Helpline House provides crucial lifelines for individuals and families in the Bainbridge Island area who struggle with financial stability.

The social services hub has a suite of support programs for children and their caregivers, and this summer it added a new free one: child therapy, funded with community donations.

Children between ages 5-12 who are struggling with change, trauma, stress, medical conditions, or need mental health support can now seek respite and comfort through expressive therapy at Helpline House. The therapy is specifically for children who may have trouble verbally expressing themselves but may find other outlets to express their feelings through dance, art, music, dramatic performance or writing.

So far, about 40 children have benefitted from the service since it launched in June. Some were referred by school counselors, and some approached Helpline House independently.

Social worker and child therapy specialist Shawn Nigh explained that even seemingly benign life adjustments to an adult can be disruptive and challenging to a child. Guardians should consider therapy during stressful periods such as starting or ending school, the loss of a loved one, or changes to family structure, but any behavior that affects a child’s sleeping or eating habits warrants a check-in.

“Mental health looks different for everyone, including children. I believe guardians know when something is ‘off’ or there are noticeable changes in their children,” Nigh said. “Seek the support needed, even if it is having a consult with [Helpline House] to ask some questions about the behavior or changes in [your] child that are occurring, and then set up therapy.”