Behavioral Health Children and Youth Programs and Information

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Where to Start
Visit the Assessment and Treatment webpage for information about accessing services.
Visit the Trauma Informed Practices (TIP) webpage for information and resources.

Mental Health Issues are Common in Children and Teens

According to the US Surgeon General:

  • One in five children will suffer from a diagnosable mental health condition each year.
  • One in ten kids will have symptoms that are significant enough to seriously affect their functioning in school, at home, and in the community.

The U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory on youth mental health in 2021, the full report is available here.


Additionally, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy was interviewed by Katie Couric about the report and its recommendations. The interview is available here.


In any given year, only 20% of children with mental illness are identified and receive mental health services. Some reasons can include:

  • The stigma often associated with mental illness.
  • Lack of knowledge regarding mental health issues.
  • Difficulty accessing or paying for services.

Kids who do not receive the care they need are:

  • More likely to struggle in school.
  • Less likely to graduate from high school.
  • Likely to have difficult family and social relationships and are at a higher risk for family and social conflicts.
  • At higher risk for delinquency.
Three Rocks Stacked with Yellow Flowers

Did You Know?

Mental illness can affect anybody regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, or socio-economic background. ◦Mental illness is not caused by poor decisions.

  • Mental illness affects a person’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
  • 50% of mental illness begins by age 14.
  • Suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 15-24.
  • One in five children who need mental health care actually receives it.

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Other Helpful Information

For more information:

Snohomish County has a Children’s Mental Health Liaison to assist the community’s families, school and social service providers in accessing mental health services and navigating resources for children and adolescents. Email Liza Patchen-Short call her at 425-388-7254. If you need immediate help, click on the button below for resources: