ABOUT US
Youth Contact is a child and youth counseling service provider based in Washington County, Oregon.
History
Youth Contact is a private, nonprofit corporation governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Founded in 1976, we have had decades of successful youth treatment service delivery for children, youth, and families in Washington County. The Board of Directors includes members with significant tenure in service to the agency and the county. Our successful and stable history has promoted the development of many professional partnerships with area School Districts, The Oregon Parenting Education Collaborative, the County Juvenile Department, DHS, and other behavioral health and social service providers in the county and metropolitan area. These strong alliances help to promote excellent coordination of services to youth and their families. Youth Contact was founded by Washington County parents and continues to dedicate services only to residents of Washington County.
Since our inception, we have developed a continuum of child, youth and family-centered programs and services to prevent and treat substance abuse, emotional and behavioral problems, or co-occurring mental and substance abuse problems. In the past 45 years we have served over 900,000 children, youth and parents/caregivers.
Philosophy
When a young person has a problem, family interaction and communication can also suffer. Utilizing family expertise and involving the family in treatment whenever possible are the most effective ways to help children and youth experiencing emotional and behavioral problems and those of substance abuse and dependency.
Through counseling with a problem-solving focus, problems and goals are clarified with all family members and a plan is developed that is specific to the child’s individual needs.
If other services are needed, Youth Contact will facilitate referrals to the appropriate resources in the community.
Qualifications
Youth Contact is certified by the State of Oregon to provide both outpatient alcohol and drug and outpatient mental health services for children and youth. All clinicians are masters level and have training in the provision of family, group and individual treatment with particular emphasis on understanding children and youth within the larger context of their family, school, culture/values and community. Our staff includes clinicians who speak Spanish, and we provide regular training regarding cultural competence.