing environment. Our hope is to foster the well-being of all students in the Issaquah School District so students are safe, healthy, and ready to learn.

Renton School District Offering Free Mental Health Services

Renton School District is partnering with Hazel Health, a confidential and secure service to provide access to quality health care services for all students, at no cost to families. Hazel Health offers scheduled appointments with licensed therapists and on-demand access to medical providers. A school health representative can initiate a video visit with a Hazel health care provider while your child is at-school to provide mental health services. Therapy sessions with Hazel Health are a safe space and are private and confidential. Virtual therapy is funded by Providence's Wellbeing Trust.

Adult Mental Health First Aid Online, Multiple Dates

Must live or work in King County, WA and be 18 years or older to take this training. Mental Health First Aid virtual training is an interactive course that introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health issues, and emphasizes that recovery is possible. Participants are taught a five-step action plan to assist someone experiencing a crisis and connect them to appropriate professional care. King County MIDD partners with Valley Cities to offer this training at no cost to residents and employees throughout King County who are over the age of 18.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Online, Multiple Dates

Youth Mental Health First Aid is a program designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. Youth MHFA teaches parents/caregivers, educators, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help a teen (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health crisis or substance use challenge. Must be 18 years or older to take this training. This training is provided for residents of King County, WA, or individuals who work in King County, WA.

Family Peer Navigation

If you identify as a Black/African American, are 18 years and older, and have concerns about your loved one's mental health, you are potentially eligible for the services provided by our Family Peer Navigators.

FPNavigator Pilot: These services are provided free of charge as part of a study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. If you have questions about the study or would like to partner with us, please contact the principle investigator, Dr. Oladunni Oluwoye at oladunni.oluwoye@wsu.edu.

NAMI Eastside

  • NAMI Eastside has a variety of support groups and facilitators holding sessions every week to cater to the whole community. Currently, all of our support groups are online via Zoom. Find groups hereYou can also email us at info@nami-eastside.org.

    • In-Person Peer Support Group It’s now easier than ever to find mental health support in East King County! Our Support Group Calendar shows upcoming mental health support groups you can attend virtually or in-person

    • New Support Group for Latin Mamas Starts Jan 26, 2024 Our newest support group is a support group for Latina moms in Spanish at the together center starting January 26. Come and help us build a community of cooperation and empathy among Latina moms, who seek to learn more about caring for our mental health during motherhood

    • Aug 2024: NAMI Eastside has a new virtual support group in Spanish for parents with neurodiverse children. Learn about juntas de resiliencia and more on the NAMI Eastside en Español Facebook page.

    • Women in Transitional Housing Wednesdays at 6:30pm Online This group was created to become a safe place for women with children who live or have lived in transitional housing by women who have lived in transitional housing. As we have moved from place to place with our families, without knowing where we will move next, it is difficult to stay connected to the support system that has been created for us at each location we have lived. We make friends that we can depend on, we lean on our case managers for guidance and support, then suddenly we move again. This group is meant for women to support and sustain each other by discussing problems affecting us in common. This support group will take place virtually every Wednesday from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. Please join us for support, resources, common issues, and goal setting.

    • IACS Support Group This support group facilitated by Sita & Anita of Indian American Community Services

  • Seminars: NAMI Eastside has a robust education program which includes monthly seminars. Register for each offering using the link or contact us at info@nami-eastside.org or call our office at 425-885-6264 for more information.

  • Monthly Forums: NAMI Eastside hosts monthly educational forums that cover a variety of topics about mental health. All forums are free to attend. Please register at the corresponding link posted with each upcoming forum. All forums are on the fourth Tuesday of every month from 7:00 – 8:00pm and are held virtually.

  • Classes: All our educational classes are supported by donations and grants and are FREE of charge. Register for each offering using the links below or contact us at info@nami-eastside.org or call our office at 425-885-6264 for more information.

  • Ending The Silence, a program in schools NAMI Eastside can help you bring a powerful presentation on youth mental health to your local school! Ending The Silence has been a hit with local student bodies in the past, and helps audience members learn about the warning signs of mental health conditions, taking you through the options you have to help if you or a loved one are showing symptoms of a mental illness. In Our Own Voice and other presentations are available as well! If you are interested, please contact our Youth & Education Programs Coordinator, Edie Myers-Power at edie@nami-eastside.org Sign up to participate here.

  • NAMI BASICS IS A FREE, 6-SESSION EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR PARENTS, CAREGIVERS AND OTHER FAMILY WHO PROVIDE CARE FOR YOUTH (AGES 22 AND YOUNGER) WHO ARE EXPERIENCING MENTAL HEALTH SYMPTOMS.  The OnDemand program is also guided by parents and family members with lived experience but is self-paced and available 24/7. OnDemand offers the flexibility of participating in the course on your schedule. Both formats provide identical information, strategies and the opportunity to connect with other parents and caregivers. Register Now!

  • Black Mental Health Resources: NAMI: There are a variety of mental health resources available for people of color, listed here are a few examples.

