Student Well Being

Mental Health Counseling at MIHS

Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS) licensed mental health counselors are a critical part of the learning environment in each public school on the Island. Counselors work collaboratively with students, families and school staff to support the social and emotional needs of students in every school, helping them build a strong foundation for their future.

We encourage all parents to reach out to your child’s MIYFS school counselor, just as you would their teacher, as they can be a valuable resource for helping your children thrive in school. 

The Resource and Referral (R & R) Place at the Mercer Island High School offers students a safe, confidential space to gather informally on a drop-in basis and to seek support and guidance around the many issues and concerns facing adolescents today. A full-time MIYFS Counselor is on site to provide a range services, including individual counseling, facilitating youth leadership development programs and teaching emotional self-care. A full-time Alcohol and Drug Intervention Specialist is also onsite offering guidance to help prevent substance abuse and, if necessary, to find other recovery support services. These services are also available to high school students who are based at Crest Learning Center.

Counselors also offers consultation to parents and school staff.  Please reach out to your school’s counselor at any time.

• Resource and Referral (R & R) Place Counselor, Caleb Visser (206) 236-3290
• Alcohol and Drug Intervention Specialist, Chris Harnish (206) 236-3363

Individual and Family Counseling with MIYFS

Mental health is fundamental to our ability to thrive, establish meaningful relationships, and contribute to the community. Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS) counseling professionals provide individual, couple’s and family counseling to help Mercer Island residents address personal challenges and manage unexpected life events.

We work with Islanders across the lifespan to deal with a wide range of issues including:

• Family conflict, parenting skills,
• Marriage and/or relationship issues, divorce,
• Managing teenagers, school/work concerns,
• Behavior problems, abuse,
• Grief and loss,
• Self-esteem, depression, anxiety and other emotional concerns.

Reach out to us any time; the process is simple and confidential. When you call MIYFS, staff will ask a few questions and then connect you with the counselor who is the best fit. View for more information.

Youth Suicide Prevention

The MI Forefront team works in collaboration with the UW Forefront Suicide Prevention Program to provide our community with training and tools to reduce youth suicide.  The UW Forefront Suicide Prevention Program is focused on reducing suicide by empowering individuals and communities to take sustainable action, championing systemic change, and restoring hope.

For more information visit our Youth Suicide Prevention page or MI Parent Edge for upcoming training programs.

Family Assistance with MI Youth and Family Services

The Family Assistance Program serves Mercer Island residents who are experiencing financial hardship. Our staff will work with individuals and families to create short- and long-term plans for financial well-being, provide one-time emergency assistance, and identify county and state-wide benefits for which Islanders may be eligible. MIYFS is here to support the community during financially unstable times in their lives, helping to assess each situation and lead Islanders to other resources that might be helpful.  

You can learn more about the following services below and you can always call 211, a King County phone line for anyone needing this kind of help.  

The Family Assistance Program can help with:

• Providing one-time rent and utilities assistance for those income-eligible
• Finding emergency and temporary childcare
• Connecting to state programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Applying for benefits such as Social Security and Unemployment
• Connecting to support for dealing with stress or other issues that arise from a difficult financial situation
• Accessing low-cost health insurance or medical care
• Applying for scholarships for the Mercer Island Preschool
• Getting financial support during the Holiday Season

For assistance, please contact Family Assistance & Employment Coordinator, Cheryl Manriquez at (206) 275-7869.