Washington Mental Health Resources
Mental Health in Washington
While Washington tops the rankings for natural beauty and technology companies, when it comes to mental health treatment, it ranks among the lowest in the country. In 2024 Mental Health America put The Evergreen State at #49 for prevalence of mental illness among adults and #48 for youth. Across the state 1,269,000 adults have a mental health condition, and 82,000 youth aged 12-17 have depression.
However, a bright spot in the state rankings can be found in their access to care. Despite the high prevalence of mental illness the state came in at 15 for access to treatment. This ranking was achieved despite the cost of mental health services in Washington increasing 69% from 2017 to 2022.
Still, cost is a barrier to treatment for many, and more than 2.8 million Washingtonians live in communities with insufficient treatment options. Policy makers are pushing to expand insurance coverage for mental health treatment and turn the tide on these numbers, for better overall mental health throughout the state.
1,269,000
Washington adults living with a mental health condition
82,000
Washington youth aged 12-17 have depression
15th
Washington ranks #15 in access to mental health care
Free Mental Health Resources in Washington
The National Alliance on Mental Health of Washington is an organization that provides support, education and advocacy for individuals and their loved ones with mental illness. Their programs range from support groups for individuals and families to providing training for people who are interested in becoming a NAMI leader/ facilitator.
The Center for Chronic Illness offers support groups for people who are impacted by chronic illness or rare diseases. This free service utilizes the HeyPeers website to connect individuals with online support groups that are facilitated by licensed mental health professionals.
Provide Services for
Men
Women
Disability
BIPOC
LGBTQ
2-1-1 Washington is a mental health resource that residents of Washington can turn to in times of need. Their 24/7 telephone helplines can assist people who need help regarding mental illness, substance use, LGBTQ+ issues, domestic violence or other crises. The services are free and confidential.
The Washington Warm Line is a free and confidential peer support helpline for people experiencing emotional and mental health challenges. This could be anxiety, loneliness, depression, relationship difficulties and other issues causing high levels of stress. Their volunteers are specially trained and have experience with mental health challenges.
The Washington Recovery Help Line provides free and confidential assistance for those seeking help for substance use disorder, mental health crisis or gambling addiction. Their highly trained staff provide emotional support and assist individuals in finding treatment providers or facilities as well as harm reduction services.
King County in Washington State offers publicly funded mental health services for low income people in need. Their services include counseling, residential treatment, homeless services, behavioral health housing, hospitization and ombuds services.
The Washington State Health Care Authority’s online resource helps residents who receive Apple Heath, the state's Medicaid program, to find behavioral health care and support including prevention, treatment and recovery programs for both mental health and substance use disorder. These services cover children, pregnant women, adults and seniors.
The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs offers vets and their families counseling and wellness programs that address mental health. They provide no cost outpatient individual, family and group counseling that focuses on a range of issues including PTSD for those who qualify.
Provide Services for
Men
Women
Seniors
Veterans
Disability
The Washington State Department of Health provides a free online resource for residents in need of mental health support. Individuals can find contact information on crisis support including hotline numbers for suicide prevention, gambling addiction, substance use disorder, LGBTQ+ support, and more.
Washington State University’s Psychology Clinic offers people living in the Palouse region low cost sliding scale fee psychotherapy and psychological assessment services. As well they offer workshops and support groups for people in need. Services are provided by advanced students who are enrolled in their Psychology doctoral program.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
Men
Women
Seniors
Veterans
Washington’s Mental Health Referral Service for Children and Teens is a service through the Seattle Children’s Hospital that helps families connect with mental health providers in their communities to get the help they need. This free service is for kids 17 and under who live in Washington state.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
Men
Women
Mental Health Matters of Washington is a program that seeks to enhance mental health and improve early intervention. The program works to increase awareness and reduce the stigma regarding mental illness, improve early intervention, reduce hospitalization related to mental illness, prevent suicide and connect people to the care they need.
Highline College’s Veterans Services offers veteran students a variety of resources and support to help them on their educational journey. These include mental health counseling, tutoring and career planning. They can also help connect students with local services that specifically assist vets and their families.
Provide Services for
Men
Women
Seniors
Veterans
Disability
Shoreline Community College in Shoreline, Washington offers support for student members of the LGBTQ+ community. Their online community support page includes information on employee assistance programs, counseling services, nonprofit organizations that assist individuals in the LGBTQ+ community and veteran and military support.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
The Washington Apple Health Plan offers individuals who participate in the state’s Medicaid program, and are members of the LGBTQ+ community, coordinated care services. Their case managers help individuals find medical and mental healthcare providers, provide gender affirming care management and connect with other resources within their community.
Provide Services for
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women