School, Family, Community Resources
- Suicide/Crisis Hotlines
- Mental & Behavioral Health
- Substance Abuse
- Eating Disorders
- Military Family Resources
- Housing & Youth Shelter
- Clothing
- Food
- Furniture
- Health Care
- Legal Assistance
Suicide/Crisis Hotlines
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, help is available 24/7
Suicide is a major public health concern.
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among young people, and, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, was the tenth-leading cause of death in the nation (CDC, 2019). Every year in the U.S., more people die by suicide than in car accidents. Although these numbers may make suicide seem common, it is still a rare event.
Suicidal thoughts or behaviors are more common than suicide deaths and are signs of extreme distress. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors are not harmless bids for attention and should not be ignored. Suicide is complicated and tragic, but it is often preventable. Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can help save lives.
(this list is in alphabetical order, not in order of recommendation)
Pierce County Crisis Line >> 800-576-7764
Available 24/7 providing IMMEDIATE support to individuals, families and communities throughout Pierce County. A request for a Crisis Intervention Therapist (CIT) from the MOCT team may be needed for additional support. If a person is unwilling to be VOLUNTARY for MH services and meet criteria a Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) may be requested and respond to crisis to determine if a person may be detained for INVOLUNTARY mental health services under the Involuntary Treatment Act.
SUICIDE Hotline
National Suicide Prevention Life Line >> call 988
or TEXT the Crisis Text Line @ 741741
Washington Listens >> 833-681-0211
Monday-Friday 9 am-9pm; Saturday-Sunday 9am-6pm
Resources for Students and Families
- Suicide Resources for Youth
- Know the Warning Signs and Risk Factors
- Teens and Suicide: What Parents Should Know
- Talking to Teens: Suicide Prevention
- Having a Conversation about Suicide with your Child
- Prevention Information for Parents
- 7 Ways to Improve Resiliency and Reduce Suicide Risk
- A Journey Toward Health and Hope: Your Handbook for Recovery After a Suicide Attempt
Suicide Resources for Youth
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people between 10 to 24. Sometimes your struggle can be underestimated because of your age. But we hear you, and help is available. Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Know the Warning Signs and Risk Factors
It can be frightening if someone you love talks about suicidal thoughts. It can be even more frightening if you find yourself thinking about dying or giving up on life. National Alliance on Mental Illness
Teens and Suicide: What Parents Should Know
As a parent, you can approach suicide prevention in the same way you do other safety or health issues for your children. By educating yourself, you can learn what puts kids at greatest risk for suicide – and what protects them most strongly. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Talking to Teens: Suicide Prevention
Tools to help prevent youth suicide American Psychological Association
Having a Conversation about Suicide with your Child
Suicide is a real risk for our youth, it remains the second leading cause of death for youth age 10-24 in the United States. It is very important for you to know that suicide isn’t about bad parenting! One of the most simple and accurate definitions of suicide states that it is an alternative solution to a problem of intense emotional distress by someone whose problem-solving skills are impaired. There may be many reasons for the impairment, and being compromised mentally or emotionally is usually at the top of the list. Possibly more helpful to you right now than understanding the causes of suicide is outlining steps that may help you recognize if your child may be at risk - and what you can do about it. Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide
Prevention Information for Parents
One of the more difficult challenges of parenting is realizing that you don’t always know what your children are thinking and feeling. You may be aware that suicide is a leading cause of death in adolescence, but you can’t imagine your child might become one of those statistics. When do the normal ups and downs of adolescence become something to worry about? How can you know if suicide is a risk for your family? And if you are worried about it, what can you do? Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide
7 Ways to Improve Resiliency and Reduce Suicide Risk
When a child experiences suicidal thoughts or mental health concerns, it can be worrisome and scary. You may find yourself asking, what can I do to help? The good news is that there are ways for you to support your child and help them learn to navigate an emotional crisis. Nationwide Children's Hospital
A Journey Toward Health and Hope: Your Handbook for Recovery After a Suicide Attempt
This resource guides people through the first steps toward recovery and a hopeful future after a suicide attempt. It includes personal stories from survivors, and strategies for recovery, such as re-establishing connections and finding a counselor. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Mental & Behavioral Health
(this list is in alphabetical order, not in order of recommendation)
2-1-1 Washington
Need help with groceries, housing, utilities or something else? WA 211 has you covered.
