Behavioral Health Resources

Behavioral Health is the promotion of mental health, resilience, and wellbeing; the treatment of mental and substance use disorders; and the support of those who experience and/or are in recovery from these conditions, along with their families and communities (US Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration).

If you or a loved one are in need of immediate mental health support, please call 988 or visit their webpage.  

The 988 Lifeline offers free, confidential, 24/7/365 support for thoughts of suicide, substance use concerns, and any other type of emotional distress. Trained crisis counselors who answer calls, texts, and chats can listen, offer support, and provide helpful resources. 

People who contact 988 have four options for specialized support: 

  • Option 1 to connect to the Veterans Crisis Line 

  • Option 2 to get crisis support in Spanish 

  • Option 3 to connect to The Trevor Project, which supports LGBTQIA2S+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and two-spirit) teens and young adults 

  • Option 4 to connect to the Native and Strong Lifeline, which supports American Indian and Alaska Native people with a Washington area code 

For information related to support in your region call 211. 

2‑1‑1 provides access to your local community services. 2‑1‑1 is available in multiple languages, allowing those in need to access information and obtain referrals to physical and mental health resources; housing, utility, food, and employment assistance; and suicide and crisis interventions. 

We encourage families, caregivers, and community-based organizations to seek systems of support from local school districts as their first responders. School Districts and Education Service Districts are designed to provide unique set of supports according to location and region. 

OSPI Behavioral Health Webpages

Youth Suicide Prevention, Intervention, & Postvention 

In Washington state, suicide is the second leading cause of death for teens 15 to 19 years old. OSPI strives to provide resources and support to help inform educational service districts, school districts, and schools in developing Suicide Prevention Plans. 

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) 

Social emotional learning is broadly understood as a process through which individuals build awareness and skills in managing emotions, setting goals, establishing relationships, and making responsible decisions that support success in school and life. 

Substance Use Prevention & Intervention 

The Student Assistance Prevention-Intervention Services Program (SAPISP) is a comprehensive, integrated model of services that fosters safe school environments, promotes healthy childhood development, and prevents alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse. 

Project AWARE

Project AWARE is a federally funded grant that builds school based mental health systems with each grantee. Project AWARE is providing funding in schools and districts across the state to allow them to more equitably support students with behavioral health needs.