Youth stabilization center to open in Everson

The youth stabilization center in Everson held its grand opening on Aug. 17 and was attended by members of the public, representatives of non-profits and first responders, as well as elected officials. Training is ongoing before the program can receive clients. (Photo courtesy Becky Raney)

Facility will provide ‘secure haven for youth facing crises’

EVERSON — The first youth crisis stabilization unit for northwest Washington is now training staff and will see youth clients in the next few months.

On Aug. 17, TouchStone Counseling Group, in conjunction with Youth Resource Center, celebrated the grand opening of its youth crisis triage intensive outpatient center in downtown Everson.

Former Washington State Rep. Vincent Buys sang the National Anthem. Then, Native American singer JP Falcon Grady and flutist Peter Ali performed. The program included several elected officials, such as City of Everson Mayor John Perry and staff, Whatcom County Fire District No. 1, Everson Police Department, Whatcom County Council Member Kathy Kershner, Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu, State Sen. Sharon Shewmake, and State Rep. Joe Timmons.

“This exceptional center, fully funded by the Washington State Department of Commerce and also with Apple Health for Kids, also known as Medicaid insurance partners, stands as a pioneering model of compassionate care,” Youth Resource Center Board Member Becky Raney said. “Distinguished by its unique recliner chair model, living room approach, it provides a secure haven for youth facing crises, filling a crucial void in Washington State’s mental health landscape.”

Through collaborations with first responders, educators, guardians and concerned citizens, youth in crisis come for a 23-hour, 59-minute stay. This facility, distinct from residential care, is fortified by the proximity by Everson Police Department and Whatcom County Fire District No. 1, both within a block.

The operational model is for a closed area as a youth crisis triage intensive outpatient center, under the supervision of a registered nurse and two clinical technicians at all times, Raney said.

In addition to the outpatient center, the space will also have a non-profit component, a youth resource center, as a haven for personal growth and mentorship of youth.

“The center will only be open when adult supervision is there,” Raney said. “Empowered by community donations, this initiative seeks to channel 100% of resources toward the welfare of youths, addressing their basic needs and facilitating a safe space for growth.”

This component is using established non-profit community partners such as Roots with Empathy, DVASC (Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services Center) and Lydia Place.

TouchStone Counseling Group is also involved with private clinical psychologists to offer therapeutic counseling online or in person. Following the open house, training is now in progress, said Board President Jesse Creydt.

TouchStone Behavioral Health received $900,000 in capital funding for acquisition, renovation and/or construction of a crisis stabilization facility from the Washington Behavioral Health Facilities capital program, in a Washington Department of Commerce press release.

As part of the grant process, the projects must maintain the facility for at least 15 years.

While TouchStone has been based in Blaine, Everson was selected for this intensive youth outpatient treatment. For more information about TouchStone Counseling, see touchstonecounselinggroup.com.

TouchStone Counseling was founded in 2010 by Jesse’s wife Dr. Erikya Creydt, PsyD/M.A./Licensed Psychologist/Director of Behavioral Health.

A future 16-bed facility is being planned to be integrated with this center, Raney said. However, it will be located in Bellingham. There is no timeline for this facility.

“This endeavor echoes the urgency to provide a refuge for those grappling with thoughts of self-harm, substance abuse, and other pressing concerns.”