As Mental Health Awareness Month begins, Communities In Schools of Washington (CISWA) and the statewide network of affiliates are doubling down on our commitment to ensuring that every student—no matter their background or circumstance—feels supported, seen, and safe. With mental health challenges continuing to be one of the most critical issues facing young people, CISWA is calling attention to the growing need for mental health support and sharing how its affiliates are responding across the state.
“The mental health of students has always been important, but since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become one of the most urgent needs identified by network affiliate site staff and school district partners,” said Erica Limon-Trefielo, Interim State Director at Communities In Schools of Washington. “We see it every day—students are struggling, and the need for mental health resources, referrals, and interventions is growing.”
In the 2023–2024 school year alone, CISWA’s affiliate network across Washington provided 170 mental health referrals, conducted 40 suicide interventions, and supported students with over 600 counseling and grief sessions. These efforts were bolstered by more than 250 hours of training hosted and paid for by the state office, which included Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA), trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and self-care. In total, more than 716 instances of mental health-related support were documented, underscoring both the growing need for these services and the vital role Communities In Schools affiliates play within their local school communities.
“The site staff and school district partners are on the front lines of youth mental health,” said Nikki Ziegler, Program Support Specialist and certified Youth Mental Health First Aid trainer. “The site staff are not only caring adults in students’ lives—they are often the ones connecting youth to the life-saving resources they need.”
To help equip staff with the skills to recognize and respond to signs of mental health challenges, CISWA provides a robust training opportunities throughout the year. Central to this is Youth Mental Health First Aid, an evidence-based training that teaches adults how to identify, understand, and respond to mental health crises in youth. Delivered in-person to ensure emotional safety and engagement, these sessions are led by Limon and Ziegler, both trained facilitators certified by Mental Health First Aid Connect.
Each Youth Mental Health First Aid session is eight hours long, accommodates up to 30 participants, and includes in-depth learning around trauma, suicide warning signs, de-escalation practices, and referral strategies. These trainings are offered three times annually and are open to all affiliate program staff across Washington.
“Equipping our team with tools like Youth Mental Health First Aid is just one piece of our larger strategy,” said Limon. “The affiliate network also prioritizes trauma-informed care, restorative justice, and self-care practices—because this work is complex, and the site staff need to be supported, too.”
In addition to training, CISWA hosts a variety of convenings that bring together staff at every level across the affiliate network—Site Coordinators, Program Managers, Executive Directors, and Development staff—for learning, collaboration, and connection. These gatherings feature workshops on topics like supporting undocumented families, navigating mental health resources, and building a sense of belonging within school communities.
Looking ahead, the network affiliate across CISWA is actively expanding its network of partners and subject-matter experts to enhance professional development offerings and ensure affiliates across the state can implement best practices tailored to their local communities.
“The goal is not only to respond to crises but to build school environments where students feel they belong and can thrive,” said Ziegler. “We believe every student deserves a support system that helps them grow into their fullest potential.”
As Mental Health Awareness Month continues, Communities In Schools of Washington invites community members, educators, and mental health professionals to join in its mission. Whether through partnerships, training opportunities, or direct monetary support to continue funding these training programs, everyone has a role to play in helping students succeed—inside the classroom and beyond.