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Student Mental Health Resources

The following resources were compiled as a service to our community, and do not imply sponsorship or endorsement by Lake Stevens School District. Contact each organization directly for additional information.

Overwhelming circumstances can lead to feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that are not helpful. Sometimes, when we get stuck in a cycle of thinking, feeling, and doing unhelpful things, we can develop depression, anxiety, and/or other mental health problems. When someone in our family has a mental health problem, we are more likely to inherit genetic risk factors for mental health issues. Environmental factors also play a role in negative thinking patterns and feelings of overwhelm.

Our mental wellness is also impacted when medical issues or situational issues are getting in the way of taking care of our bodies. Eating healthily, sleeping, exercising and drinking water are important. Sometimes, when people struggle with their mental wellness, they stop taking care of these things.

If you are struggling, please remember: you are not alone, there is hope, and there is help available.

Reaching out for help is the first step. Talk to an adult you trust within your family. Share your concerns about health with your caregiver, an aunt, an uncle, a grandparent.

If you need support from someone at school, talk to the Student Mental Health Specialist and/or your school counselor. You can also make a Student Assistance Program (SAP) referral.

Remember - if you or someone you care about are currently experiencing a crisis, please call the crisis line (988) you can also call (425) 258-4357 or text 741741. If it is an emergency- call 911.

Common Ways People Get Help

There are lots of ways people get help with mental health struggles.

These are some things that may help reduce symptoms and restore balance. Some people choose to get help by doing one of these things. Some choose to do a few of these things in combination.

  • Ask for help, Connect
  • Counseling
  • Medication Management (Medical)
  • Movement/Mindfulness

Ask for help/connect:

You may need to advocate for yourself and share your concerns (with a caregiver or other trusted family member) so that people can help. Connecting with others can lead to hope and healing.

Here are a couple of articles about talking to someone, asking for help, and connecting:

Therapy/Counseling:

Mental health therapy/counseling can provide a neutral and well trained ally. The terms therapist and counselor are often used interchangeably. These terms are usually used in reference to a Psychotherapist.

  • This person may help you ask for what you want and need in a more helpful way.
  • This person may help you navigate your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
  • This person may help you take control of your overwhelm.
  • This person may help you find a voice so that you can ask for what you want and need.
  • This person may help your loved ones so that they know what helps you and what doesn't.

Free Mental Health Referral Service Information (PDF)

Local Mental Health Health Providers (PDF)

Medication Management:

  • It is a very good idea to start with your Primary Care Physician (PCP). Sometimes, medical issues can contribute to your mood. A doctor can help you figure things out.
  • Schedule an appointment and discuss your symptoms. Be honest. Let them know about the things you are thinking/feeling. Tell your doctor about the areas of your life that are impacted. Let them know if your behavior has changed.
    • Consider writing down questions for your doctor.
    • Consider  journaling the big things that are getting in the way of functioning on a calendar or in a notebook:
      • This is so that you can show your doctor information about 
        • the frequency (how much it is happening)
        • duration (how long it has been happening)
        • severity (how much it is getting in the way)
  • Sometimes it is helpful to ask for a referral to a Psychiatrist who works with adolescents.

**If you do not have a PCP, you may need to talk to a caregiver (or other trusted adult in your family) about finding one. Some of the steps to finding a PCP are the same as the ones listed below in the section where it talks about “Insurance.”

Movement/Mindfulness:

Thinking about finding a mental health counselor outside of school?

How do I get into counseling?

Getting into counseling takes some work on your part. If you are reading this, you are starting to do that work by exploring what kind of help is available. Here are some things that you will need to do.

  • Collaborate with your caregivers (or another trusted adult family member) and talk about getting help from a counselor.
  • Find out what kind of insurance you may have.
  • Contact a service provider that takes your insurance and schedule an appointment.

Insurance

Some insurance plans require that you find a therapist/counselor within their approved network. A network includes people who have been screened by the insurance company and have gone through a process to become a part of their “in network provider” groups. State insurance like Apple Health or Medicaid also have providers who are considered “in network."

  • Try to look at your insurance card and call the number on the back of the card.
  • Ask about how to access behavioral health (or mental health) services.
  • Ask if you need to see someone within their network.
  • Ask for a list of those people.
  • You may need a referral from your Primary Care Physician (your doctor) for “behavioral health services.” The term behavioral health is sometimes used instead of mental health.
  • Your caregiver may need to call their Human Resources department to get information regarding who to contact for more information regarding accessing mental health services.

If you don't have insurance, there are ways that you can apply for it. There are programs through the State of Washington that can help you get coverage. If you are living independently and have a limited income, you can sign up for coverage by yourself. If you are living with your caregivers, then they are often the ones who complete this process.

Finding a provider - some helpful links:

Contacting a service provider:
Providers have different things they are good at (specialties). A lot of providers have websites and information on the internet. Try researching providers online so you can make a more informed decision about your care.

With some insurance companies, like Apple Health, you can choose to access services from agencies or groups of providers. Community Mental Health Centers like Seamar, Compass Health, or Catholic Community Services are some of the options. If you have Apple Health and want different options (other than community mental health centers), then call the number on the Apple Health insurance card and ask about alternatives.

Sometimes, people get a referral from their doctor and choose to go to a provider within that system of care. An example is, if you have a PCP at the Everett Clinic or Providence Health, you may choose to get services from providers within their system. They usually have Behavioral Health Departments.

The process:
If you don’t get a call back when you call places to ask for an appointment, keep calling. If you have left multiple messages and are not getting a call back within a few days, then it might be a good idea to try another provider. Call a different provider or call your insurance company back and let them know you are having trouble utilizing their in-network provider system.

While you are waiting for an appointment to be scheduled:

  • Check out Children’s Hospital website “First Approach Skills Training (FAST) Program”
  • Check out: The Jed Foundation article: 8 ways to Take Care of Yourself When You’re Waiting for Mental Health Care.
  • Check in with your Primary Care Physician.
  • Use the Crisis Line to talk to someone - 24/7 (text or call 988)
  • Check in with the school counselor, specialist, or other trusted person at school.
  • Talk to your caregivers, a family member, or other trusted adult outside of school.
  • Take care of your body by remembering sleep, exercise, hydration, and nutrition.
  • Take care of your spirit: go outside, connect with others, and find a creative outlet.
  • Avoid the use (and/or abuse) of substances like alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.

There may be times when you need to miss school for your first appointment because it is during the school day. The first appointment is sometimes called an intake. That is an important time when the provider gathers information and figures out suggestions to make about your ongoing care. Make your health a priority. Communicate your absence with school just like you would for a dentist or doctor appointment. Make the appointment, keep it, and stick with it.

Steps like asking for help, finding help, and accepting help are a process. Healing takes time and often it does not happen quickly. You may feel much better when you have people who know how you are doing. It might be a big relief when you have connections with people who care. Once you have hope and start working on yourself, you may feel much better. A relationship with your counselor is based on trust. If the provider is not the right fit, speak up, let your caregiver know, let the provider know and find someone else. It might be helpful to go to a few appointments before you make the decision about if it is a good fit or not.

Remember: You are not crazy, there is hope, and there is help.

Remember: you can make a Student Assistance Program (SAP) referral, contact the school counselor, and/or contact the Student Mental Health Specialist if you need help with this process.