Pierce County Resource Guide to Services and Supports for Individuals
Who Experience Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
(section links below).
Please call our office at 253.564.0707 to make arrangements to pick up your copy!
Dear Reader:
This Pierce County Resource Guide is dedicated to the hard work and commitment of those who have endeavored
timelessly over the years to “keep the promise.”
We want to acknowledge the generous support of Pierce County Human Services, Developmental Disabilities
Program, in providing the funds to update and print this important comprehensive guide to services and supports
for individuals who experience intellectual/ developmental disabilities. This important tool will assist you in
navigating the public and private programs and services available throughout Pierce County and beyond.
The Pierce County Coalition for Developmental Disabilities (PC2) welcomes the opportunity to assist individuals
and families in finding the services and programs that best meet your needs. We are here to answer your calls
if you need further assistance. Whether you are an individual who experiences an intellectual/developmental
disability, have a family member who experiences an intellectual/developmental disability, work within the disability
field, or are in the general community, we welcome your questions and concerns.
We acknowledge that, when compiling this complex list of resources, there are changes that can occur during the
production process. Please know that every effort was made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of agency
information.
Our experiences speak to the complexities of parenting a child/youth with constant behavioral health care needs. We help parents: increase daily coping strategies, navigate systems (school, juvenile court, and mental health) and develop an on-going support network. Our mission is to strengthen families for the long-haul - building resiliency for life one family at a time!
Our Asian Counseling program delivers a broad range of care and support in our clients’ homes, their communities and in our Asian Counseling offices. From help obtaining U.S. citizenship to dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), we offer compassionate, culturally appropriate care. Highlights of our program include: experienced counselors, culturally appropriate care, specialized behavioral care, and seamless care. MultiCare Behavioral Health is the only community mental health service provider in Pierce County that offers Asian Counseling services to clients in three Asian languages: Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Korean.
As the Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO) for Washington, Beacon is responsible for behavioral health crisis services for all individuals, regardless of their insurance status or income level. Beacon is also responsible for additional non-crisis services for low-income individuals who lack insurance coverage. The BH-ASO structure is part of the Washington Health Care Authority’s Fully Integrated Managed Care (FIMC) model, which seeks to bring whole-person, integrated care to Washington’s Medicaid population (Apple Health). Apple Health clients receive all physical health, mental health, and substance use disorder services within the Apple Health program.
Behavior Bridges offers educational and behavioral based services to individuals affected by Autism and related developmental disabilities. Parent, staff, and caregiver education is a cornerstone of our services. All of our services are tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual. Our highly trained staff bring extensive experience to provide quality services for the individual and their team. Services include Social Groups, PEERS Groups, and SafetyCare for Families.
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) transforms lives by supporting sustainable recovery, independence and wellness. We do this through funding and supporting effective prevention and intervention services for youth and families, and treatment and recovery support for youth and adults with addiction and mental health conditions (also known as behavioral health). It operates three state psychiatric hospitals and the Office of Forensic Mental Health Services that deliver high-quality services to adults and children with complex needs.
Our work is to assist you through life's challenges, to provide you the tools you need to overcome the very real adversity you face and to help strengthen your resolve to establish a fulfilling life you are proud of. We find what works for your unique situation and help you find solutions that empower you first of all, for yourself and for those you care about in your life. Many life issues are inter-related. We offer in-house many related services to make this experience easier. We provide services for mental health, chemical dependency, domestic violence, parenting, and veterans.
Catherine Place seeks to improve the quality of life for women. By creating a gentle and sacred space, we encourage each woman to claim her dignity and worth, we welcome and honor her, and we provide opportunities for learning and spiritual growth. In loving compassion we are called to affirm the worth in one another. We are women empowering women: listening, learning and sharing, dreaming with one another, honoring diversity and all cultures, and building healthy relationships in families, neighborhoods, and communities. We are committed to addressing the particular needs of women who are materially poor, in transition, or facing the daily challenges associated with poverty, loss, violence, immigration and illness.
