In recent years, the youth mental health crisis has become a significant issue for families across the country. As a result, it is becoming increasingly challenging to find the help that their children need. However, there is hope in the form of Washington’s Mental Health Referral Service for Children and Teens.
Operated by Seattle Children’s and funded by Washington Healthcare Authority, this service is designed to assist families in connecting with mental health and behavioral health providers in their community who accept new patients, work with insurance, and are suitable for their child’s treatment requirements. This free service is available to all families in Washington state and 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 Referral Service is to serve families as quickly as possible and address a variety of needs, including individual therapy, medication management, parent training, and diagnostic evaluation. Since its inception, this 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.
In conclusion, Washington’s Mental Health Referral Service for Children and Teens is an essential resource for families seeking help for their children’s mental health issues. With its extensive provider database and quick response times
