A free 10-week counseling program for kids 12-18 starts next week, to address stressors and mental health challenges.
It’s called "YES!" which stands for "Youth Empowerment Success!"
Kids will identify their challenges, barriers to getting things done like schoolwork, building relationships and developing skills to deal with difficult situations.
The goal is to create ways to better manage anxiety, depression, social and family stressors, in hopes to reduce the risk of substance abuse disorder in the future.
Counselor Ann Ronayne with Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan joined IPR's "Morning Edition" to talk about the program. Listen to her conversation with Tyler Thompson via the audio player with this story.
It starts Monday.
"YES!" is available to kids in the Grand Traverse Area or anyone that can get to the office. Twelve spots are available.
There is no deadline to sign up, but Ronayne recommends at least six weeks in the program. Get more information here.
Parents and other concerned adults can call any of these for guidance as well:
Third Level youth crisis line, local and affiliated with Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan
231-922-4800
The Trevor Project - LGBTQ+ Youth
Phone, text and chat at 866-488-7386
National Runaway Safeline
Phone, text and chat at 800-786-2929