Wellness & Mental Health Resources

This hub aims to provide a responsive list of resources to support the needs & wants of Y-WE youth, alum & caregivers

last updated January 2024 | this website is a work in progress

 The Community Wellness & Mental Health Program at Y-WE

In 2021, the CA surgeon general declared a youth mental health crisis citing increased rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicidality amongst teens nationwide. Due to structural racism and other inequities, we know that QT/BIPOC & low income youth face both the highest rates of mental health challenges & highest barriers to affirming mental health care. Over the years, Y-WE has demonstrated a commitment to centering & uplifting youth who live at the intersections of these identities. To support the emerging needs of Y-WE participants, our wellness & mental health programming aims to create additional pathways for holistic care. Below, you can learn more about these offerings as well as some helpful information to support you/your loved ones' wellness journey. 

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Is talking about your mental health a new thing for you? Not sure what you need? 

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Wellness & Mental Health Meetings at Y-WE

Youth, alumni & caregivers can access support through one-on-one meetings with Shaena, Y'WE's Community Wellness & Mental Health Specialist. This time can be used to access emotional support, goal-setting and/or getting connected to resources (i.e. therapy, financial assistance, benefits enrollment etc). All of these meetings are free and confidential. 

Please note that these are currently only available to folks currently or previously enrolled Y-WE. Appointments can be made here. More info below!

Are there any eligibility requirements?

You can access wellness support if you are a current Y-WE program participant or alumni. On occasion, I will support a caregiver or family member of a current/past Y-WE program participant. 

For youth, the age of consent to services is 13 years old. This means young people 13+ can enroll on their own without parental permission. 

What can I expect at my first wellness meeting?

Wellness meetings are voluntary and, for the most part, pretty informal. It's just a designated space to focus on you and your needs. I set aside an hour for folks, but there is no pressure to attend the whole time if you do not want to. The first meeting will be introductory: learning more about you, why you're seeking wellness support and figuring out next steps together.

What to expect: 

How to prepare:

If you have any questions or just want to learn more please don't hesitate to reach out: shaena@y-we.org or (206) 390 - 0111

Is this the same thing as therapy?

No. These sessions are grounded in advocacy-based counseling* and case management. While there is some overlap (for example: emotional support, and offering coping strategies), therapy is specifically designed to deeply process your experiences and tend to mental health challenges. I am happy to support you in finding a therapist, but I, myself, do not offer therapy. You can find therapy specific information here

*The primary focus of advocacy-based counseling is on empowering the participant through reinforcing their autonomy and self-determination. I can hold space for you to talk about what's going on in your life and to work on building practical life skills, learning how to set boundaries and attend to immediate crisis, when needed. 

What does confidential mean exactly?

Confidential means the details you share in our meetings stay in our meetings. The only exceptions are in cases where I am consulting with Y-WE staff about something urgent or when we are mandated to report by law (this happens in cases where you are a danger to yourself or others OR when there is suspected child/elder abuse). While we are an organization that is rooted community-based care, the reality is that I and all Y-WE staff are mandated reporters by law. Reporting is never my go-to approach and if it has to happen, you'd be a part of that process every step of the way.

That being said, I understand that this might make some folks hesitant to share sensitive information with us. You have agency over what you choose to disclose. Here are some resources if you or your family has or is actively experiencing abuse/sexual assault OR if you are contemplating suicide.