Bridges Center for Grieving Children >> 253-403-1966
Support for families with children between the ages of 4 and 18 who are coping with a loved one's serious diagnosis or who have experienced the death of someone they care about.
Carelon Behavioral Health (formally Beacon Health Options) >> 866-477-8208
Catholic Community Services - WISe Pierce County >> 253-759-9544 or 800-566-9053
WISe stands for Wraparound with Intensive Services. WISe is a voluntary service that takes a team approach to meeting your child’s needs. It provides intensive mental health services to support your child and helps your family reach your goals.
Comprehensive Life Resources >> 253-396-5800
Consejo Counseling >> 253-414-7461
On-site counselor at Steilacoom HS and Pioneer MS - contact your school counselor for referral
Greater Lakes Mental Health >> 253-581-7020
Lakewood Child and Family Counseling >> 253-617-3559 ext 1
MultiCare Mental & Behavioral Health Services >> 253-697-8400 or 888-445-8120
NAMI Pierce County (National Alliance on Mental Illness) >> 253-677-6629 or info@namipierce.org
Resources include Family Support Groups & Connection Support Groups
Tacoma Counseling >> 253-300-1258
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
Teen Link >> 866-833-6546
A help line for teens by teens
Trevor Project >> 866-488-7386
The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people.
United Way Pierce County
Referals to mental health providers and counseling services, assistance with connecting to crisis intervention services or substance abuse support.
Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care (Cohen Clinic)
Valley Cities provides mental health services for children and teens for a wide range of concerns such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more.
Washington's Mental Health Referral Services for Children & Teens >> 833-303-5437
Connector to evidence-supported outpatient Mental Health Services
Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) - Behavioral Health
Coping with Loss, Death, or Grief
- Grief, Bereavement, and Coping with Loss
- Helping Children Cope with Loss, Death, and Grief: Tips for Teachers, Administrators, Parents, and Caregivers
- Helping Children Cope After a Traumatic Event
- Helping Military Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Parents & Educators
Grief, Bereavement, and Coping with Loss
People cope with the loss of a loved one in different ways. Most people who experience grief will cope well. Others will have severe grief and may need treatment. There are many things that can affect the grief process of someone who has lost a loved one to cancer. National Cancer Institute
How to Survive Early Grief - 8 simple acts for an unbearable time
Some tips to help your kids deal with bereavement - This resource was shared with us by students participating in a bereavement support program.
Grief and Loss Workshop (with Sesame Street) The death of a loved one brings enormous challenges. The Sesame Workshop offers support and resources for families to use during these difficult times.
TPCHD Blog - Do you know someone who died by suicide? Let's talk.
Helpful resources from Dougy Center:
- Tips for Teens Who are Grieving
- Myths About Grief
- Tips for Supporting a Teen
- Supporting Teens After a Death of a Close Friend
- Developmental Responses to Grief
Helping Children Cope with Loss, Death, and Grief: Tips for Teachers, Administrators, Parents, and Caregivers
The following tips will help teachers, parents, and other caregivers support children who have experienced the loss of parents, friends, or loved ones. National Association of School Psychologists
When Grief/Loss Hits Close to Home: Tips for Caregivers
Dougy Center's mission is to provide grief support in a safe place where children, teens, young adults, and their families can share their experiences before and after a death.
