Family Counseling

Our Counseling Programs include:

Mental Health Treatment:	We provide mental health treatment to children, youth, adults and families who are experiencing difficulties in their lives. We work with such issues as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, ADD/ADHD, divorce and separations as well as other family disruptions and transitions. We use a strengths-based approach and strive to tailor our services to the particular strengths and needs of each of our clients. We collaborate with important people in clients' lives (teachers, case workers, doctors, family members, friends) in order to strengthen support that "wraps around" the client and fosters long term success. Some of our therapy clients receive psychiatric evaluation and medication monitoring on-site. Our therapists employ a number of approaches with children, including Play Therapy. Play Therapy is a developmentally appropriate research-based method for treating children.

Infant Mental Health (IMH):	Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health - The Whole Family Children and parents often need help recovering from the effects of early trauma, loss, family conflict, addiction, abuse and stress. All of these things can greatly impact the development of the child and parent-childe relationship. When parents are nurtured and supported themselves, they are better able to meet the needs of their children. The treatment model used at CHS is grounded in research and is an evidenced-based practice. Therapists work with the child and parent together, in a reciprocal manner, to provide culturally sensitive support and therapeutic interventions that promote healthy emotional and social development. Therapists will also work with families to address case management needs, and provide referrals and resources.

Student Suspension Alternative Program (SSAP):	Our Student Suspension Alternative Program (SSAP) is designed for children and teens Grades 6-12 and offers an alternative for children at risk of being suspended or as a re-entry condition for expelled students. Participants in this program receive a comprehensive family assessment with recommendations for follow-up treatment. This program is partially funded through the King County Northshore/Shoreline Community Network. Referrals for this program must come directly from a school administrator. There are a limited number of spots in this program per year.

Juvenile Intervention Program (JIP):	Our Juvenile Intervention Program was initially developed through a collaboration with the Northshore/Shoreline Community Network. The Juvenile Intervention Program (JIP) is for youth who have committed a first offense. Youth referred to this program receive a comprehensive family assessment and are provided appropriate referrals for additional services if needed. If the family complies, the youth will not be adjudicated for the offense. Referrals must come from the City of Lake Forest Park Police Department or the Shoreline Police Department. Other referral requirements apply.
Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative work and... The Nick Evergreen Fund:	CHS has expanded its work with youth and their families by joining in, collaboration with the Youth Suicide Prevention Program whose mission is to reduce youth suicide attempts and deaths in Washington State. Working toward that goal, together we will build public awareness, offer training, and support communities taking action. According to data distributed by the Youth Suicide Prevention Program, each week in our state alone, an average of two young people die by suicide and another 17 suicide attempts result in hospitalization. However, while these facts are disturbing, there is hope. By educating ourselves and others, we can make a difference in preventing youth suicide. Myths about Suicide Facts about Suicide The Nick Evergreen Fund was established under the direction of our past clinical director, Jerry Evergreen, MA, LMHC, CMHS. Jerry, the parent of an unfortunately successful suicide, possessed a first hand understanding of the consequences of not recognizing the signs teens exert when following the path toward suicide attempts. The Nick Evergreen Fund is designed to work within the community to help bring awareness to the issues of teen suicide. At 15, Nick Evergreen was a quiet person, a young man friends and neighbors looked forward to seeing and hearing from. He was on select sports teams, a student who scored 95% and above on all tests, was in advanced placement courses, and was even nicknamed "Big Tree" for his last name. Nick was known and loved by many. While in his freshman year, Nick experienced his first love relationship, which lasted one short month. However, following this break up, Nick slipped into a deep depression, becoming reserved, quiet and to himself. Even with a father in the mental health field, and a loving and caring family, Nick's family still missed these valuable signs. Here at CHS, we know too well the loss occurred when the signs of suicide are missed. We are dedicated to educate our community towards the signs of suicide, how to prevent them, and to support families once they've been experienced. Please support our efforts throughout the schools and communities within our reach, by contributing toward the Nick Evergreen Fund today, by completing our online donation form and designating your funds to the Nick Evergreen Fund.

Payment and Funding:
The Center for Human Services is committed to providing affordable counseling services to children, youth and their families in King County. We accept several different forms of payment including King County Medical Coupons. We have a sliding fee scale and also accept some forms of private insurance. Funding for our services come from Medicaid, King County, the Cities of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park, the Northshore/Shoreline Community Network, the Northshore School District, and private donors.

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