YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH

Youth voices are transforming mental health in Washington State. When young people lead, systems change.

The largest youth-led mental health investment in Washington State's history, proving that when young people lead, transformative change happens.

Young people in Washington aren't waiting for adults to fix mental health systems. We're redesigning them from the inside out.



With lived experience as their expertise and peer connection as their superpower, WYA members are proving that the most effective mental health solutions come from those who understand the challenges firsthand.

THE REALITY & THE OPPORTUNITY

3 IN 10

TENTH GRADERS REPORT DEPRESSION

The Washington State Healthy Youth Survey reveals the scope of mental health challenges facing our young people, but it also shows something powerful: young people are ready to lead solutions.

70%

HAVE A TRUSTED ADULT

While challenges exist, the survey also reveals incredible resilience. WYA builds on these existing strengths, training young people in conflict resolution and mental health destigmatization.

When students identify the need for more peer support and trusted adult connections, they're not expressing deficits—they're mapping the path forward. WYA transforms these insights into action.

HOW WE CREATE CHANGE

01

YOUTH-LED POLICY ADVOCACY

From securing $38M for mental healthcare to holding insurance companies accountable, youth-led organizing on mental health yields results. We train young advocates to testify, lobby, and lead policy campaigns.

02

SYSTEMIC TRANSFORMATION

We don't just treat symptoms—we address root causes. Our advocacy focuses on transforming how Washington State approaches mental health, ensuring every young person has access to the resources they deserve.

03

YOUTH-LED POLICY ADVOCACY

From securing $38M for mental healthcare to holding insurance companies accountable, youth-led organizing on mental health yields results. We train young advocates to testify, lobby, and lead policy campaigns.

04

STATEWIDE IMPACT

With 10 chapters from King County to rural communities expanding statewide, we've trained hundreds of young advocates who are creating change in their local communities and at the state level.

MENTAL HEALTH FUNDING

Largest youth-led mental health investment in Washington State history for school-based mental health centers.

ACTIVE CHAPTERS

From King County to rural communities, expanding statewide to bring youth mental health advocacy everywhere.

YOUNG ADVOCATES TRAINED

Youth leaders equipped with skills in policy advocacy, conflict resolution, and mental health destigmatization.

WHAT WE STAND FOR

ACCESS TO CARE

• School-based mental health centers


• Insurance accountability and coverage


• Reducing wait times and barriers


• Crisis intervention services



• Culturally responsive care

PREVENTION & EARLY INTERVENTION

• Social-emotional learning in schools


• Trauma-informed approaches



• Environmental factors addressing


• Healthy coping strategies


• Community-based prevention programs

PEER SUPPORT & CONNECTION

• Youth-led peer support programs


• Trusted adult connections in schools


• Mental health education and literacy


• Stigma reduction initiatives



• Community resilience building

YOUTH LEADERSHIP

• Youth voices in policy development


• Student representation on boards


• Peer-to-peer advocacy training


• Youth-adult partnerships


• Leadership development opportunities



SUPPORT OUR WORK

Support youth-led organizing and advocacy work across Washington state.

EVERY YOUNG PERSON DESERVES MENTAL WELLNESS

Join the movement that's transforming mental health in Washington State. Your voice, your experience, your leadership can create lasting change.