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Washington Listens: 1.833.681.0211

Recovery Line Phone Worker

We are proud to be a recipient of a federally-funded grant through The Washington State Health Care Authority in response to Covid-19! Together with our partners, we have expanded our reach across Washington State and strive to continue answering phones at an increased volume while reducing wait times. 

2020 has been a stressful year. We will get through this year together, but while we are on the journey through these trying times it is normal to feel overwhelmed. If you are feeling stressed, angry, sad, numb, afraid, or just worn out so are we. Don’t try to manage these feelings alone if you are feeling overwhelmed or that nobody is listening. We are here for you, we are listening.

What is Washington listens? 

Washington Listens is a free, anonymous service for anyone in the state. Washington Listens provides support to people who feel sad, anxious, or stressed due to the events of this year including COVID-19 and the wildfires. It is a partnership of several agencies from across the state to provide emotional and mental support to individuals and families during these trying times, and links to community resources. The program was created in response to the COVID-19 outbreak and has since been expanded to support those affected by the wildfires.

Any Washington resident can access a support specialist who will listen and help you cope with the stress of 2020. They can provide information to local resources and additional support, based on needs you may have.

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The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) has secured more than $4 million in federal funding to respond to increased behavioral health service needs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is a time of great stress, uncertainty and isolation, and we must ensure that the well-being of Washingtonians is addressed. That includes making sure they can get the mental health counseling and substance use disorder treatment they need,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. “These new resources will help meet the needs of residents as we all navigate this unprecedented, challenging time.”

“As Washington residents grapple with the stress and uncertainties of this time, we need to be sure there is an adequate support system to meet their needs and help them cope,” HCA Director Sue Birch said. “These grants will create and contribute to services to help our families, friends and neighbors during these times.”

The grants will help ensure Washington residents have access to mental health counseling and substance use disorder treatment:

A $2.2 million Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP) grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency. HCA will roll out a program called Washington Listens that helps reach people who are affected by the stress of the outbreak.
The statewide program will relieve stress on behavioral health crisis networks by giving people an outlet for their current stressors and providing referrals to services. The grant will fund a support line and 120 counselors and team leaders with regional partners, including:

  • Community Integrated Health Services
  • Great Rivers
  • Crisis Connections
  • Colville Tribe
  • Samish Indian Nation
  • Swinomish Tribe
  • Suquamish Tribe
  • Frontier Behavioral Health in Spokane
  • Okanogan Behavioral Health Care in North Central
  • American Indian Community Center (AICC)
  • Squaxin Island TribeThe federal CCP grant has supported other states in the wake of crises (for example, the Louisiana Spirit program after Hurricane Katrina).

A $2 million emergency behavioral health treatment grant through SAMHSA that increases substance use disorder and mental health treatment for individuals who do not have health care coverage or whose coverage does not adequately support their treatment needs.
The funding will allow HCA to:

Contract with regional entities called behavioral health administrative service organizations (BH-ASOs) to expand treatment access.
Contract with the King County BH-ASO to provide behavioral health services to health care providers impacted by COVID-19.
Contract with the King County BH-ASO to provide recovery support services to individuals with Behavioral Health Conditions who are isolated due to COVID-19.

Help us reach more people!