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 information
Please note that our staff only serves Western State Hospital patients in Lakewood, WA. If you need an advocate for a different hospital, please contact that hospital for assistance.
- Alyssa Kreiger, Gage Center Director of Patient Grievance Investigations
(Serves F1 – F10, E1, E2, E4, E5, E6)
Email: Alyssa.Kreiger1@dshs.wa.gov - Emily Dodsworth, Civil Center Patient Rights Investigator
(Serves C1 – C9, HMH, E3)
Email: Emily.dodsworth@dshs.wa.gov
Phone: 253-984-6597 - Civil Center Patient Abuse/Neglect Line: (253) 984-6565
- Gage Center Patient Abuse/Neglect Line: 253-761-7599
- Find a local affiliate, state office phone line open regular business hours
Monday through Friday: 206-783-9264 | 800-782-9264