lean on me

Teens find support at Bainbridge Youth Services

Words by Leslie Kelly

In 2021, BYS counseled 224 youth, about a quarter of whom live off-island in Kitsap County.

Sixty years ago, Bainbridge residents concerned about what they called “juvenile delinquency” set up a job board for teens in a school hallway. That initial outreach grew into Bainbridge Youth Services (BYS) that today has its own building and offers mental health services and a safe place for youth aged 13 to 21 throughout Kitsap County.

“We have evolved into a dedicated counseling service for young people,” said Courtney Oliver, executive director of Bainbridge Youth Services.

In 2021, BYS counseled 224 youth, providing 1,901 hours of therapy for a variety of concerns and issues. About 25 percent of the participants live off-island, elsewhere in Kitsap County.

“Anxiety and depression are common,” said counselor Sarah Allbee. These kids are “working through family issues, relationships with peers, sexual orientation and racism are other issues—really anything and everything.”

During the COVID pandemic, students were filled with uncertainty, wondering when life would be normal again. BYS didn’t close its doors. “Within a week we were able to transition to a telehealth model,” Oliver said. “We kept up with our weekly sessions.”

Students can seek help without parental approval because 13 is the age of consent in Washington. Sessions are private, unless the client wants to include their parents, family members or friends. Counseling usually takes place once a week but can be more often if needed and can continue until the age of 21. In addition to one-on-one counseling, BYS offers support groups, peer tutoring and a jobs board.

Counselor John Carleton thinks the main benefit of BYS counseling is that teens have “a place to go and talk about what’s hard in their lives without fear of judgment.” He says many have reported less stress and anxiety due to gaining improved coping tools.

“As they become familiar with our counselors and more secure in the feeling of not being judged, they’re able to sink into the feelings they’ve been avoiding and are able to let go of self-contempt, criticism and judgment,” he said. “BYS is a safe space unlike any other in their normal lives.”

Photo: : Adobe Stock / Antonioguillem