Youth Eastside Services:

  • BGLAD Middle & High School LGBTQ+ Support Group - If you’re looking to meet new people who also identify as LGBTQ+ come check us out at BGLAD, a support group for high school youth exploring or seeking support for their identities either online on in person. Enjoy games, discussions, open mic nights, arts and crafts, speakers, or other activities focused on getting to know one another in a low-stress, welcoming environment. Join us online and in-person!

  • Introduction to Holistic Wellbeing virtually Tuesdays at 4:30 PM. For students aged 13-18. Are passionate about mental health and wellbeing? This VIRTUAL club is for you! By providing a safe space to learn and talk about mental health in our society students will learn how to help care for their friends, their community, and themselves. Join YES counselor Katherine virtually Tuesdays at 4:30 PM. To register, call Katherine Hatfield at 425-586-2334 and leave a voicemail with your name and phone number. We look forward to getting together with you.

  • Toolbox: Building a Life Worth Living Join Cailyn and Delaney in creating a toolbox full of skills to use in everyday life in a 16-week series of webinars. Start by building a foundation with Mindfulness, then establish your own shelter to weather the storms with Distress Tolerance, then discuss Emotional Regulation to feel more at home in your own head, and end the series looking outside ourselves with Interpersonal Effectiveness to link to our communities. The web series is rooted in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and will involve activities, worksheets, and helpful tips. It will include 30-40 minutes of content, 20 minutes of Q&A. To see the schedule and access each webisode, or watch recordings from past dates visit here.

  • Youth Eastside Services (YES) is the leading behavioral health services provider for children and youth, ages birth to 22, and their families in East King County. We provide evidence-based mental health counseling, substance use and co-occurring disorders counseling and treatment, early childhood behavioral health services, psychiatric services, and education and prevention programs. We help children and youth with depression, grief, trauma, cultural, gender, and sexual orientation, anxiety, ADHD, eating disorders, self-harming, and other challenges.  Youth Eastside Services: Counseling, Mental Health & Well-being  Understanding, Accessing, and Connecting event in Chinese, Hindi, and Spanish

    Talk to Me: How to Talk to Youth About Mental Health: It can be hard to talk to youth about their mental health. To make it easier we've created this short video with advice from local teens how to approach the conversation and a few tips from a YES counselor.

Plateupians For Peace: Support Group for Parents of LGBTQI+ Youth 3rd Monday Monthly

Join us for the opportunity to meet other parents of queer youth and adults, have a safe space to be heard, find and share resources for yourself, your family, and your children, and be a member of a welcoming group of parents and caregivers.

Recovery Beyond

Recovery Beyond is a Recovery Community Organization (RCO) in Washington, USA providing Peer Support Services through Outdoor Activities and Adventures.  We promote healthy connection and activities for anyone on the pathway of recovery including monthly events for individuals and families, exciting adventures & group experiences, recovery coaching services, skill building, education & training, and more. All events are no-cost and are held by peers for peers. Check out our Community Calendar to see our weekly recreation offerings and monthly community events.

Weekly Cable Line Conditioner Hike Tiger Mountain Cable Line trailhead, Wednesdays, 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm, rain or shine. This hike is great for those in the mountaineering series or anyone wanting to improve their hiking fitness. It’s a short, steep, and challenging hike—over 2,000 ft in just 1.5 miles to the summit of West Tiger 3.

Recovery Beyond LIVE! Come join our virtual community social where we will be announcing our new members for the month, celebrating anniversaries, sharing new information & events coming soon, AND WELCOMING A GUEST SPEAKER to share their story with us!! New Guest Speaker each month.  Last Monday of the Month at 7 PM.

Indian American Community Services

IACS promotes whole health by addressing physical, social and mental well-being.

Asian Counseling and Referral Service

Asian Counseling and Referral Service helps clients attain the highest levels of self-sufficiency in Western society while maintaining their cultural identities. In most cases, clients are served by professional staff who speak the same language and come from the same culture. ACRS provides programs and services listed below in a culturally appropriate setting in order to improve the lives of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, whether immigrant, refugee or native-born.

API Chaya

Free, confidential, and language-accessible wraparound services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Culturally relevant support groups, community gatherings, and holistic programming to tend to our wellness and interrupt cycles of violence in our families, communities and systems. Building power through leadership and skill development to prevent, intervene in, and end violence and harm in our communities.

Consejo

Consejo’s Outpatient Mental Health Program provides services to children, youth, adults, older adults, and families.

Disability Empowerment Center

We empower people with disabilities to improve their lives.  We offer choices in a friendly and welcoming setting whether you are looking to learn new skills, join a peer support group, get help transitioning into living on your own or find other community-based services. We can help you with housing referrals, transportation, job searching, technology, skill building and much more. Disability Empowerment Center provides free services to people who live in King County. 

