Summary:
King County is expanding its youth mobile crisis response by adding seven new teams across the region, operated by the YMCA. The teams deploy mental health professionals and trained peers who de-escalate crises, resolve family conflicts, and connect young people with ongoing support. The expansion replaces a system that relied on just two teams operating from a single location. Under the new regional model, nine teams will cover three service areas-North/East, Central/West, and South-during the week, with six teams available on weekends. Last year, youth crisis teams responded to more than 1,200 young people and families.
King County is expanding its youth mobile crisis response, adding seven new teams across the region to support children and teens facing mental health and substance use emergencies. With the additions, nine mobile teams will now be available 24/7.
Operated by the YMCA, the teams deploy mental health professionals and trained peers who de-escalate crises, resolve family conflicts, and connect young people with ongoing support.
“When a young person is struggling, families shouldn’t have to navigate a maze of systems to get the help they need,” said King County Executive Shannon Braddock. “This expansion allows for urgent, in-person behavioral health support when youth need it most.”
The expansion replaces a system that relied on just two teams operating from a single location. Under the new regional model, nine teams will cover three service areas—North/East, Central/West, and South—during the week, with six teams available on weekends.
“Expanding teams across King County will allow our program to continue delivering the compassionate services that we have provided to King County residents,” said Donnie Goodman, Executive Director of Behavioral Health Services at the YMCA’s Y Social Impact Center. “This will ensure we have faster response times and a better understanding of the communities we serve and the services they need.”
Last year, youth crisis teams responded to more than 1,200 young people and families. That number is expected to grow significantly with additional teams now in place.
“This is another step toward achieving a robust crisis response so that everyone, including young people and their families, can connect to the care and support they need,” said Kelly Rider, Director of the King County Department of Community & Human Services.
King County has also expanded mobile crisis teams for adults, now offering 27 teams operated by the Downtown Emergency Service Center and Sound Behavioral Health.
Anyone can call or text 988 to connect with a youth or adult crisis team. Services are available 24/7, regardless of insurance or ability to pay.
“By simplifying access and removing barriers, we are reshaping crisis response in King County,” said Susan McLaughlin, Director of King County’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Division. “Historically, the rules for crisis response excluded too many. Today, we’re saying every family in King County matters—and when they reach out, our system will respond.”
Early data shows the impact of the change. In April, there were 45 youth crisis team dispatches—four times the previous monthly average. In May, 39 young people and families received in-person response, nearly tripling the historical average. Officials expect those numbers to rise further with the expanded teams now on the ground.