We believe the elderly should be able to live in security and dignity. Catholic Community Services and Catholic Housing Services provide a variety of services to seniors and to people with disabilities that dignifies each individual while providing the needed tools to help extend independent living and promote physical and mental well being. As our senior population continues to grow, we are constantly looking for new ways to provide solutions to a variety of care challenges and opportunities. Historically, CCS has provided home care services that enable seniors and people with disabilities to remain in their own homes. In addition, we provide this to people with low or no income, as well as to people who are able to pay for the service. An outgrowth of our home care programs has been the recognition that low income seniors who are not homebound need nutritional meals and socialization. To this end, numerous senior meal sites as well as Meals on Wheels have been established in Pierce County. Other services to seniors and people with disabilities include referrals through Volunteer Services, a vast network of help that matches volunteers to the needs of seniors and others; low income housing, and volunteer transportation.
CSTC is the only state-operated and funded psychiatric hospital for children and youth who have psychological and safety needs that cannot be met in their community. The Children’s Long-Term Inpatient Program Administration manages referrals to CSTC in coordination with the family/guardian and local Behavioral Health Organizations/Managed Care Organizations. Accredited by the Joint Commission, CSTC provides culturally competent care to children and youth with severe emotional and behavioral disorders that are typically complicated by medical, social, legal and developmental issues. The psychiatric treatment/therapy program is based on the most current evidence-based practices including, but not limited to: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma-Focused CBT. Clinical services include psychiatric/medical oversight, medication management and 24-hour nursing services.
Community Care is a children’s mental health agency that has provided care for youth and families in the Seattle area since 1997. We provide youth and family psychotherapy, behavior plan writing, one to one behavior specialists, and three seasonal special needs camps. Please visit our website for more information.
Comprehensive Life Resources (formerly Comprehensive Mental Health) is a private, not-for-profit community mental health agency providing a continuum of behavioral health and community support services. Services include: children’s counseling, foster care support, family advocacy, homeless outreach, supported employment, on-site genoa pharmacy, gang prevention, adult counseling/peer support, and substance use services. We are committed to a recovery-focused, whole health approach and philosophy that considers and embraces the whole person. We are social workers, therapists, case managers, peer support counselors, psychiatrists, nurses, nurse practitioners, and other health specialists.
Comprehensive Life Resources (formerly Comprehensive Mental Health) is a private, not-for-profit community mental health agency providing a continuum of behavioral health and community support services. Services include: children’s counseling, foster care support, family advocacy, homeless outreach, supported employment, on-site genoa pharmacy, gang prevention, adult counseling/peer support, and substance use services. We are committed to a recovery-focused, whole health approach and philosophy that considers and embraces the whole person. We are social workers, therapists, case managers, peer support counselors, psychiatrists, nurses, nurse practitioners, and other health specialists.
Comprehensive Life Resources (formerly Comprehensive Mental Health) is a private, not-for-profit community mental health agency providing a continuum of behavioral health and community support services. Services include: children’s counseling, foster care support, family advocacy, homeless outreach, supported employment, on-site genoa pharmacy, gang prevention, adult counseling/peer support, and substance use services. We are committed to a recovery-focused, whole health approach and philosophy that considers and embraces the whole person. We are social workers, therapists, case managers, peer support counselors, psychiatrists, nurses, nurse practitioners, and other health specialists.
Comprehensive Life Resources (formerly Comprehensive Mental Health) is a private, not-for-profit community mental health agency providing a continuum of behavioral health and community support services. Services include: children’s counseling, foster care support, family advocacy, homeless outreach, supported employment, on-site genoa pharmacy, gang prevention, adult counseling/peer support, and substance use services. We are committed to a recovery-focused, whole health approach and philosophy that considers and embraces the whole person. We are social workers, therapists, case managers, peer support counselors, psychiatrists, nurses, nurse practitioners, and other health specialists.
Michael A. Comte specializes in the assessment of persons with sexual adjustment problems. He is a CSOTP and a DD professional and currently limits his practice to psychosexual evaluations, risk assessments, treatment plans, and consultations, as well as competency and capacity recommendations.
Counseling services for individuals, couples, families, teens, children, and groups serving the greater Tacoma Metropolitan Area. We are counselors and specialists in personal, emotional, and relationship management (anger, anxiety, depression, family, grief, insecurities, marriage, relationship, trust issues, and more). Our staff has years of experience helping people lead happy, stress-free lives with healthy and rewarding relationships!
