Youth & Family Counseling
Helping youth and families become strong and resilient
Mental health counseling focused on youth and families
Every year, YES helps thousands of youth and families cope with emotional, behavioral and interpersonal challenges. Our skilled clinicians use a strengths-based approach that focuses on the needs and goals identified by our clients. We employ evidence-based practices that are shown by research to result in positive long-term outcomes.
Mental health counseling
Our highly trained clinical team specializes in providing age-appropriate mental health services to youth ages birth to 22 and their families. We offer specialized programs for cultural, ethnic and sexual minorities; youth with disabilities; and youth involved with the juvenile justice system. We treat a wide range of issues, including trauma, grief, anxiety, depression and more using evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing and others.
Psychiatric services
YES provides integrated, holistic care for clients actively engaged in counseling with its on-site psychiatric services. In collaboration with YES’ mental health counselors, psychiatric practitioners provide comprehensive diagnostic assessments, medication evaluations and ongoing medication management so clients receive optimal, coordinated care that’s also convenient for busy families.
DBT Skills Groups
If you’re a teen or the parent of a teen who’s having trouble with intense emotions, impulse control, depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts or self-harming, research shows that Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can help. YES offers DBT skills groups for current clients. The 16-week course covers mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness and emotional regulation.
School-based services
YES provides on-site mental health counseling at many schools in the Bellevue and Lake Washington school districts. We also offer social service programs like Family Net, which supports families in need through on-site staff at local elementary schools. Through Family Net, youth and families receive comprehensive, social services case management and referrals, plus support in seeking more intensive medical or behavioral health care as needed.
BGLAD Support Group
BGLAD is a free drop-in support group open to youth ages 13 to 19 who identify as LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer, plus other identities like non-binary, gender non-conforming, etc.) and for youth who may be questioning or exploring their gender or sexual identities. BGLAD gives youth a chance to meet peers, discuss issues and get support in a safe and confidential environment. Trained professional staff facilitate the group, help members feel welcome, ensure mutual respect, maintain confidentiality within the group, and offer ideas and resources. The group meets at YES in Bellevue on Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Summer Explorers Day Camp
Summer Explorers helps YES clients ages 9-14 enjoy fun, challenging activities in a safe environment for eight weeks each summer. Many children who participate are from low-income families who have trouble affording basic necessities. Through community donations and fundraising, Summer Explorers takes campers on weekly excursions such as indoor rock climbing, trips to the zoo, pottery-making and more.