Recent violent events in the news have shaken many of us to our core. The unprecedented rise in mass shootings and hate crimes has been damaging not only to those directly victimized, but also their communities. So, we felt this was a good time to remind everyone of what the Y offers to help combat and cope with violence - from street outreach and case management for early intervention, to counseling that empowers individuals to better manage their own emotions and helps the impacted heal. 

Though this level of violence is startling, our Social Impact Center has been addressing trauma for nearly 50 years. We believe violence to be a symptom and one that can be reduced through our commitment to Whole Person Health. Here’s what we’re doing to address this need and how you or someone you care about can get help: 

Counseling 

What: Our licensed therapists offer strengths-based, trauma-informed approaches to help you better understand yourself and gain skills to manage life’s challenges. Anyone and everyone can benefit, so if you or someone you know is feeling isolated, depressed, or anxious, now is the time to contact us. Y therapists are here to help you care for your whole self, and are thoroughly experienced in issues such as: 

• Stress, anxiety, and depression 
• Family and relationship issues 
• Grief, loss, and other life transitions 
• Substance use and addiction  
• Self-harm 
• Gender identity  
• Body image 
• Conflict resolution 
• Court requirements related to mental health or substance use 
• Foster/adoption support 

Who: All Ages 

How: Get started or learn more >> (Medicaid and cash payments accepted, with financial aid available on a sliding scale to ensure services are affordable for everyone.)

Crisis Support 

What: Help for kids, young adults, and families who may be experiencing acute mental health crises. Every moment counts in these situations, so we respond immediately — 24/7 — wherever you are. This means quick support and access to long-term services to stabilize you or your child and avoid future crises. Here are some situations you might call about: 

• Conflict at home, with your children or caregiver 
• Self-harm 
• Suicidal ideation 
• Aggression or violence 
• Sudden changes in your child’s behavior 
• Disruption in family 
• Anxiety or depression 

Who: Kids and families up to 18 years old, and young adults up to 25 years old who are experiencing homelessness or who are unstably housed. 

How: Call 206-461-3222 or learn more >> (Services are free to the community)

Housing Stability for Youth in Courts 

What: Housing Stability for Youth in Courts (H-SYNC) is a homelessness prevention program for court involved youth that represents a state-wide partnership between juvenile courts, local social service providers, and the Office of Homeless Youth.  

Who: Court involved youth aged 12-17.5 years old. 

How: A parent/caregiver can request that a juvenile probation counselor, who is working with their youth, to make a referral to H-SYNC. A juvenile probation counselor can also make a referral based on their own discretion. Once the juvenile probation counselor refers to the H-SYNC Navigator, the Navigator works with the youth and their family to identify resources they need. The Navigator connects both the family and the youth to resources in the community and continues to follow up during a 3-6month period to ensure that the youth and family are receiving the support they need.   

Violence Prevention Programs 

What: An active presence in our communities made up of street outreach workers to meet young people where they are, and case management teams who work in partnership with several cities and organizations across King County. Outreach workers provide support to identify goals, such as education and employment, and overcome barriers to reach them. They also provide early intervention to those involved in gang and community violence, and are trained in de-escalating conflict. 

Who: Youth and young adults across King County 

How:  Refer a young adult or learn more >> (Services are free to the community)

Youth Connection Services  

What: A community-based approach to decreasing juvenile involvement with the legal system for youth who have committed a first time and/or low-level offense (shoplifting, trespassing, truancy, etc.) or who are experiencing conflict or disconnect from their family and would benefit from behavioral health services including youth peer support and parent partners to prevent further involvement with the legal system.   

Who: Ages 12–18 who live in Auburn, Kent, Federal Way, and Renton 

How: By referral from caregivers, school resource officers, school administrators, Family Court, or police officers. Refer a Young Adult or learn more >> (Services are free to the community)