At Greater Lakes, we believe that everyone has the potential to recover from mental illness and to realize their hopes and dreams. We are committed to the principles of recovery and trauma-informed care and provide evidence-based treatments which include counseling, case-management, peer support, and medication. Our organizational and clinical philosophy are based on respect, client choice and empowerment, which inspires hope and provides the best environment for recovery. Greater Lakes strives to align our facilities, programs, staffing and behavior with our values. We maintain high expectations for ourselves and hold ourselves accountable to each other and those we serve. The Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) is part of Greater Lakes Mental Healthcare, an intensive, team-based behavioral health service package which offers individualized support in the community to people with severe mental health conditions and high service needs.
Hannah’s Home Care provides experienced care at home for older adults, persons with disabilities, young children and post-natal care for mothers and babies. Services are provided throughout Pierce, Thurston and South King Counties and range from one hour to live-in care. Whether the needs are meals, light housekeeping, transportation or personal care, Hannah’s caregivers offer support with compassion and respect. All caregivers are selected after a rigorous testing and interview process, including national background checks and personal and professional reference checks and are fully bonded, insured and trained. For added peace of mind, all of Hannah’s clients and family are able to view daily progress notes and communicate electronically with the caregiver regarding any concerns or observations.
At HopeSparks, we envision a world where all children and families are safe, secure, and stable. Our mission is to strengthen families by inspiring courage and confidence to make a lasting change. HopeSparks is comprised of five core programs that serve children and families in Pierce County who face trauma, abuse, and overwhelming life challenges. HopeSparks is a recognized leader in Pierce County in behavioral health, early intervention, kinship care, home visiting, eating recovery and parent education. Our programs include: healing hearts counseling, children’s developmental services, relatives raising children, eating recovery, family support services, parent education, and HopesCloset.
Our skilled professional team has specialized training to care for people with all types behavioral health and addiction issues. We bring together experts from several disciplines, including: psychiatrists and psychologists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, registered nurses, addiction medicine specialists, licensed clinical mental health counselors (CMHCs) and social workers (LCSWs), chaplains, occupational and recreational therapists. We care for people with many short-term and chronic behavioral health conditions, including: anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis resulting from various causes, and schizophrenia. If you or a loved one is experiencing a behavioral health issue that interferes with daily functioning, help is available. To learn more about our inpatient care please call or visit our website.
Metropolitan Development Council is a vital community resource for Tacoma and Pierce County. Founded in 1964 as a non-profit Community Action Agency, MDC responds to community needs by providing services in the areas of healthcare, housing, education, and employment that address the challenges faced by low-income individuals and families. MDC provides services focused on improving the health and well-being of very low income individuals. Continuing economic struggles for many in Tacoma’s low income communities requires that we all to work together if we are to sustain what has been accomplished and continue to grow. MDC is responding to this challenge with new board and staff leadership, investment in staff training and development, a leaner management structure, greater volunteer involvement and a commitment to continuous process improvement within our organization, as well as each of our 40 programs.
Our 27-bed hospital-based unit was designed to be a modern, inviting space with private rooms and open social areas, while also including state-of-the-art safety features to protect patients and staff. Our collaborative team of pediatric and mental health experts includes a medical director, psychiatrists, psychiatric advanced registered nurse practitioners, registered nurses, psychologists, educators, social workers, and mental health techs. Working together they create a treatment plan tailored to each teen's needs, based on their diagnosis, background and triggers. We offer care and treatment to teens facing a range of mental health issues, including: major depression, anxiety disorders, psychosis, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. We accept patients ages 13 through 17 on a voluntary, involuntary and parent-initiated treatment basis with a provider referral. Providers, call (253) 403-0556 to refer a patient. This number is monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We provide comprehensive, expert treatment for children, adults and older adults who are struggling with a wide range of mental health conditions, as well as provide treatment, assistance and support for those working to overcome chemical dependence or substance abuse addictions. But, in order to be successful in our work, we believe that we need to go beyond treatment or therapies and provide our patients, and their families, with support and resources that empower them with a sense of hope, and a belief in what they can accomplish. Please visit our website for more information and programs we provide.
We provide comprehensive, expert treatment for children, adults and older adults who are struggling with a wide range of mental health conditions, as well as provide treatment, assistance and support for those working to overcome chemical dependence or substance abuse addictions. But, in order to be successful in our work, we believe that we need to go beyond treatment or therapies and provide our patients, and their families, with support and resources that empower them with a sense of hope, and a belief in what they can accomplish. Please visit our website for more information and programs we provide.
