The youth mental health crisis is a pressing issue that is affecting our entire nation, making it difficult for families to find the help they need. In response, Washington’s Mental Health Referral Service for Children and Teens has been designed to assist families in connecting with mental health and behavioral health providers in their community who are suitable for their child’s treatment requirements.
Operated by Seattle Children’s and funded by Washington Healthcare Authority, the Referral Service is free and serves all of Washington state. It offers specific and thorough referrals for children aged 17 and younger, as well as teens aged 13 to 17 who can find providers for themselves by contacting the Referral Service. The goal of the service is to serve families quickly and address a variety of needs, including individual therapy, medication management, parent training, and diagnostic evaluation.
Since its inception, the Referral Service has helped thousands of families access mental and behavioral health services in their communities. A survey of families who used the service revealed that it met their needs and they would recommend it to others. Mollie Shirman, the Referral Service’s business operations manager, emphasizes the importance of accessing mental health care for children and highlights the extensive database of providers available to assist families.
To start using the Referral Service, families can call 833-303-5437 Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific time. After completing an intake process, families will receive information on one or two recommended providers that are a good match for their child’s individual needs. The Referral Service aims to make finding mental health care easier for families in Washington state by reducing barriers to accessing necessary services
