Mental Health Resources in Washington

Washington State has a wide network of publicly funded mental health services, from immediate crisis support to longer-term outpatient therapy. Whether you are uninsured, on a limited income, or simply unsure where to start, there are real options available — many at low or no cost. The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) oversees the state's behavioral health system, and services are delivered locally through regional Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organizations (BH-ASOs) and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).

If you are in crisis right now, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which has Washington-specific call centers staffed 24 hours a day. For non-emergency help finding local mental health providers, counseling programs, or sliding-scale clinics in your county, call 2-1-1 — Washington's free, confidential information and referral service available by phone, text, or at wa211.org.

Coverage and eligibility vary by program, but many Washington residents qualify for mental health services through Apple Health (Washington's Medicaid program) even if they have not enrolled before. Undocumented residents may also qualify for certain emergency and crisis services. The sections below outline key programs and how to access them.