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Where mission
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As we enter a season of gratitude and growth, we reflect on the progress and partnerships strengthening Washington’s behavioral health system from prenatal through age 25. This month highlights milestones in our shared work including the release of the Washington Thriving Strategic Plan, new supports for families affected by substance use, and open public comment on the Traditional Health Care Practices waiver. We also honor National Family Caregivers month and share important updates to provider resources like SERI and the Mental Health Billing Guide.
Thank you for helping Washington’s children, youth, and families thrive.
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As we move into November, we pause to reflect on the partnerships and progress that continue to shape Washington’s behavioral health system for pregnant, parenting, infants, children, youth, young adults, and families/caregivers. The Prenatal-to-25 (P-25) work is rooted in connection between the communities we serve, providers, and agencies. This season invites us to recognize the dedication of those who make that connection possible every day.
From early relational health and perinatal supports to youth and young adult behavioral health services, we are seeing momentum across the continuum. The recent release of the Washington Thriving Strategic Plan marks a milestone in aligning statewide systems toward a shared vision: that every child and young person in Washington can thrive, supported by family, community, and coordinated care.
As community, providers, and teams across HCA and partner agencies bring this vision to life, collaboration remains the foundation to success. Initiatives like Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS), Family Initiated Treatment (FIT), Family Youth System Partner Roundtables, the Bridge Coalition, and the Healthy Transitions Project continue to strengthen access and reduce barriers, meeting youth and families where they are.
This month, we also celebrate the power of gratitude thanking the providers, peers, family members, youth advocates, caregivers, and community partners who guide this work with compassion and resilience. Your voice and leadership drive meaningful change and help us move toward a more responsive, equitable behavioral health system.
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The Children and Youth Behavioral Health Work Group (CYBHWG) was legislatively directed to work with an advisory group to develop a statewide behavioral health strategic plan for young people – from before birth through age 25 – and their caregivers.
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Parents and caregivers affected by substance use can access free, 8-week education sessions. Learn practical skills, improve communication, and navigate Washington’s behavioral health systems. Morning and evening sessions offered; certificate available.
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Submit your abstract for the 10th International Conference on Adolescents and Adults with FASD, April 18–21, 2026, in Seattle, WA. Join researchers, clinicians, and advocates shaping the future of FASD through shared research, policy, and practice. Deadline: December 4.
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Health Care Authority (HCA) is seeking public input on its draft application for a new Traditional Health Care Practices Section 1115 waiver. This five-year waiver proposal recognizes the value of spiritual, cultural, and traditional healing in Native communities and aims to make these services reimbursable through Medicaid.
If approved, the waiver would allow Indian Health Service, Tribal facilities, and Urban Indian Health Organizations (UIHOs)—depending on legislative funding to provide and be reimbursed for traditional health care services for eligible Apple Health and CHIP enrollees.
- Public comment is open through Friday, December 5, 2025, at 5 p.m. (Pacific).
Community members can share input by email or mail.
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Service Encounter Reporting Instructions (SERI) and Mental Health Billing Guide (MHBG) are meant to offer instructions for billing and encountering behavioral health services for managed care organizations (MCOs), Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organizations (BH-ASOs), and Apple Health providers. These instructions and guides are updated on a regular basis. While several updates were made October 1, 2025, a few updates may be especially relevant for mental health providers serving children and families.
- Language in the Mental Health Billing Guide was updated to clarify that a mental health assessment is required before initiation of mental health treatment services.
- Guidance in both the Mental Health Billing Guide and SERI was updated to clarify that providers can use ICD-10 code Z03.89 when a completed mental health assessment indicates there is no mental health condition.
- Names and descriptions in SERI were updated for Individual Psychotherapy codes (90832, 90834, 90837), to clarify that this service is primarily provided to the client, not their family, and that the identified client must be present for all or most of the service.
Please note that providers should refer to their individual BH-ASO and MCO contracts for billing direction, if the individual/client is assigned to an MCO or is BH-ASO funded.
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Caregivers are the cornerstone of families. From personal care to emotional care, and everything in between, caregivers are selflessly pouring into those around them. This November, we applaud and uplift our caregivers, recognizing they are deserving of support and care, too.
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