There has been a noticeable rise in mental health issues among young adults, which has made it challenging for many of them to balance their work and education commitments. Unfortunately, a significant number of young adults who struggle with their mental health are not able to access the necessary behavioral health services and resources. This is often due to a lack of awareness or access to resources, transportation issues, lack of insurance coverage, or other barriers that prevent them from receiving the care they need. This lack of access to mental health care can exacerbate their symptoms and impede their ability to lead fulfilling lives. It is crucial for mental health services to be made more accessible and widely available to help address this growing problem and support the well-being of young adults.
The Next Generation Zone has recently observed a significant increase in mental and behavioral health issues among the young adults they serve. In response to this growing need, the organization recognized the importance of providing easy access to mental health support for their students. As a result, they have enlisted the expertise of Lauren Fielder, LMHCA, to provide professional mental health services and help students with their various mental and behavioral health challenges. With this new initiative, the Next Generation Zone is taking proactive steps to address the mental health crisis affecting young adults, and to support their overall well-being and success.
Lauren serves as a Behavioral Health Student Assistant for NEWESD (NorthEast Washington Educational Service District 101) and is stationed right inside the Next Generation Zone to support the young adults who are using their services to access education, job training, and career coaching.
Lauren has developed an innovative strategy to address the mental and behavioral health challenges faced by the young adults served by the Next Generation Zone. Through early intervention and prevention, she aims to provide timely support to those who may be struggling, and to prevent potential issues from becoming more severe. This strategy involves educating students on how to identify and address mental health issues before they become major problems, and providing them with coping skills and other resources to support their well-being. By implementing this proactive approach, Lauren hopes to reduce the impact of mental health challenges on the students’ academic and personal lives, and to foster a supportive and healthy environment at the Next Generation Zone where students can thrive.
“Having Lauren at the Next Generation Zone has been such a huge help. The students are so thankful for her support.” says Kevin Williams, Vice President of Systems Advancement at the Spokane Workforce Council.
If you or someone you know is a young adult looking for career coaching or educational resources, check out the Next Generation Zone.
Next Generation Zone is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request. Washington Relay: 711
