Behavioral Health Children and Youth Programs and Information

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Treatment Services for Low-Income Youth

  • The Community Outpatient Treatment Program administered by Snohomish County Human Services Department, Alcohol and Other Drugs Program, manages substance use disorder assessment and treatment services in non-residential settings to low income persons.
  • Local state licensed substance use disorder agencies are contracted to provide assessment, counseling (individual and group), Medication Assisted Treatment - for adults (MAT), and related case management services.
  • Treatment agencies accept Medicaid (Washington Apple Health), private insurance, and in some cases an individual may be charged for services according to a sliding fee scale that is based on income.
  • Admission is based on eligibility and space availability in treatment groups.

Youth Assessment & Other Treatment Services

For Youth assessment and/or treatment services, directly contact one of the following:

Please visit the Trauma Informed Practices webpage for information and resources about TIP.

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.

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.

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: