BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Helping people who experience mental health and wellness challenges, addictive issues, violence or other trauma to reconcile the past, gain control of their lives and embrace the future with hope.
Client Story
Students like Phoebe sometimes feel overwhelmed.
She found a trusted place to learn coping skills.
Phoebe is your standard, wiggly fourth grader, perched on the edge of her chair and quick to ask how long she needs to sit still. Arriving with a favorite book in hand, Phoebe is a perfect picture of a curious, creative, ten-year-old girl.
Like many kids, Phoebe is navigating the everyday ups and downs of school life. Friendships can shift from best friends to enemies in the course of a day. There’s the exasperating boy sitting behind her in class, and the goofy friends she relies on to make her laugh when things feel hard. After school, she unwinds with familiar comforts, like an after-school snack, jumping on the trampoline, or getting lost in a good book.
When school felt overwhelming to Phoebe, her family turned to the LCSNW Tri-Cities School-Based Mental Health program. Through a partnership between LCSNW and Richland School District, the program provides students with access to counseling and crisis support at their schools. LCSNW currently staffs one case manager and three mental health clinicians across 22 school buildings, including at Wiley Elementary School where Phoebe attends.
Over the course of the 2025-2026 school year, Phoebe met weekly with the onsite clinician. Those check-ins gave Phoebe a trusted place at school to talk through challenges and build healthy coping skills. Together, they identified strategies like using a fidget toy, reading, stepping away to reset, or seeking support from her mom and teachers.
Today, Phoebe is no longer in the program and is most proud of her big dreams. Active in her school choir, she hopes to become a singer someday – living in a big house with a whole floor dedicated to books. When asked what adults should know about kids and feelings, Phoebe simply advises, “When a kid is having big feelings, don’t push them to make a big choice. They might not know everything going on today.”
846
SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CLIENTS
(Greater Puget Sound,
Tri-Cities, Portland,
Yamhill County)
Staff Profile
Sean Wright, Spokane
For Sean, the path into a mental health career was not a straight line. Originally focused on neuroscience, he shifted direction after recognizing the barriers people face trying to access care. That turning point led him to pursue his master’s degree and ultimately a career centered on helping people heal.
Sean’s experience spans community mental health work with youth in post-Katrina New Orleans, hospice counseling, and now over a decade of service in Spokane. Since joining LCSNW 13 years ago as a clinician, he has grown into his current role as Clinical Program Director.
Under Sean’s leadership, LCSNW Spokane’s Behavioral Health team has made big strides in evidence-based practices. He helped lead the achievement of 100% clinician completion of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT+) training and consultation. He supported the development of an Embedded Clinical Coaching model that is now recognized at the state level. His commitment to learning and mentorship has helped position his program as a training site for clinicians and interns, investing in the future of the field.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Sean stepped into leadership during one of the most challenging periods in the field. Amid staffing shortages and a rapid transition to telehealth, he guided the program through uncertainty while maintaining continuity of care.
Sean’s impact extends beyond LCSNW. He was selected to present at the 2026 Washington Behavioral Health Conference, reflecting his leadership in clinical training and innovation. At the core of his work is a focus on people, building strong teams, supporting growth, and creating conditions for clients and clinicians to thrive.
3,087
OUTPATIENT CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH CLIENTS
(Spokane, Tri-Cities, Portland/Vancouver,
Yamhill, Klamath Falls, Greater Puget Sound)
Volunteer Profile
Jaime Sanchez Estrada
For more than six years, Jaime has helped young people in greater Portland find a path forward after making a mistake.
Through LCSNW’s Restorative Justice program, Jaime works with youth referred as an alternative to consequences within Multnomah’s County’s juvenile justice system. In weekly sessions, participants learn and grow in a safe, judgment-free space where they receive support from Jaime, along with other LCSNW volunteers and staff.
Restorative practices are intended to help cultivate participants’ ability to reflect, take responsibility, and set goals for the future.
“We’re here for them, not to judge them,” Jaime said. “When they realize something for themselves—that’s the most powerful moment.”
Jaime’s approach focuses on youth. Sometimes he may involve other family members in the household. By encouraging open, respectful communication between parents and children, he strengthens support systems at home.
“Small changes in how people talk to each other can make a big difference,” he said.
Balancing his volunteer work with running two small businesses and making time for family, Jaime donates his time because he believes in early intervention.
“If we can help young people make better choices now,” he said, “we can change what comes next.”
For Jaime, every conversation is a chance to create lasting impact—and a second chance for the youth he serves.
73
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE CLIENTS,
YOUTH AND ADULT
(Portland/Vancouver)
By the Numbers
1,466
Victim's Advocacy &
Victim's Services Clients
(Spokane, Portland/Vancouver)
303
Substance Use
Disorder Treatment Clients
(Klamath Falls, Portland/Vancouver)
448
Juvenile Justice Center Mental Health Clients
(Tri-Cities)
109
Medication Management Clients
(Tri-Cities)