WSH - Western state behavioral health hospital - Office of Patient Advocacy

Responsible for:

  • Provide a channel for patient and family voice
  • Share models of hope and recovery

Current Efforts:

  • Assist families with communicating with treatment teams
  • Provide resource and referrals for both hospital and community members
  • Help resolve low-level complaints, respond to concerns and provide pathways for resolution

Services Provided:

  • Respond to phone and in-person inquiries. 
  • Provide resources and educational programs and forums providing education related to Patient Rights and Privileges, mental illness and recovery.
  • Supportive services to peers during emergency situations

Partnerships:

  • Eastern State Hospital Patient Advocate
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness: Washington State (NAMI-WA)
  • Pierce County Certified Peer Counselor Continuing Education through OptumHealth/Pierce Behavioral Health Organization 

Contact Us:

Please note that our patient advocates only serve Western State Hospital patients in Lakewood, WA.  If you need an advocate for a different hospital, please contact that hospital for assistance.

Jackie Lopez, Patient Advocate
Email: jacqueline.lopez@dshs.wa.gov
Phone: 253-984-5744
Address:
Western State Hospital
Building 9 Room C19-320
9601 Steilacoom Blvd. S.W.
Lakewood, WA 98498

Other Contacts:
Kathy Davies, Gage Center Director of Patient Grievance Investigations
Email: Kathy.davies@dshs.wa.gov
Phone:253-756-2669

Emily Dodsworth, Civil Center Patient Rights Investigator
Email: Emily.dodsworth@dshs.wa.gov
Phone: 253-984-6597

Civil Center Patient Abuse/Neglect Line: (253) 984-6565 

W.S.H. Abuse/Neglect Hotline: 253-761-7599

National Alliance on Mental Illness, Washington State
https://www.namiwa.org/
Find a local affiliate, state office phone line open regular business hours
Monday through Friday:  206-783-9264 | 800-782-9264

Other Resources: