Resources

For mental health and substance use disorder support 24 hours a day, please call the Crisis Line at 866-4-CRISIS (866-427-4747).

The Crisis Line provides immediate help to individuals, families, and friends of people in emotional crisis. Their staff can help you determine if you or your loved one needs professional consultation and can link you to the appropriate services.

King County Crisis Line

Involuntary Treatment

Under Washington State Law, an individual can be detained and hospitalized for involuntary treatment:

• When a person is at risk of harming him/herself or another person

AND/OR

• When the person’s mental illness is so severe that his/her physical health is being negatively impacted.

Designated Crisis Responders (DCRs)

Designated Crisis Responders (DCRs), employed by the county, are mental health professionals who are specially trained and statutorily empowered to evaluate people with behavioral health disorders for involuntary detention in psychiatric facilities according to the State of Washington law. The law for adults is RCW 71.05. For youth 13 through 17 years of age the law is RCW 71.34.Under current legislation, a law enforcement officer cannot detain an individual for behavioral health treatment.

To request an evaluation for involuntary hospitalization, contact the DCRs. King County Crisis and Commitment Services: 206-263-9200

Non-urgent behavioral health needs

If your situation is not an urgent crisis, you may consider doing one of the following:

If you are already seeing a mental health professional contact that professional and ask for his/her assistance or support.
If you are not seeing a mental health professional, you may wish to contact your primary care provider to request support and referral to services. Service information and referrals are also available by contacting the Crisis Line at 866-4-CRISIS (866-427-4747).