Mental & Behavioral Health

Caring for our mental and emotional well-being is just as important as our physical health. We all experience stress, and challenging life circumstances can sometimes overwhelm our ability to cope.

Taking care of your mental health is an ongoing practice, and our community has resources to help. This can include talking with a counselor or therapist, joining a support group to connect with others who have similar experiences, or accessing support services. Reaching out is a sign of strength. Finding the right support for you is a powerful step in caring for your whole self. 

If you need immediate support, call, text, or chat 988. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and available 24/7/365.

Find Behavioral Health Support

Finding the right mental health support for yourself or a loved one can feel overwhelming. This guide is organized to help you navigate your options, from immediate crisis support to local outpatient clinics and referral services.

Immediate Crisis & Urgent Support:

  • NAMI Navigating a Mental Health Crisis Guide: A downloadable guide to help people and families navigate a mental health crisis. Download the Guide Here.
  • Washington Recovery Help Line: 866-789-1511 (24/7) Anonymous and confidential help for substance use, mental health, and gambling challenges. www.warecoveryhelpline.org
  • Ituha Stabilization Center (Oak Harbor): A voluntary, short-term residential facility for people experiencing a mental health crisis or needing sub-acute detox.
  • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.

Inpatient & Hospital-Based Care:

Local Clinics & Agencies and Community-Based Services:

Specialized Outreach & Support:

Youth Mental Health Resources

  • Teen Health Hub: Find links to quality, accurate information on health topics that are important to you.
  • Washington’s Mental Health Referral Service for Children and Teens: There is a phone and online request service, operated by SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, to help connect families with mental health providers in your community who accept new patients, work with your insurance, and fit your child's treatment needs. This service is accessible for children and teens 17 and under living in WA state. Families can access the service by calling 833-303-5437, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Island County Behavioral Health Advocate: A behavioral health advocate is a person with experience interacting with the behavioral health system who can help people seeking or receiving behavioral health services.
  • Consejo’s outpatient mental health program provides services to children, youth, adults, older adults, and families.
  • Catholic Community Services provides children’s mental health services to Medicaid eligible children and their families in Whatcom, Skagit and Snohomish Counties.
  • Check with your health insurance plan to learn about covered telehealth services, behavioral health care, and other options available to you!

School Districts

Balance Stress

We all feel stressed from time to time, and in the right amount, stress can help us accomplish our goals. However, being on high-alert for too long can become harmful rather than helpful. View the tips below to help balance stress.

  • Exercise regularly: Just 30 minutes a day of walking can boost mood and reduce stress.
  • Set priorities: Decide what must get done and what can wait. Say no to new tasks if you feel they’re too much.
  • Show compassion for yourself: Note what you’ve accomplished at the end of the day.
  • Check your relationship with social media: Take regular breaks from scrolling to connect with others offline, and learn about healthy social media use from Psychology Today.
  • Try a relaxing activity: Schedule regular times for a relaxing activity that uses mindfulness/breathing exercises, like yoga or tai chi.
  • Seek help: Talk to a mental health professional if you feel unable to cope, have suicidal thoughts, or use drugs or alcohol to cope. Getting help is a sign of strength. If you need immediate support, call, text, or chat 988. The 988 Suicide & Crisis lifeline is free, confidential, and available 24/7/365.

Create Mindfulness

The concept of mindfulness is simple. This ancient practice is about being completely aware of what’s happening in the present—of all that’s going on inside and all that’s happening around you. Here are some tips to help you get started. 

  • Take some deep breaths: Breathe in through your nose to a count of 4, hold for 1 second and then exhale through the mouth to a count of 5. Repeat often. Learn more about breathing exercises to help manage stress.
  • Enjoy a stroll: As you walk, notice your breath and the sights and sounds around you. As thoughts and worries enter your mind, note them but then return to the present.
  • Practice mindful eating: Be aware of taste, textures, and flavors in each bite, and listen to your body when you are hungry and full.
  • Be aware of your body: Mentally scan your body from head to toe. Bring your attention to how each part feels.

Focus on Healthy Sleep

Sleep helps you think more clearly, bounce back from stress, and have the energy to enjoy each day. Take steps to support regularly get a good night’s sleep.

  • Set a sleep routine: Go to bed the same time each night and wake up the same time each morning.
  • Create a calm environment: Sleep in a dark, quiet, comfortable environment. Learn how to create a healthy sleep environment from the National Sleep Foundation.
  • Exercise regularly: Make time for movement each day, but try not to exercise right before you go to sleep.
  • Relax before bedtime. Try a warm bath or reading, listen to soothing nature sounds, or try a guided exercise. Limit the use of electronics before bed. Avoid alcohol and large meals before bedtime.
  • Get outside: Try to get natural sunlight for at least 30 minutes a day.
  • Consult a health care professional if you have ongoing sleep problems: Print and use this sleep diary to record the quality and quantity of your sleep. You can then bring the diary with you to review the information with your doctor.

Connect with Support Groups

Connecting with others who understand what you're going through is a powerful part of healing and recovery. This section provides links to well-established support groups for substance use, recovery, and mental health for both individuals and families.

  • Al-Anon: For families and friends who are worried about someone's drinking or substance use.
  • Opioid Outreach: Island County outreach workers provide short-term support and connect people to services.