Translate
Mental Health Services
Behavioral Health and Recovery Division
King County provides publicly-funded mental health services to low-income people in need.
To find out if you qualify for King County Mental Health Services, contact us. Even if you do not qualify for our mental health services, you can find out about other low-cost mental health service providers.
Our Philosophy of Care
Based on the Ten Fundamentals of Recovery, we believe in treating the whole individual, not just the illness. We also offer supportive services that enhance the effectiveness of mental health treatment. By offering this broad array of services, we help individuals achieve their full potential and improve their overall quality of life.
Learn More About Our Services:
The new 988 line replaced the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, starting July 16, 2022.
If you or a loved one is actively experiencing a behavioral health crisis, King County still recommends that you call the King County Regional Crisis Line at Crisis Connections at 206-461-3222 or 1-866-427-4747, or visit www.CrisisConnections.org. Crisis Connections is the best way to connect to local crisis response services.
Contact Client Services
If you're interested in services, call our Client Services line:
206-263-8997 or 1-800-790-8049.
You can also call a provider directly to enroll in services.
About Client Services
We are here for you! We can answer questions about your current mental health services or help you find an agency that fits your needs.
We also offer answers to many frequently asked questions about the King County Mental Health Plan (KCMHP) and available services and programs in our system.
If you have a complaint about a King County mental health or substance use disorder service, refer to the BH-ASO Grievance & Appeal Process for more information.
Community Mental Health Treatment (Outpatient Services)
BHRD provides community mental health treatment, also known as outpatient services, to people who qualify for Medicaid. Depending on circumstances and funding, the KCMHP also has limited funding to provide mental health care for people who do not have Medicaid.
Services are provided through licensed community mental health centers. Mental health services are available based on needs that are determined between the individual receiving services their mental health provider. Individuals can choose from a variety of different services and work with different service providers to set personal goals and achieve their full potential.
Co-occurring Disorders
A co-occurring disorder happens when an individual has both a primary mental illness and a primary substance use disorder. The term "primary" means that the person has a stand-alone diagnosis that is present regardless of whether they have another disorder. Because COD is more complex than mental illness or substance abuse alone, effective treatment involves responding to these mutually interacting disorders at the same time and in an integrated way.
An individual with COD is best served by a single clinician or program so that both the mental illness and the substance use disorder can be treated together.
COD and Criminal Justice System Involvement
Because of its complex nature, many people suffering from COD become involved in the criminal justice system. For more information on COD and justice system involvement, see the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services' National GAINS Center.
What COD services are available in King County?
Outpatient COD Treatment
In King County, many of our community mental health providers include COD treatment as part of the regular menu of treatment options. If you are currently enrolled in outpatient services, ask your provider about COD services.
In addition, the BHRD provides funding for several specialized programs for individuals suffering from co-occurring disorders who are also involved in the criminal justice system. These programs provided by Community Psychiatric Clinic and Sound Mental Health are available to individuals through a referral process if they are involved in a Specialty Court (Mental Health Court or Drug Court) or if they are being released from a King County Jail facility or a city jail. These programs provide 12 months of outpatient COD treatment services combined with transitional housing.
Inpatient COD Treatment
A 16-bed inpatient treatment program is available for individuals involved in a Specialty Court or in a King County Jail. The Co-Occurring Disorders Program (CORP) is a combined effort of King County and Pierce County. This limited resource provides a residential treatment program for 90 days for individuals suffering from COD who require inpatient treatment before returning to the community. Access to services is through a referral process and services are provided by Pioneer Human Services.
Homeless Services
The King County Mental Health Plan (KCMHP) works closely with the King County Regional Homelessness Authority, the Seattle and King County Housing Authorities, mental health providers, and affordable housing providers to develop new housing opportunities for homeless persons with mental illness and/or substance abuse. We contract with two mental health providers, the Downtown Emergency Service Center and Valley Cities Counseling and Consultation to provide homeless outreach activities in Seattle and South King County.
The Shelter Plus Care Program, Hopelink’s Housing Access and Services Program and a number of Housing First programs are examples of programs specifically for adults with long-term homelessness.Find out more about preventing homelessness efforts at King County Regional Homelessness Authority.
Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT)
PACT is an intensive,team-based behavioral health service package which offers individualized support in the community to people with severe mental health conditions and high service needs. PACT assists participants in their recovery from mental illness and in developing fulfilling lives, as well as increasing their time and engagement in community settings rather than institutions such as hospitals and jails.
