Washington State Expands Funding For Intensive Mental Health Services

Circle Connections: Policy & Regulatory Updates The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services will distribute $23 million to Regional Support Networks across the state to improve the availability, access, quality and coordination of intensive mental health services. Starting July 1, 2014, as established in Senate Bill 5480, new standards for involuntary mental health treatment will take effect. The bill set aside funding to create specialized crisis services to address the expected increase in individuals accessing the mental health system. This was reported by the state of Washington on November 1, 2013. Contact information: Kathy Spears, Director, DSHS Public . . .