Sometimes it’s just not possible to sort through tough times alone. Problems can build up, and you may lose sleep, find you can’t concentrate at school and feel hopeless. Talking to someone you can trust can help you understand the situation and your own emotions better. There are many resources if you are thinking of leaving a difficult home situation.
When we grow up in a difficult home environment it is easy to think adults are of no help. This is not accurate or helpful thinking. There are many adults who are dedicated to helping you get the services and help you need to be able to focus on school or learning a trade. But, you have to be open to trust them.
When you need to talk to someone, your school counselor (sometimes called a guidance counselor) can be a great place to start. Counseling is just a process of talking to someone who is not involved in the problem you face and who has education in how to listen with kindness and without judgment. This person has your best interest in mind and can support you as you figure out your options and decide on a course of action.
Counselors value confidentiality. In Washington State, teens age 13 and older can request counseling services without the consent of their parent. A parent cannot request to see the records of counseling without the written consent of that teen.
You can also call YES at 509-671-7293. The people here will talk with you about your worries and will help you get the support you need to deal with your difficulties. We offer counseling free for those who would like help in sorting out options and putting experiences in perspective so you can feel good about yourself and your choices.
Local Resources
Pend Oreille County Counseling Services (POCCS)
POCCS provides mental health services to individuals who are residents of Pend Oreille County and the North Central Washington Regional Support catchment area. This includes residents of Adams, Ferry, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan, and Stevens counties. POCCS will accept medical coupons for payment of their services.
Their office is located at 105 S. Garden Avenue, Newport, WA. Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. No appointment is necessary for walk in crisis services.
For crisis services during office hours, please call 509-447-5651 or 800-404-5151. For emergency services after hours, call 866-847-8540 and a crisis counselor will be available to discuss your needs. For immediate assistance with life threatening and/or medically dangerous situations, call 911.
Regular office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Outreach offices are located in the Cutter Theater in Metaline Falls and various Selkirk school district areas, dependent on available resources.
Family Crisis Network (FCN)
FCN’s mission is to provide services to all persons who have been victimized and to promote a safe environment from domestic violence, sexual assault, and for the homeless. 730 W 1st Street, Newport WA 99156. 509-447-5483.
Rural Resources Community Action
Since 1965, Rural Resources Community Action has helped residents of Northeastern Washington help themselves and each other. Through education, resources and support, we offer real hope to children, seniors and families, by working to create a stronger and more stable community for us all. Their facility is located at 956 South Main, Colville, WA.
Statewide Resources
Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV)
WSCADV is primarily a resource for programs that assist domestic violence victims and their families.
National Resources
The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+)
The Trevor Project is a national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth and teens. 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386).
The National Runaway Switchboard
You can call 800-RUNAWAY. The National Runaway Switchboard has access to more than 13,000 resources throughout the country, such as support groups, counseling and drug treatment centers, and youth shelters. They also have a wealth of information regarding legal issues and medical concerns. Call them and they’ll get you the help you need.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. By dialing 800-273-TALK, the call is routed to the nearest crisis center in their national network of more than 150 crisis centers.
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
It is the mission of NCADV to work for major societal changes necessary to eliminate both personal and societal violence against all women and children.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Hotline advocates are available for victims and anyone calling on their behalf to provide crisis intervention, safety planning, information and referrals to agencies in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Assistance is available in English and Spanish with access to more than 170 languages through interpreter services. 800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233).