Youth suicide prevention in Washington has continued to grow as the suicide rates in young people have continued to increase. With this being a critical matter for families and communities, Washington has expanded efforts to provide suicide prevention to schools and communities across the state.
With this article, we hope to show the importance of youth suicide prevention, how Washington is working to address the rising suicide rate, and areas where efforts may still need improvement.
Why Is Youth Suicide Prevention in Washington So Important?
Youth suicide prevention is so important because suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people in the state of Washington.1 State data show there was a 13% increase in the youth suicide rate in Washington in recent years. This data stresses the toll that the state’s mental health crisis is having on the residents.2
Though rates of suicide in teens have increased over the years, there is some survey data from 2023 showing that suicidal thoughts have declined, specifically among 10th graders. However, the levels are still concerning. The survey mentioned showed that about 30% of these 10th graders experienced feelings of persistent depression, and nearly 15% said they had seriously considered suicide in the previous year.3
Regardless of the mixed data, one thing that’s for certain is that rates of youth suicide and attempted suicide in Washington have increased compared to a decade ago. This is still the case, even if they have begun to level off in the most recent years. These statistics help explain why suicide prevention programs in Washington schools and the community at large are so important. Such efforts aim to lower risk, strengthen supports, and expand access to Washington teen mental health resources.
Why Schools Are So Essential as Front-Line Prevention Partners
Schools are central hubs for Washington student mental health support. As concerns about student well-being rise, those who work in the schools have day-to-day contact with young people. They’re well-positioned to observe student behavior and intervene if they suspect a risk of self-harm and/or suicide.
Many of Washington’s school-based mental health programs are focused on catching distress early, before it escalates into an emergency. They’re also aiming to make it easier for students to ask for help without fear or stigma. Washington has implemented Bill RCW 28A.300.288 to work to address this problem by training schools, communities, and families.4
Training Teachers and School Staff
School staff are often the frontlines for students dealing with behavioral health concerns. Teachers and administrators are around young people for large portions of the day. Therefore, they have the opportunity to notice changes that could signal risk, like withdrawing from friends or falling behind in classes. By providing appropriate mental health education to schools in Washington, teachers are more likely to be able to identify these risks, evaluate safety, and provide the students the right support.
By educating schools, families, and the community on the patterns to look for, young people will have access to mental health screenings earlier. And earlier identification strengthens Washington’s youth crisis intervention efforts before situations become critical.
Mission Connection offers flexible outpatient care for adults needing more than weekly therapy. Our in-person and telehealth programs include individual, group, and experiential therapy, along with psychiatric care and medication management.
We treat anxiety, depression, trauma, and bipolar disorder using evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and trauma-focused therapies. Designed to fit into daily life, our services provide consistent support without requiring residential care.
What Communities Can Do to Prevent Youth Suicide
While schools play a key role in adolescent mental health in Washington, prevention does not stop once the student leaves school. Across the state, nonprofits and health systems are aiming to strengthen community suicide prevention in Washington. Nonprofits, like the JED Foundation, are working across the country, including Washington state, to prevent teen suicide by partnering with schools and counties to assess community needs.5
These partnerships broaden the reach of community suicide prevention in Washington, especially for families who may not know where to turn when problems first show up. However, these are not the only ways that families can receive support. We discuss some other options in the following sections.
Crisis Lines and Mobile Response for Youth
Among Washington’s statewide youth mental health initiatives is the expansion of crisis lines and support. Washington’s 988 crisis line has become a central point of entry for teens experiencing acute distress. By connecting them to trained professionals who can assess risk and coordinate next steps, these crisis lines serve as lifelines.
In some regions, those calls lead to responses from mobile teams, like DESC’s team in King County or Compass Health’s team in the North West counties of Skagit, Whatcom, Island, and San Juan. This rapid connection to care helps stabilize situations and keeps young people linked to follow-up services instead of depending entirely on emergency departments.
Family Education and Caregiver Workshops
Many community initiatives focus on equipping parents and caregivers with actionable strategies, like how to talk about suicidal thoughts, what warning signs to watch for, and how to navigate care. By educating families, these initiatives can reduce fear, replace myths with accurate information, and help families feel less alone when issues come up.
What Prevention Actually Looks Like in Practice
Many of Washington’s statewide youth mental health initiatives emphasize building systems that notice distress early, respond calmly, and keep young people connected to trusted adults and clinical care. Some ways of putting suicide prevention practices into action include:
Normalizing Mental Health Conversations Early
Young people are more likely to come forward about how they’re feeling when discussions around mental health are normalized. Studies have shown that adolescents consider increased openness and reduced stigma around mental health problems to be an important factor for improving mental health.6
So, when schools and parents discuss these topics openly, teens can learn to identify what they’re experiencing and how to voice their feelings. This can make it easier for them to come forward when something doesn’t feel right.
Building Up Protective Factors
Protective factors, especially supportive relationships, help reduce the likelihood of suicide. When programs focus on building connections for young people through mentorships, clubs, and spaces where they feel they belong, this creates a buffer against isolation and despair. Building these protective factors has become the backbone of many youth mental health initiatives in Washington.
