“The mission of the Mental Health Division is to promote recovery and safety.”
SYSTEM TRANSFORMATION INITIATIVE TASKFORCE & COMMUNITY FORUMS
The Mental Health Division (MHD) has begun implementing a comprehensive package of budget and legislative initiatives in the delivery of Washington State’s public mental health services for adults with severe and persistent mental illness and children with serious emotional disorders. Strategies include:
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1. Statewide implementation of Program of Assertive Community
Treatment (PACT)
teams.
2. A study of the Medicaid benefits package and Medicaid managed care rates.
3. Preparation of a plan for expanding housing options for individuals with mental illness.
4. A review of Washington State’s involuntary commitment statute and system.
5.Development of a utilization review system to assure people receive appropriate levels and durations of state hospital and community psychiatric inpatient care.
6. Preparation of a plan for expanding employment options for individuals with mental illness.
In addition to the STI Task Force, three large public forums were held to solicit input from providers, stakeholders and, most importantly, consumers of mental health services and family members to inform DSHS leaders about how best to implement these legislative and budget initiatives.
The MHD held its first Community Forum on November 15, 2006 in Tukwila and the 2nd Community Forum was held on January 16, 2007 in Lacey (Worthington Conference Center, St. Martin’s University). The 3rd and final Community Forum was held at the Double Tree Hotel on May 25, 2007 in Seatac.
STI RESOURCE LINKS
CONTACT INFORMATION:
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For more ways to get in touch with the Department of Mental Health Services, go to the DSHS Contact Information Web page. Mental Health Related Questions Contact:
