In Sacramento and Yolo County, where the need for comprehensive mental health support is undeniable, Stanford Sierra Youth & Families (SSYAF) has emerged as a beacon of hope. Through a transformative partnership with Sutter Health, SSYAF has extended its reach to provide vital School Based Mental Health Services, directly addressing the urgent needs of students in Sacramento City Unified School and Washington Unified School District.

At the core of SSYAF’s mission lies a commitment to fostering holistic well-being for youth and families, bridging the gap between mental health services and educational settings. Collaborating closely with schools and families, SSYAF’s dedicated staff and interns work tirelessly to address the complex mental health and behavioral concerns of students.

Justin’s* journey within SSYAF’s School Based Mental Health Program is a testament to the positive impact of increased access to critical mental health services. Referred to the program due to recurring fighting and angry outbursts that disrupted his academic performance and attendance, Justin faced significant challenges that threatened his success in school. However, with the support of Trevor, a compassionate Clinical Intern, Justin embarked on a path toward healing and growth.

Trevor empowered Justin to rewrite his narrative and manage emotions, fostering resilience. Through individualized strategies and positive reinforcement, Justin significantly reduced his negative behaviors. The results were life changing and Justin returned to a full class schedule, improved academically, and got along better with his peers.

Reflecting on his journey, Justin expressed profound gratitude for the transformative impact of SSYAF’s School Based Mental Health Program. “It feels good to have my grades up and not be in trouble all the time,” Justin shared.

As SSYAF remains dedicated to expanding access to crucial mental health services alongside Sutter Health, each success story, like Justin’s, underscores the impact of compassionate care and collaborative support. Together, we can shape brighter futures and enable every young person to thrive, both within and beyond the classroom.

*Names have been changed to protect confidentiality.​