School-based support and increased understanding are essential when a student experiences the death of a friend or loved one. While each student will be affected differently depending on his or her developmental level, cultural beliefs, personal characteristics, family situation, and previous experiences. There are some strategies that can be helpful in supporting bereaved students. National Association of School Psychologists
Helping Children Cope After a Traumatic Event
Helping Military Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Parents & Educators
TIPS FOR PARENTS: Children grieve in different ways. Military children face unique challenges after the death of a Service member. Some may develop traumatic grief responses, making it more difficult to cope. These tips can help parents recognize traumatic grief symptoms and help their military child cope with traumatic grief. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
TIPS FOR EDUCATORS: Children who are grieving the loss of a military loved one can develop traumatic responses in addition to grief responses, or “childhood traumatic grief.” These tips can help educators support these children. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Substance Abuse
SAMHSA National Hotline-connector to substance abuse disorders
ACTS Behavioral Health actsrehab.org
9100 Bridgeport Way SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
253-302-3826
El Camino www.fms-elcamino.org
2316 S State St Tacoma, WA 98405
253-572-3214
Community Counseling Institute www.cciwa.org
2502 Tacoma Ave Tacoma, WA 98402
253-759-0852
St. Peter’s Chemical Dependency www.providence.org
400 College St Lacey, WA 98503
800-332-0465
Washington Recovery Help Line >> 866-789-1511
Treatments and resources for substance use and problem gambling
Eating Disorders
Eating Disorder Treatment
Tacoma, WA · (253) 218-4035
Center for Discovery
Tacoma, WA · (253) 650-1792
Open 24 hours
Eating Recovery Center Bellevue
Bellevue, WA · In Overlake Medical Pavilion
(425) 454-1010
The Emily Program
Eating disorder treatment center
Lacey, WA · (888) 364-5977
Medicare accepted
Great Educational Websites related to eating disorders:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Eating-Disorders
Military Family Resources
Military Specific: all need referral from PCM
Adolescent Medicine Clinic at Madigan (Dr. Lindley)
Nutritions Clinic (Ms. Vacarro)
Child and Family Behavioral Health Services
Military Specific Services
Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 press 1 confidential chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net or text to 838255
Military and Family Life Counselor (Service/Family member assigned to unit w/o embedded MFLC) 253-293-2223 or 253-363-6975 Female assigned counselor call 253-213-4038
Military and Family Life Behavioral Health Lewis-Main or North 253-968-4159 or McChord Field 253-982-3685
Child and Family Behavioral Health Services (CAFBHS) - Must have referral from Primary Care Physician. This is for families who have TRICARE Prime.
Madigan Annex
Bldg. 9923A
Tacoma, WA 98431
(253) 968-4843
Families Overcoming Under Stress (FOCUS)- Resiliency training for families, children, and couples; skill building groups, workshops, and consultations.
BLDG 2013, N. St. RM 331 (Lewis-Main)
The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Valley Cities- Mental health services for adults and children of Military families.
(253) 215-7070
6103 Mt Tacoma Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
Chaplain Family Life Center- Offers faith based and confidential family, marriage, and individual counseling, to active duty Service Members, their family members, retirees, and DOD civilians.
(253) 967-1723
Four Chaplains Memorial Chapel, BLDG 9120
Housing & Youth Shelter
(this list is in alphabetical order, not in order of recommendation)
2-1-1 Washington
Need help with groceries, housing, utilities or something else? WA 211 has you covered.
Beacon Center Young Adult Shelter (overnight housing 18-24) - available 8pm to 7am
415 S 13th St, Tacoma, WA 98402
253-381-4365
Coffee Oasis (17 and under)
referral accepted 24/7 by phone 253-328-6127 or email Tacoma@TheCoffeOasis.com
Pierce College Housing Resources
Pierce County Human Services > Housing Assistance and Programs
Human Services offers a variety of services, programs, and resources to assist residents with their housing needs. They include a variety of grant and loan programs to assist renters, homebuyers, homeowners and affordable housing developers.
REACH Center Tacoma >> 253-573-6882
Helps youth aged 12-24 who are homeless or have unstable housing - check daily
Tacoma Pierce County Coalition to End Homelessness
Has daily information for shower and day centers, overnight shelters, and walk-in hours for agencies who can make referrals to housing resources.