Continued Concerns for Expanded Care Across Washington
Even though Washington continues to work to expand suicide prevention efforts and increase access to care, the state still faces several challenges that make getting support difficult. For instance, the state continues to struggle with:
Behavioral Health Shortages
Too many areas in Washington, especially rural counties, like Lincoln and Okanogan, have access to little to no behavioral health professionals. Much of the state has to rely on telehealth, and even then, wait times can take weeks to months to get an appointment. Or they’re forced to use emergency services. Not having access significantly limits follow-through, especially for families already navigating transportation or insurance barriers.
Cultural Barriers and Trust
Like much of the country, Washington still encounters issues with stigma around mental health – making it hard for people to seek care in the first place. Then there are issues around cultural differences and language.
Washington has 1.3 million foreign-born residents, making up 16% of the population.7 If there are not enough mental health providers in general, matching with someone of a similar cultural background or who speaks the same language will be even harder. And then, of course, there is the mistrust of healthcare systems in general that many people hold.
All these barriers can keep families from seeking support, engaging with school referrals, or contacting community services. Prevention efforts highlight the need for culturally responsive outreach and bilingual education to ensure mental health support reaches students across various backgrounds.
How Mission Connection Supports Youth and Families in Washington
While schools and community programs often serve as the first line of prevention, long-term stability usually depends on what comes next. At Mission Connection, we provide personalized outpatient care for both teens and adults across Washington. We also offer teen telehealth therapy that makes it easier for young people to stay connected to support, regardless of location.
If you are unsure where to turn, you do not need a diagnosis or a perfect plan before taking the first step. Sometimes the first step is simply a conversation. Reach out – we’re here to support teens and families across the state as schools and communities continue strengthening youth suicide prevention in Washington.
FAQs About Youth Suicide Prevention in Washington State
If you have concerns about suicidal thoughts in yourself or someone you know, it’s important to reach out for help as soon as possible. The following answers to FAQs on the topic may also provide some extra clarity and guidance.
How Can Youth Suicide Be Prevented?
We can prevent youth suicide by putting multiple protective layers in place. This includes being able to identify signs of distress early, having access to therapy, supportive relationships with adults, and peer connections.
What Are Risk Factors for Teen Suicide?
Risk factors for teen suicide include recent losses like the death of a family member, friend, or pet. Other losses are also risk factors, like parents divorcing, loss of their home, or a recent breakup.
Aside from losses, other risk factors are mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, trauma, or a family history of suicide. Issues with sexual identity, bullying, family conflict, substance use, feeling socially isolated, and previous suicide attempts are also all risk factors for teen suicide.
How Can Schools Prevent Teen Suicide?
Schools can prevent teen suicide by having access to school counselors, training staff on identifying risks and signs, openly talking about mental health, and having screening programs. Providing peer-support groups and having clear pathways to counseling and community providers are also ways to support teen suicide prevention.
What Are Protective Factors for Youth Suicide?
Protective factors for youth suicide include having a strong relationship with caregivers and mentors, feeling connected at school, access to mental health care, and safe and inclusive environments. Support from family, friends, and school are some of the most important protective factors in preventing youth suicide.
What Is CALM Training for Suicide Prevention?
CALM (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means) is an intervention to reduce access to lethal means like guns and medication in order to prevent suicide. The program teaches people the tools to intervene effectively with those at risk for suicide, before a crisis hits. There are courses available for both clinicians and non-clinicians.8
What Roles Can Parents Play in the Prevention of Suicide?
Parents and caregivers play a huge role in the prevention of suicide. They can offer their teens support, watch for behavioral changes, and talk openly about mental health. Participating in school meetings and learning crisis resources can help support teens when they need it the most.
In What Ways Does Mission Connection Help With Youth Suicide Prevention?
We provide therapy to support teens and families dealing with significant mental health issues. Our clinicians offer personalized, compassionate care that helps young people stay connected to their support systems and communities. We also work alongside schools to create a continuity of care so symptoms of suicide don’t get overlooked.
References
- Washington State Department of Health. (n.d.). Youth Suicide Prevention. https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/injury-and-violence-prevention/suicide-prevention/youth-suicide-prevention
- Santos, M., & Fitzpatrick, A. (2025, December 9). Young adult suicide rate rises in Washington State. Axios Seattle. https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/12/09/young-adult-suicide-rate-rises-in-washington-state
- Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. (2024, March 13). 2023 Healthy Youth Survey results offer signs of hope and resiliency among Washington students. https://ospi.k12.wa.us/about-ospi/news-center/videos/2023-healthy-youth-survey-results-offer-signs-hope-and-resiliency-among-washington-students
- Washington State Legislature (n.d.) RCW 28A.300.288: Youth suicide prevention activities. (n.d.). https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=28A.300.288
- Klein, N. (2024, November 19). Spotlight on the JED Foundation High School Program. Forefront Suicide Prevention. https://intheforefront.org/spotlight-on-the-jed-foundation-high-school-program/
- Hermann, V., Durbeej, N., Karlsson, A., & Sarkadi, A. (2022). Feeling mentally unwell is the “new normal”. A qualitative study on adolescents’ views of mental health problems and related stigma. Children and Youth Services Review, 143, 106660. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2022.106660
- USAFacts. (2025, November 19). How many immigrants are in Washington state? https://usafacts.org/answers/how-many-immigrants-are-in-the-us/state/washington-state/
- CALM. (n.d.). Counseling on Access to Lethal Means. https://www.calmamerica.org/
