Youth Eastside Services provides counseling, substance abuse treatment, education and prevention, and psychiatric services in East King County. We work with youth ages birth to 22 and their families.
Since 1968, we've helped children, teens and families struggling with depression, grief, trauma, substance abuse, anxiety, gender- or cultural-identity issues, behavioral issues, ADHD, autism and so much more. We meet clients where they're at to provide expert, confidential care that promotes long-term well-being.
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Services Offered
Youth & Family Counseling
YES has helped thousands of youth and families cope with emotional, behavioral and interpersonal challenges. Our skilled clinicians use a strengths-based approach that focuses on the needs and goals identified by our clients. We employ evidence-based practices that are shown by research to result in positive long-term outcomes.
Mental health counseling
Our highly trained clinical team specializes in providing age-appropriate mental health services to youth ages birth to 22 and their families. We offer specialized programs for cultural, ethnic and sexual minorities; youth with disabilities; and youth involved with the juvenile justice system. We treat a wide range of issues, including trauma, grief, anxiety, depression and more using evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing and others.
Psychiatric services
YES provides integrated, holistic care for clients actively engaged in counseling with its on-site psychiatric services. In collaboration with YES' mental health counselors, psychiatric practitioners provide comprehensive diagnostic assessments, medication evaluations and ongoing medication management so clients receive optimal, coordinated care that's also convenient for busy families.
DBT Skills Groups
If you're a teen or the parent of a teen who's having trouble with intense emotions, impulse control, depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts or self-harming, research shows that Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can help. YES offers DBT skills groups for current clients. The 16-week course covers mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness and emotional regulation.
School-based services
YES provides on-site mental health counseling at many schools in the Bellevue and Lake Washington school districts. We also offer social service programs like Family Net, which supports families in need through on-site staff at local elementary schools. Through Family Net, youth and families receive comprehensive, social services case management and referrals, plus support in seeking more intensive medical or behavioral health care as needed.
BGLAD Support Group
BGLAD is a free drop-in support group open to youth ages 13 to 19 who identify as LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer, plus other identities like non-binary, gender non-conforming, etc.) and for youth who may be questioning or exploring their gender or sexual identities. BGLAD gives youth a chance to meet peers, discuss issues and get support in a safe and confidential environment. Trained professional staff facilitate the group, help members feel welcome, ensure mutual respect, maintain confidentiality within the group, and offer ideas and resources.
Fees and Payment
Need, not cost, should determine care. As a 501c3 nonprofit, we rely on donations to fund care for families who cannot afford to pay for services. Due to our generous, committed community of supporters, we're able to offer services on a sliding scale that goes all the way down to zero - and we never turn away families because they can't afford to pay for services.
Services Offered To: Adults Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual LGBTQ
Payment: Sliding Scale Medicare Medicaid
If You Call, Please Let Us Know How it Went:
Were You Able to Make an Appointment?
One quick last question. Who was seeking counseling today?
Do you know the reason they are not accepting clients?
Qualifying for assistance from Washington's program usually depends on the severity of your condition and financial circumstance. Read our full guide to Washington's program.
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.