United Way Pierce County
Help with finding temporary or permanent housing solutions, and connection to homeless shelters, housing vouchers, and eviction prevention programs.
Washington 211 >> call 211
Calling 211 is the best first step to find housing resources near you as most housing services in Pierce County require a referral from 211. Get help by dialing the number 211, searching the Washington 211 website, or texting "211WAOD" to 898211.
Clothing
2-1-1 Washington
Need help with groceries, housing, utilities or something else? WA 211 has you covered.
Caring for Kids
For more information, contact your school counselor for referral
Just Threads Clothing Bank
Tacoma, WA
St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Store
Tacoma, WA
253-474-0519
YWCA Pierce County
Tacoma, WA
253-272-4181
Pierce College Food & Hygiene Resources
Brightening 4 Children Family Resource Center
1205 19th Ave Portable A - Discovery Elementary
Milton, Washington, 98354
Eatonville Family Agency
305 West Center Street, Eatonville, WA 98328
360-832-6805
Family Support Centers Pierce County
Spanaway, WA
253-683-6850
Fircrest United Methodist Church Clothing Closet
Tacoma, WA
253-564-7862
My Sister’s Pantry
Tacoma, WA
253-627-0129
Food
(this list is in alphabetical order, not in order of recommendation)
2-1-1 Washington
Need help with groceries, housing, utilities or something else? WA 211 has you covered.
Eloise’s Cooking Pot
3543 E McKinley Ave, Tacoma, WA 98404
Emergency Food Network
Find a food pantry near you, check out a guide for first-time food pantry visitors, get a list of additional resources across Pierce County, and download the Pierce County Food Pantry Directory with over 75 local food pantries along with their operating hours, addresses and phone numbers.
FoodPantries.org - Pierce County
Enter your address on the web page to find the nearest Food Pantry
Hunger Free Washington
There are over 500 food banks and pantries across Washington - including one near you! Use this site to find your local food bank.
Nourish Mobile Food Bank
Mondays Only 4:30-6:30pm
Giaudrone Middle School
4902 S Alaska St, Tacoma, WA 98408
Nourish Mobile Food Bank
STAR Center
Tuesdays Only 1:00-3:00 pm
3873 S 66th St Tacoma, WA 98409
Pierce College Food & Hygiene Resources
Steilacoom Food Pantry
Will provides a weekly bag of groceries for your family. If you are interested in learning more, contact your child's school counselor.
WashingtonConnection.org
Washington Connection offers a fast and easy way to apply for a variety of public benefits. This may save you having to visit or call an office in some cases. Services for families and individuals include: Food, Cash, Child Care, Long-Term Care, Medicare Savings Programs, and Medical assistance (age 65 or older, blind, or disabled)
Furniture
Northwest Furniture Bank >> 253-302-3868 or info@nwfurniturebank.org
Provides eligible households with gently used furniture (up to 9+ pieces) at reduced cost. Referral required.
117 Puyallup Ave Tacoma, WA 98421
Francis House
Puyallup, WA
253-848-3618
Health Care
2-1-1 Washington
Need help with groceries, housing, utilities or something else? WA 211 has you covered.
WashingtonConnection.org
Washington Connection offers a fast and easy way to apply for a variety of public benefits. This may save you having to visit or call an office in some cases. Services for families and individuals include: Food, Cash, Child Care, Long-Term Care, Medicare Savings Programs, and Medical assistance (age 65 or older, blind, or disabled)
Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA)
In Washington State, Medicaid is called Apple Health. Apple Health provides physical and behavioral health services for Washington residents who qualify.
Legal Assistance
CLEAR
Washington centralized intake and referral service for individuals seeking free legal assistance
1-888-201-1014
Disability Rights Washington
Provides disability rights information
1-800-562-2702
www.disabilityrightswa.org
Washington Law Help
www.washingtonlawhelp.org
Also available are specific resources for legal financial obligations