MultiCare Behavioral Health
Pierce County Crisis Line/Mobile Outreach Crisis Team
Provides crisis outreach services for persons age 18 and over, including face-to-face evaluations. We provide comprehensive, expert treatment for children, adults and older adults who are struggling with a wide range of mental health conditions, as well as provide treatment, assistance and support for those working to overcome chemical dependence or substance abuse addictions. But, in order to be successful in our work, we believe that we need to go beyond treatment or therapies and provide our patients, and their families, with support and resources that empower them with a sense of hope, and a belief in what they can accomplish. Please visit our website for more information and programs we provide.
NADD, The National Association for the Dually Diagnosed
NADD is an international association for persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities and mental health needs, comprised of individuals, families, and support professionals dedicated to enhancing the understanding and treatment of people experiencing co-occurring intellectual/developmental diagnoses (IDD) and mental health conditions or mental illness (MI). The mission is to promote leadership in the expansion of knowledge, training, policy, and advocacy for mental health practices that promote a quality life for individuals with dual diagnosis (IDD/MI) in their communities.
NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Seattle
Our mission is to address the unmet needs of individuals with mental illness and their families through advocacy, public education, information and referral, and self-help support groups. NAMI Seattle is the only organization in the Seattle area working specifically to fill the gaps in our local mental health system through peer-led education, referrals, and support. Originally established as “Washington Advocates for the Mentally Ill” in 1978, we worked with other concerned groups across the country to launch a national advocacy and support organization: The National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. Today, NAMI is the largest grassroots mental health organization in the nation. Our peer-led presentations, classes and support groups bridge the gap when medical models fail to meet our needs. We have over 40 years of experience elevating stories of lived experience and shining a spotlight on the unique needs of people and families navigating their own mental health journey.
NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Seattle
Our mission is to address the unmet needs of individuals with mental illness and their families through advocacy, public education, information and referral, and self-help support groups. NAMI Seattle is the only organization in the Seattle area working specifically to fill the gaps in our local mental health system through peer-led education, referrals, and support. Originally established as “Washington Advocates for the Mentally Ill” in 1978, we worked with other concerned groups across the country to launch a national advocacy and support organization: The National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. Today, NAMI is the largest grassroots mental health organization in the nation. Our peer-led presentations, classes and support groups bridge the gap when medical models fail to meet our needs. We have over 40 years of experience elevating stories of lived experience and shining a spotlight on the unique needs of people and families navigating their own mental health journey.
The Coalition includes representatives from Full Life Care, SHAG-RSC, the City of University Place, King County Housing Authority, Seattle Housing Authority, and geriatric mental health professionals among other professionals. The group has adopted specific goals to offer support, training, resources and education for people with the disorder, their families and the community. Community support groups provided include: Hoarding Support Group, OCD/Hoarding Support Group, Family and Friends of People who Hoard, and Individuals who Hoard.
The Coalition includes representatives from Full Life Care, SHAG-RSC, the City of University Place, King County Housing Authority, Seattle Housing Authority, and geriatric mental health professionals among other professionals. The group has adopted specific goals to offer support, training, resources and education for people with the disorder, their families and the community. Community support groups provided include: Hoarding Support Group, OCD/Hoarding Support Group, Family and Friends of People who Hoard, and Individuals who Hoard.
Living with mental illness may sometimes leave you feeling hopeless and alone. Often, you may not know what’s wrong or you may even feel like you’ve done something wrong. Even when you do understand what’s happening, you may find it hard to talk about what you’re going through with friends and family. The stigma associated with having a mental illness often makes it hard to talk openly about your feelings and experiences. We want you to know that help is available. OK2TALK is a community where teens and young adults struggling with mental health conditions can find a safe place to talk about what they’re experiencing by sharing their personal stories of recovery, tragedy, struggle or hope. Anyone can add their voice by sharing stories, poems, inspirational quotes, photos, videos, song lyrics and messages of support in a safe, moderated space. We hope this is the first step towards helping you get the support you need to feel better.
