Thurston County eyes new crisis stabilization center as psychiatric cases surge

The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) has formally supported a proposal from Connections Health Solutions for a new crisis care facility. 

The facility is expected to provide immediate care access and timely treatment options for people who experiencing a mental health crisis.

In a letter sent to the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Behavioral Health Facilities Program, Commissioners Carolina Mejia and Rachel Grant endorsed the Arizona-based organization’s bid for state funding under the Trueblood Phase 3 Request for Proposals (RFP). 

Mejia confirmed during the BoCC check-in meeting on Feb. 26, that the facility would offer short-term stabilization for individuals in crisis. It would also help reduce strain on emergency rooms (ERs) and law enforcement. 

“This is not signing us up for anything. … It’s just simply a letter of support for them to seek that funding,” Mejia clarified.

She underscored that the county would not be financially or administratively tied to the facility’s operations. 

The planned facility would operate with 16 beds and offer walk-in access, as well as an emergency drop-off option, the letter stated. 

The county officials further warned about the growing strain on ERs, where psychiatric patients frequently face prolonged wait times and limited urgent care options. 

“Basically, where people are going into the ER for a behavioral health challenge, and then they’re having to wait in the ER for hours on end until they’re attended… This would give people another option instead of the ER department," Mejia said.

Connections Health Solutions has a record of running similar facilities in multiple states. 

So far, the company has already established a center in Kirkland and is working on another in Snohomish County, Mejia said. 

If approved, Thurston County would be the latest addition to its expansion in the state. 

BoCC Chair Tye Menser acknowledged the potential benefits, but asked for clarification. 

“I think I’m in support, but Connections is not a group I’m familiar with,” he inquired. “Is this one where you and Commissioner Grant had visited? What can you tell me about them?” 

Mejia verified that she and Grant had firsthand experience touring a Connections facility with Providence representatives. 

“Providence did attend that tour with us as well. They were also very interested in the Connections model, just based on the fact that they don’t have the capacity to handle this,” Mejia elaborated. 

According to Mejia, Connections Health Solutions is pursuing financial assistance from a standing state fund rather than requesting new state funding. 

The Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BHASO) reviewed multiple applicants for the funding, but ultimately backed Connections as the most viable candidate, the commissioners said. 

“Three different groups reached out ... Connections being one, and there were two others, but they didn’t quite meet the requirements that the BHASO has,” Mejia shared. 

Commissioner Wayne Fournier voiced general support for the proposal, but requested clarification on whether county staff would have any responsibilities in the project. 

“I just would want it to be clear what, exactly, if any, responsibilities are going to be put on staff,” he said.

“My understanding is that this is purely a BHASO initiative and operation, and we’re cheerleading.” 

Menser recalled the county’s earlier attempt to establish a similar facility near the jail, noting it did not fulfill its original goal. 

“It got caught up with, like, we didn’t have total control over it, and Intellicare was running it,” he explained. 

Menser added, “It was never like an in-and-out crisis stabilization, and then move out. People would come in, and they’d be there for extended periods.”