Safety Net/After School Program
Safety Net After School Program serves youth ages 8-18 referred by families, agencies, and schools who need extra support navigating their individual challenges.
For youth struggling with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, grief, trauma, school, and/or behavior challenges, our sessions offer the nonjudgmental support of animals with the guidance of compassionate mental health professionals & equine specialists.
ANT’s mental & behavioral health programs focus on helping young people identify their feelings and needs, manage behaviors, overcome individual challenges and obstacles, set clear and attainable goals, and continually review progress towards meeting those goals. The insight and direction gained during these sessions help youth achieve success in school, relationships, and life.
*Please note: Our address is kept private for the safety of our staff & participants and will be provided upon enrollment. Our farm is located off the Guide Meridian just 15 minutes from downtown Bellingham.
After School Program
- 8-10 week quarters
- Weekly small group sessions (90 minutes with 4-6 youth)
- Facilitated by certified equine & mental health professionals
- Youth & horse build a compassionate, mutually respectful relationship with one another
- Guided group activities and one-on-one time with horse and adult mentors
- Additional activities include rabbits, chickens, & goats
Registration
Please contact our Program Coordinator, Katie, via email or phone (360-671-3509) for a brief intake to see if our program is a good fit for your child. We require a $25 deposit and completed registration packet to begin enrollment. These can be mailed to:
Animals as Natural Therapy
PO Box 31595
Bellingham WA, 98228
Cost
$140 per weekly 1.5 hour session / $1260 per 9-week quarter
$25 deposit required with registration (applied to total cost)
We do not currently accept insurance. Financial assistance (see scholarships) is available on a sliding scale and calculated by household income & family need. No child is ever turned away for lack of funds.
State & local agency funding may also be available through DSHS, Catholic Community Services, and others; we are happy to help families access this support if applicable!
Scholarships
We require a $50 minimum quarterly payment from all families regardless of scholarship awarded.
If you are interested in applying for assistance, please complete our Financial Aid Application and send to program@animalsasnaturaltherapy.org, or mail to:
Animals as Natural Therapy
PO Box 31595
Bellingham WA, 98228
Please note: ANT After-school groups are not a horseback riding program – while there may be riding involved, our sessions focus on groundwork and other activities with a variety of animals. We encourage you to look at other programs if your child is specifically interested in riding.