Therapeutic Health Services

Therapeutic Health Services (or THS) serves thousands of men, women, children and young adults struggling with behavioral health issues in Washington state. Our caring, compassionate, and experienced staff support people challenged by substance use and mental health conditions. THS is the largest nonprofit provider of medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction in the region. We also provide medications like methadone and buprenorphine in Seattle to help people move past addiction to heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers. THS combines this with caring and compassionate counseling to support our patient’s overall wellbeing. We accept Medicaid and Apple Health so people with little to no income can get care

Teen Link Confidential Help Line: A help line for teens, by teens Call Today - 1.866.833.6546

You’re not alone. There is someone that’s willing to listen to you without judgment. Teen Link is a program of Crisis Connections that serves youth in Washington State.  Teen volunteers are trained to listen to your concerns and talk with you about whatever is on your mind – bullying, drug and alcohol concerns, relationships, stress, depression, or any other issues you’re facing. No issue is too big or too small! Calls and chats are confidential. Talk it out!

Crisis specialists are available to talk by phone from 6-10 pm and chat or text from 6-9:30 pm every night. Substance use specialist are available from 2-10 pm Mon-Fri. (Call the same number and press 2). Text/Chat is available from 6pm – 9:30pm

HearMeWA

Washington Attorney General’s Office launched HearMeWA, a statewide reporting system for youth facing any kind of challenge or crisis, from social difficulties to suicidal thoughts and threats of violence at school. Connect with free, 24/7 support. If you or a friend are experiencing stress, anxiety, violent threats, sexual abuse—or anything that makes life hard—HearMeWA can help. Get secure, free support any time from professionals who are ready to listen. Call us or send a tip now.

Washington Listens CALL or TEXT us at 1-833-681-0211 for anonymous support.

The support line offers a live person to listen and support you during this stressful time.  Hours are Monday-Friday 9am-9pm and weekends 9am-6pm.  Washington Listens is a free, anonymous service for anyone in the state. Washington Listens provides support to people who feel sad, anxious, or stressed. It is a partnership of several agencies from across the state to provide emotional and mental support to individuals and families during these trying times, and links to community resources.

Crisis Connections #211

If you or someone you know wants to discuss any mental health, substance use, or emotional concern—or needs assistance with basic needs like food or housing—we can help.

WISe/Wraparound 

Team based planning process for youth with complex needs and their families designed to help produce better outcomes for youth so that they can live in their homes and communities and realize their hopes and dreams.  A team of individuals who are relevant to the well-being of a youth (family members, service providers, school staff, community members, and natural supports) will be developed;  This team will collaboratively develop and implement an individualized plan of care, monitor the efficacy of the plan, and work towards success over time.  Search for Community Behavioral Health providers for Medicaid eligible youth here, as well as eligibility information

King County

  • Youth Fentanyl Overdose Prevention Campaign Laced & Lethal The Laced & Lethal campaign includes several components aimed at youth audiences: A website with key information about the risks of fentanyl and ways to prevent overdose and death; A social media campaign that will reach youth on frequented and relevant channels, with information on fentanyl, how to recognize and respond to overdose as well as where to get free naloxone for themselves and their friends; A downloadable toolkit of overdose prevention materials such as posters, stickers, and a communications guide for community partners that serve youth.

  • King County Substance Use Disorder Education Find information, resources and more

  • King County Mental Health Resources

Washington Poison Center: Great news! Naloxone nasal spray is now available over the counter at many pharmacies Help save a life by picking up some today!

WA Health Care Authority Family initiated treatment (FIT) Program

As a parent or family member, FIT is a way for you, your family, and/or your youth to seek out behavioral health treatment. Learn more about the program and what is available to assist you and your family in accessing care.

Washington’s Mental Health Referral Service for Children and Teens

connects patients and families with evidence-supported outpatient mental health services in their community. This free, telephone-based referral service is funded by Washington Healthcare Authority and operated by Seattle Children’s.  The Mental Health Referral Service will provide thorough mental health referrals for children and teens 17 and younger from across Washington.

WA Dept of Health: Nation’s first Native and Strong Lifeline Launches as Part of 988

Washington’s Native and Strong Lifeline is now live –the first program of its kind in the nation dedicated to serving American Indian and Alaska Native people. Operated by Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOA), one of our state’s three 988 crisis centers, this line is available for people who call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and is specifically for Washington’s American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Calls are answered by Native crisis counselors who are tribal members and descendants closely tied to their communities. The Native and Strong Lifeline counselors are fully trained in crisis intervention and support, with special emphasis on cultural and traditional practices related to healing.

The WA Dept of Health: Launch of new 9.8.8. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline website wa988.org

Washington residents can learn about local resources for people experiencing an emotional crisis and get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by phone, text, or online chat.  The Washington state 9.8.8. website answers frequently asked questions about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, including how it works, who it supports, and how people can use it to support a loved one in crisis. 9.8.8 is the free, confidential phone number that that anyone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can call or text to connect with a trained counselor.  TO GET HELP: Call or text 9.8.8 any time, day or night. 

WA State Family Reconciliation Services (FRS)

Family Reconciliation Services (FRS) is a voluntary program serving runaway adolescents, and youth in conflict with their families. The program targets adolescents between the ages of 12 through 17. FRS services are meant to resolve crisis situations and prevent unnecessary out of home placement. They are not long term services. The services will assess and stabilize the family's situation. The goal is to return the family to a pre-crisis state and to work with the family to identify alternative methods of handling similar conflicts. If longer-term service needs are identified, FRS will help facilitate getting the youth and his/her family into on-going services.