Pediatric Psychology & Psychiatry Services
MultiCare Mary Bridge Children's Hospital, Psychology
Adjusting to a new diagnosis or an ongoing, chronic illness can be difficult for both children and their families. Mary Bridge Children's Psychology Services works in partnership with your child's other providers to help patients and families cope with psychological challenges related to a medical diagnosis or condition. Typical referral concerns include adjustment to illness, non-adherence to medical treatment protocol, anxieties related to procedures and suspected psychological factors affecting an illness. Treatment can include cognitive-behavioral, solution focused and behavioral family therapy. Our pediatric psychology experts offer outpatient psychotherapy to patients and families, as well as consulting services for patients at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. The services we provide include: inpatient consultation, outpatient consultation, outpatient therapy, and biofeedback.
Pediatric Psychology & Psychiatry Services
MultiCare Mary Bridge Children's Hospital, Psychiatry
Mary Bridge Children's Psychiatry Services works closely with other providers to help evaluate and create treatment plans for Mary Bridge patients with complex mental health conditions. Our program requires a referral from another Mary Bridge or MultiCare medical provider and is only for patients being seen or treated within Mary Bridge Children's Hospital or other Mary Bridge Children’s clinics. Services we provide include: diagnostic evaluations for complex mental health conditions, including psychosis, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, autism and comorbid conditions.
The Puyallup Tribal Health Authority’s active patient population is approximately 10,000 American Indians/Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals, representing 200 tribes. PTHA direct services are provided without charge to all eligible AI/ANs residing in Pierce County. The Takopid Health Center is a "one stop" facility serving the community. It offers a wide spectrum of high-quality care in a friendly, familiar setting. The Center is staffed by motivated, concerned and experienced professionals, technicians and support staff. Services provided include: addiction treatment, community health, dental, medical, mental health, pediatrics, pharmacy, x-ray and lab.
Since 1986, Rainier Behavioral Health has provided the community with a multidisciplinary clinical staff of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and certified mental health counselors. We treat children, adolescents, and adults, as well as couples and families. Our clinicians are experts in their fields and we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality clinical care. Rainier clinicians are skilled and experienced in a wide array of mental health concerns including: serious mental illness involving hospitalization, depression, grief, anxiety, anger, life transitions, relationship difficulties, job-related concerns, coping with medical illness, learning disabilities, PTSD, school problems, obsessive-compulsive disorder, ADD/ADHD, and stress disorders. We take Medicare.
The Washington Recovery Help Line is a program of Crisis Connections. We offer an anonymous, confidential 24-hour help line for Washington State residents. This help line is for those experiencing substance use disorder, problem gambling, and/or a mental health challenge. Our professionally-trained volunteers and staff provide emotional support. They can also connect callers with local treatment resources or more community services.
Washington’s Mental Health Referral Service for Children and Teens
Washington’s Mental Health Referral Service for Children and Teens connects families with mental health providers who have openings in their schedule and can meet your child’s needs. We link you to providers in your local area who fit your child’s specialty needs and insurance coverage. Washington State funds the free referral service and Seattle Children’s operates it. Any Washington family can use this free service. We make referrals for children and teens 17 and younger from across Washington. We connect families with evidence-supported outpatient mental health services in their community.
Inpatient program treats patients with a variety of disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders including schizophrenia, anxiety disorders including obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other serious psychiatric conditions. This brief, acute program provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and treatment to stabilize psychiatric symptoms. Crisis intervention and individualized, structured treatment are provided to patients in need of an intensive and safe setting. The goal is to achieve rapid symptom improvement and develop transition plans for continued progress after discharge.
Western State Hospital
Washington State Department of Social & Health Services
WSH provides evaluation and inpatient treatment for individuals with serious or long-term mental illness. Patients are referred to the hospital through their Behavioral Health Organization, the civil court system when individuals meet the criteria for involuntary treatment, or through the criminal justice system.
Wilson Clinical Services provides specialized services to the deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, and late deafened population throughout the state of Washington and the United States. These services are available to community centers, private individuals, group homes, prisons, courts, schools, and other places that are in need of specialized care.
Yellow Brick Clinic
Integrative ADHD, Autism, Developmental and Behavioral Healthcare
Yellow Brick Clinic is committed to partnering with you and your loved ones to help provide best options for you to be the amazing person that you are! Integrative care to us means blending the best evidence-based medical practices with holistic medicine options for well-rounded care. We seek to provide collaborative care, meaning we are happy to work with your other healthcare providers to create a caring community of support that builds you up as you travel your own yellow brick road.
