City of Bothell and YMCA of Greater Seattle Partner to Expand Free Behavioral Health Services

The City of Bothell and the YMCA of Greater Seattle have formed a new partnership to provide Bothell residents with free access to behavioral health services at the Northshore YMCA.

The City of Bothell's 2024 Human Services Needs Assessment identified improving mental and behavioral health services as a top community priority. In response, the City is investing general funds and Washington State’s opioid settlement funds to expand access to care. The contract, which runs through December 2026, ensures residents can receive vital mental health support without facing financial barriers.

Services available include:

• Mental and behavioral health care (clinical assessments, therapy, case management)
• Substance use disorder treatment
• Resource navigation and community connection
• Direct assistance such as rent support, food, and transportation

The new Behavioral Health Resource Hub will be staffed by two of the Y Social Impact Center’s behavioral health therapists, a resource navigator, and administrative support. Services will be provided at the Northshore YMCA Annex, located at 11809 NE 195th St. Street in Bothell. The site is publicly accessible, with no YMCA membership required. The annex building is currently undergoing renovations, with services temporarily provided via telehealth (limited in-person appointments may be available on a case-by-case.) Additional information regarding renovation progress and the official grand opening will be announced as it becomes available.

“Bothell families told us loud and clear that behavioral health support is a significant unmet need,” said Bothell Mayor Mason Thompson. “This partnership with the YMCA ensures our residents – including our young people, older adults, and those in crisis – have access to high-quality care close to home.”

The YMCA of Greater Seattle has long been a trusted provider of behavioral health and crisis intervention across King County. In 2023 alone, the Y’s crisis outreach teams responded to 131 urgent cases in Bothell, addressing challenges such as suicide ideation, family conflict, and self-harm. By locating services within the community, the Y and the City aim to reduce response times and improve continuity of care.

“This partnership is about meeting people where they are,” said Mark Putnam, Vice President of the Y Social Impact Center]. “Behavioral health care, substance use treatment, and resource navigation are most effective when they’re accessible. Together with the City of Bothell, we’re creating a safe and supportive space that connects residents to the help they need to heal and thrive.”

The YMCA of Greater Seattle serves more than 200,000 people annually across King, South Snohomish, and North Pierce Counties. In addition to health and wellness programs, the Y delivers social services including child care, early learning education, housing and hunger initiatives, chronic disease prevention, foster care services, behavioral health care, and much more.

For more information about behavioral health services at the Northshore YMCA, Call 1-360-376-2972 or email communityhub@seattleymca.org.