|
Where mission
and heart meet Behavioral Health. |
|
Can’t access the links? Add “lnks.gd” to the allowlist of your content blocking software. |
|
|
This month, we’re highlighting supports that help children, youth, and families stay steady during the winter season. As routines shift and stressors increase, on top of the challenges many families already face, Washington’s behavioral health programs continue to meet families where they are with flexible, compassionate services that strengthen resilience and connection.
As the year winds down, we’re grateful for the dedication of partners across Washington working to ensure that every child, young person, and family has access to the support they need this season and beyond.
|
|
Winter break can be a welcome pause and for many youth, the shift in routine can also create stress, disrupt progress, or intensify emotional and behavioral challenges. During times like these, families may benefit from a range of supports, from everyday coping strategies to more structured behavioral health services.
During school breaks, families and providers can work together to maintain structure and connection. Simple strategies like keeping a predictable daily schedule, planning calming activities, and checking in about emotions can help youth feel grounded. Community-based resources such as COPE and Kids Mental Health Washington offer tools, education, and support that many families find helpful during seasonal transitions.
Sometimes, additional support is needed. Wraparound with Intensive Services (WISe) is designed for children and youth with complex behavioral health needs who require a higher level of coordinated, team-based care. WISe provides individualized, youth-driven, and family-centered support, helping families navigate challenging moments, reduce stress, and build stability over time.
WISe is not needed for every situation, but when a child or youth needs more intensive support, WISe wraps services around the entire family, creating space for collaboration, skill-building, and shared problem-solving.
As routines shift this winter, families don’t have to navigate challenges alone. Whether through community-based resources or more intensive services like WISe, Washington offers multiple pathways to support youth well-being and family stability.
|
|
|
The winter months can bring joy and they can also increase stress for families navigating behavioral health needs. Mobile Response & Stabilization Services (MRSS) is here to help where available. MRSS offers low-barrier, no-cost support for children and youth experiencing emotional or behavioral challenges, meeting families wherever they are: at home, school, or in the community. In some regions, these teams may go by different names, but they all provide the same mobile, in-the-moment support for children, youth, and families during times of stress.
Families can call MRSS when a child or youth is having a hard time coping, tensions are rising at home, or a situation feels like it may escalate without support. You do not need a diagnosis, prior history, or insurance to access services. If safety isn’t immediately at risk but you need timely help, MRSS is the right call.
MRSS teams are trained in de-escalation, crisis prevention, and family-centered care. They partner with caregivers to reduce stress in the moment, bring calm to difficult situations, and create short-term plans that strengthen stability at home. Services typically begin within hours and continue for up to eight weeks to help families build skills, connections, and confidence.
During high-stress seasons, you don’t have to navigate challenges alone. MRSS provides compassionate, practical support meeting families with understanding, grounding, and hope when they need it most.
|
|
|
We are thrilled to announce early registration for the Psychosis CARE 2026 Virtual Conference! This free, virtual event will take place on April 28 and 29, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (PDT) each day.
Register between now and January 8 to provide input and help shape the content of the event.
About This Event
The Psychosis CARE Virtual Conference, now in its fourth year, invites a broad audience (school staff, PCPs, mental health therapists, SUD professionals, law enforcement, families, individuals with lived experience, etc.) to gather virtually to engage in Community Awareness, Resources, and Education as it relates to Psychosis.
This annual event features breakout sessions led by speakers who are experts in the field of psychosis. Attendees can expect to learn more about early identification of psychosis, resources for supporting individuals experiencing symptoms of psychosis, resources for psychosis care available in Washington State, as well as opportunities to engage with other attendees.
Last year, we had a great conference, with over 700 participants, and presentations from many wonderful speakers, including Esmé Weijun Wang, Megan Caughey, Pat Deegan, and many others.
This year’s Psychosis CARE event will coincide with celebrating over 20 years of New Journeys coordinated specialty care for first episode psychosis in Washington. Please join us in celebrating the message of hope and recovery.
Psychosis CARE represents a collaboration between the New Journeys network, Washington State Health Care Authority, the University of Washington SPIRIT Center, the Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, and EnRoute, with funding support from SAMHSA.
|
|
|
Throughout December, Health Care Authority featured the Navigating the Perinatal Journey toolkit series through toolkit Tuesdays, a campaign designed to help providers and partners implement practical tools that strengthen perinatal behavioral health care.
Each toolkit highlights specific areas of focus from perinatal anxiety and ADHD in women to maternal suicide prevention and sleep health offering screening tools, clinical guidance, and QR codes for easy reference.
Together, these resources support early identification, intervention, and compassionate care for pregnant and postpartum individuals across Washington.
Explore the full series and read the HCA blog post, Navigating the Perinatal Journey: Mental Wellness Tools for Every Step, to see how these resources can strengthen your practice and support families statewide.
|
|
|
Every day, young people face challenges that can feel insurmountable. As an adult ally whether you’re a family member, educator, or mentor you have the power to create environments where youth don't just survive, they truly thrive.
That’s why Mental Health America created the Supporting Young Minds collection: designed to equip both youth and the caring adults in their lives with free, practical mental health tools.
This collection includes actionable guides and engaging activities focused on:
Building resilience: Giving young people resources (like affirming worksheets and coping strategies) to handle tough emotions and find a path out of hopelessness.
Guiding adult allies: Providing concrete guidance on how you can encourage leadership, validate experiences, and empower the youth around you to advocate for their own mental health.
|
|
|
|
|
