How to Access Behavioral Healthcare in Washington State

There are many ways to get behavioral healthcare in Washington state today. If you or someone you know is struggling with a behavioral or mental health challenge, you can get help using the resources listed here.

Emergency Resources

If you are in a life-safety emergency, call 911. If you are in a mental health crisis, start by calling the national crisis hotline at 988.

We recommend starting with the phone numbers above. However, there are also several local programs you can call during a crisis:

  • The Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 support service for crises. You can text a trained crisis counselor at 741741.
  • Volunteers of America/Crisis Response Services offers 24-hour emotional support to people in crisis situations and/or considering suicide. If you are in Snohomish, Skagit, San Juan, Island, or Whatcom County, call 800-584-3578.
  • The Crisis Connections 24/7 Crisis Line serves residents in King, Pierce, Clark, Skamania, Klickitat, Grant, Okanogan, Chelan, and Douglas Counties. The King County number is 866-427-4747, and you can find numbers for other locations here.
  • The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential, 24/7 resource available to any veteran or anyone who is concerned about a veteran, even if you’re not registered with the VA or enrolled in VA healthcare. To access the line, you can call 988 and then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

Non-Emergency Helplines

  • 211 is a free, confidential phone number you can call to speak with a highly trained information specialist in your region. They can help you find the behavioral health resources you need, including financial resources. You can also get assistance with finding services that can help you with other healthcare, food, housing, utilities, childcare, after-school programs, elder care, and more.
  • SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) offers free and confidential behavioral health treatment referrals.
  • Washington Teen Link is a confidential and anonymous helpline for teenagers at 866-833-6546. A trained volunteer can talk with you about any issue of concern, big or small. You can call between 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm or chat or text between 6:00 pm and 9:30 pm.
  • Washington Recovery Help Line provides 24/7 help for substance use and problem gambling at 866-789-1511.
  • Washington Warm Line is a peer support helpline for people living with emotional and mental health challenges.

Behavioral Healthcare Resources for Medicaid Recipients

Apple Health (Medicaid) covers mental health services. If you are currently an Apple Health client seeking mental healthcare, contact your managed care plan for assistance. If you have not enrolled in managed care, contact the Health Care Authority (HCA).

If you are not on Apple Health but think you may be eligible, visit Washington Healthplanfinder to apply for coverage.

Other Behavioral Healthcare Resources

Many people get referrals for behavioral healthcare services from their primary care provider. Your regular doctor can likely offer an initial screening and/or refer you to a specialist if needed.

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all Marketplace health insurance plans and most other plans (including employer plans) must cover mental health and substance use disorder services. However, specifics like co-pays and treatment limitations can vary widely between plans. Contact your health insurance provider if you have questions about what your plan covers.

Remember: You’re Not Alone

Behavioral and mental health conditions are very common and can affect anyone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), roughly 23.1% of the U.S. adult population lives with at least one mental illness. Many of us develop hard-to-control behavior or thought patterns at some point during our lives.

Here at Sunrise Services, we provide behavioral health services to clients in Snohomish, Skagit, Island, and Whatcom Counties. We believe in integrating services to treat the whole person and partnering with individuals to reach a better quality of life.

Our outpatient services include individual and group therapy, behavioral health case management, substance use disorder treatment services, medication management, jail transition services, and art groups. As of this writing, we are accepting new clients at our clinic locations in Everett, Mountlake Terrace, Mount Vernon, Bellingham, and Oak Harbor.

Partner with Sunrise Services today for assistance with your behavioral healthcare needs.

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