CARE for Kids and Families, a multi-year, collaborative project based at CoLab, is working to expand access to culturally responsive behavioral healthcare across Washington state. Recently, the project team sent out a survey inviting community members to share ideas for non-traditional wellness services that they would like to see qualify for reimbursement.

The survey had 84 respondents who contributed 129 ideas, which the team then synthesized and categorized. Highlights include:

• Culturally and Spiritually-Based Practices: Suggestions like traditional Indigenous healing methods, sweat lodges, and Reiki.
• Art and Nature-Based Therapies: Ideas for painting classes, music therapy, hiking groups, and “walk-and-talk” therapy sessions.
• Game and Sports-Based Activities: Innovative therapies incorporating video games and athletic skill-building.
• Immediate Access Services: Short-term and on-demand interventions such as one-time workshops or urgent referrals to detox care.

These responses underscore the community’s desire to see mental health services evolve to include culturally resonant, holistic, and creative approaches to care. The CARE team is now partnering with the Washington State Health Care Authority to explore how these ideas can shape policy and expand billing guidelines for innovative services