Community
29
2026
Kids Mental Health Pierce County: 2025 Network Funding Spotlight
Guiding Focus of Network
Kids’ Mental Health—Pierce County (KMHPC) is a coalition of people and agencies in Pierce County that are joining together to address the growing behavioral health crisis among school age children and youth. Our Mission. Kids’ Mental Health – Pierce County is dedicated to developing a coordinated, responsive behavioral health system that serves the needs of children, youth, and families at the right time, in the best place, with the best outcomes for them. KMHPC coordinates with initiatives focused on young children to create a continuum of behavioral health services starting at birth.
How Network Was Formed
KMHPC was established at the October 2018 Children’s Mental Health Summit when our community mapped the challenges and decided to work together to address the growing crisis in children’s mental health. At the April 2019 Kids’ Mental Health-Pierce County Summit we ratified our common agenda and agreed how we will work together as KMHPC. We have now expanded our network to help develop the Kids Mental Health Washington Initiative which focus on improved collaborative communication, service connection processes, and the facilitation of Multidisciplinary Teams (MDT)- all designed to improve access to and the coordination of services.
Shared Successes That Have Emerged From This Network
2025 Participation & Demographics Total Participants Served:
- 121 referrals processed
- 100+ families received navigation support
- 73 MDT meetings facilitated
Key Accomplishments & Outcomes Quantitative:
- 57 training events, 1,800+ participants
- 73 MDT meetings
- 121 referrals processed
- 67 community events attended
Additional success has include:
- Advocating for a non-Medicaid WISE team which is currently being funded by the Pierce County Behavioral Health Tax;
- Advocated for additional youth mobile crisis services which resulted in a second provider coming to the Pierce Region.
- Hosted the 3rd annual Pierce County School Based Mental Health Summit, themed “The Power of WE: Strengthening Schools through Care and Connection in Pierce County”.
- Over 200 Pierce County educators, mental-health professionals, community partners and stakeholders attended to explore how we can build more inclusive, supportive school environments.
- 24 community agencies participated in a resource fair throughout the day to connect with attendees and share information about youth and family resources throughout Pierce County.
1-2 Big Goals Your Network is Hoping to Achieve in 2026
- Streamline Access & Collaboration: Launch a provider network meeting to support behavioral health provider and school district collaboration, improving access to services for ALL Pierce County youth.
- Expand and Strengthen MDT Partnerships: Revisit participation and support strategies to ensure MDT teams are effective and collaborative, with a focus on improving outcomes for youth.
Advice For Others Looking to Leverage Networks to Help Build a Thriving Community
Challenges to Anticipate
Having a plan for sustainability. Our program relies heavily on braided funding and collaboration from system partners. This is often impacted when there is a high level of turnover due to funding impacts or provider capacity.
Tips for Navigating Challenges
Collaboration! We are truly better together when we are able to put our resources together to help strengthen our capacities and fill the gaps in our community.
How to Build Shared Goals
It is important to help build trust between providers and mutual buy-in from community stakeholders. To have shared values, visions and a plan to help us know where we want to go and the steps needed to get there.
Any Additional Advice