YES Brings Mental Health Support to Issaquah School District
From One District to Another
We have exciting news!
This fall, Youth Eastside Services (YES) will begin staffing four schools in the Issaquah School District, marking an exciting expansion of our integrated school-based behavioral health program. This opportunity arose when Issaquah’s Director of Counseling and Student Support Services, Noah Westerberg, who previously worked in the Lake Washington School District, invited YES to submit a proposal to bring its proven model to the schools he now supports.
With community support, YES has spent years developing this comprehensive school-based program in collaboration with the Lake Washington School District. Because of that investment, it’s become something other districts aspire to replicate.
More Than a Counselor in a Room
In his prior role, Noah had seen the success of YES’ multi-tiered approach firsthand: a model that reaches entire school communities with prevention, behavioral health education, and counseling.
Tier 1 – Provides prevention education opportunities for the entire school community, including students, parents, and administrators.
Tier 2 – Develops smaller group interventions for students struggling with stress, anxiety, peer conflict, and other mutual concerns.
Tier 3 – Offers individual therapy and risk assessments for students in crisis.
Unlike typical counseling services, where a therapist only sees students during scheduled appointments, YES embeds behavioral health support specialists into the whole life of a school. They partner with teachers, staff, and families to create a stronger safety net for youth.
“Having one full-time behavioral health specialist on campus changes everything,” said Kristie Neklason, YES Director of School-Based Services.
“They’re able to partner with the school team to shape school culture, provide behavioral health education to staff, and help build a climate where supporting mental health and wellness is normalized.”
YES specialists join student support teams, consult on behavioral health concerns, facilitate classroom presentations, and even lead book clubs with parents on topics like anxiety and digital wellness.
A Long-Awaited Addition
For years, Issaquah families and educators have asked: “When will YES be here?” Many of our current champions live in Issaquah, and some, like Noah, brought their YES experience with them when they moved into the district.
Thanks to available funding and a shared vision for comprehensive care, YES will now serve students at Skyline, Issaquah, and Liberty high schools, as well as Issaquah Middle School. Each school will have a dedicated behavioral health specialist and a part-time YES supervisor who will help train staff and support the rollout of the program.
A Shared Commitment to Youth Mental Health
This new chapter builds on a foundation of care, innovation, and partnership that our community has helped make possible. With continued support, YES is expanding its proven model to meet the needs of more students and families, and bring critical mental health services where they’re needed most. This expansion will be funded through the school district and donor support, reflecting a shared commitment to student wellness.
It’s not just about having a presence in Issaquah; it’s about ensuring more youth have the support they need to thrive. And we want to be ready to reach even more students next year.
Be Part of the YES Expansion to Issaquah
As YES expands into the Issaquah School District this fall, it will bring mental health and substance use support directly to four new schools. It’s a milestone made possible by collaboration, community vision, and people like you.
As students return to school, many face more than academic pressures. Some are struggling with anxiety, grief, trauma, or substance use, and now, thanks to this expansion, help will be right down the hall.
Your donation today will help sustain and strengthen these school-based services, ensuring that more students have someone to turn to when they need it most.
Give now and walk alongside students in Issaquah and beyond.