Nearly one million Washingtonians live with brain health problems such as autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other serious mental disorders. Many are able to live independently, but for some, the challenges of living and thriving independently are simply too great. For these individuals, options such as supported housing, schooling, and employment can help them live successful and productive lives.

Therapeutic communities that provide such support have been developed around the country and around the world, with well documented measures of success. They are a proven, effective model of care that provide a safe and structured setting where residents and staff work, live, and play together, empowering residents on their road to recovery. Residents report better access to care, a higher quality of life, fewer hospitalizations, and higher employment rates. While Washington State prides itself as one of the most progressive, healthiest states in the Nation, high quality residential programs for individuals living with serious brain health disorders are lacking.

With the help of a small group of families who have navigated the challenge of finding therapeutic living options, we are exploring the feasibility of establishing a residential therapeutic community in Washington. Such a facility would fill a critical gap in our current system, allowing us to provide a complete spectrum of care for those in our community with chronic mental health conditions. Beyond offering patients and families a safe and therapeutic way to continue their recovery, we would hope to develop this program as a site of research and innovation and a site where we can teach and inspire the next generation of mental health care professionals for our state, and to ultimately help other communities build programs of their own.

We are excited to explore this possibility and learn more from our community, and if you are interested involved, please reach out to Becky Sladek, MS.