Cultivating Mental Wellness: Dr. Dwane Chappelle on Seattle's New Youth Program
Seattle is taking a significant step forward in supporting its young residents with a groundbreaking new program focused on youth mental wellness. Dr. Dwane Chappelle, Director of Education and Early Learning for the City of Seattle and former principal at Rainier Beach High School, recently appeared on "The Day with Trae" to shed light on this vital initiative. He underscored the city's unwavering commitment to its youth and community, emphasizing that addressing these complex needs requires a collective effort.
The program offers free virtual and in-person therapy services specifically designed for youth and young adults aged 13 to 24. These crucial resources are delivered through strategic partnerships with eight community-based organizations, ensuring services are "culturally relevant" and accessible in multiple languages, all while maintaining strict confidentiality.
Dr. Chappelle highlighted that this initiative is a direct response to community feedback, stating, "we heard young people share that there is a need for more mental health resources and options and support out there." This direct engagement with the community ensures the program genuinely meets the needs of those it aims to serve.
Beyond direct therapy, the program extends its reach through several innovative components. It offers "mental health first aid" certifications for caregivers, empowering them to recognize and respond to mental health challenges in young people. Additionally, seven community centers across the city are being transformed into "community hubs," providing safe spaces for art therapy sessions and convenient locations for virtual therapy appointments.
With the school year just beginning last week, Dr. Chappelle shared exciting news: approximately 40 mental health support specialists will be strategically placed in 21 middle and high schools. This comprehensive approach, guided by the "One Seattle vision," which involves collaborative efforts across city departments, schools, and health organizations, aims to ensure robust mental health support is readily available for all young people, making sure "that young people have everything that they need."
Dr. Chappelle's dedication to service stems from a deeply personal place, inspired by his mother's 42 years as an educator. He shared how he realized he was "living through her" and "becoming a servant leader became natural" to him. This inherent drive for public service is what fuels his passion for his current role, where he serves our community. He believes that a personal driver is essential in such roles, as it transforms the job from a "have to do" into a "get to do."
Due to the city's proactive sharing of this model and commitment to broader impact, Seattle has been approached by other cities eager to learn from their success, and Dr. Chappelle actively shares their work through partnerships with organizations like Children's Hospital and the National League of Cities. This collaboration ensures that Seattle's innovative approach to youth mental wellness can serve as a blueprint for communities nationwide.
To access these vital resources, young people and their caregivers can access online mental health resources at www.seattle.gov/education/about-deel, contact their local Seattle school, or utilize the services at the designated community hubs.
