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Cambia Health Foundation Awards...

For thousands of adults and children survivors of domestic violence who turn to Sound for support, life just got a little bit better. Cambia Health Foundation, a part of Cambia Health Solutions, recently awarded Sound’s Children’s Domestic Violence Response Team, CDVRT, a grant totaling $200,000 to continue its work.

US Bank Supports Sound With Gift

Special thanks to U.S. Bank leaders for the U.S. Bank Foundation’s grant support for our Soundworks program. Soundworks helps adults 18+ with behavioral health or cognitive issues find and keep employment.

Woodland Park Zoo Once Again Gifts Families...

Thanks to the generosity of the Woodland Park Zoo and Sound's membership in the King County Kinship Collaboration, Sound's Child & Family Services (CFS) clients were invited to attend the zoo's much celebrated WildLights festival.

Heartfelt Helper Cuts Clients Hair

This story focuses on some work that Sound team member, Sydney Miller, has been doing with clients at Emerald House on Capitol Hill. Though Sydney works in Crisis, she will cut clients’ hair one time a month

From the Jungle to a Home and a Job

Although he was working day labor in construction, Robert Sanders was only receiving minimum wage – not enough to rent an apartment. So he found himself living in Seattle’s infamous “Jungle,” a homeless encampment at South Royal Brougham Way.

Heroes Wanted!

Ever wanted to impact a life for the better but maybe didn’t know how? Well now is your chance. Dale Anderson, a 15 year Sound team member, will be offering a free course to teach you to identify and respond to signs of mental distress in our community.

Behavioral Health Pioneer, and Medical...

The behavioral health community has lost a titan. Robert "Dr. Bob" Houk, MD, longtime medical director at Sound, and a pioneer in behavioral health’s formative years, passed away on December 6, 2018. He was 81 years old. A memorial service is hoped for in January, 2019.

Substance Use and Mental Health

Did you know that addiction to drugs or alcohol is a mental illness? Substance use disorder changes normal desires and priorities.

Depression

Depression (major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working.

Mental and Emotional Well-being

Mental and emotional well-being is essential to overall health. Positive mental health allows people to realize their full potential, cope with the stresses of life, work productively, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

The Partners Group Supports Sound

Sound's IDD Services held their annual Summer BBQ at the Capitol Hill campus in partnership with The Partners Group, a local insurance and employee benefits firm.

Join the Circle of Compassion

As a special giving society for our most loyal and committed donors, the Sound Circle of Compassion offers you the opportunity to make a deeper and more meaningful commitment to children, adults and families dealing with behavioral health issues.

Sound Just Never Said No

A loyal brother pays it forward to support Sound’s never-give-up care.

A Daughter’s Legacy Lives On

Born with an imperfection in a single chromosome, Christy Parson lived a too-short life filled with grueling physical and mental challenges.

Sound CEO Patrick Evans Recognized

Sound’s President & CEO, Patrick C. Evans will be among 14 people recognized by Puget Sound Business Journal as “Outstanding Voices” for equality.

Chief Development Officer Brings New...

“We need to build!” So says Susan Bean, CFRE, Sound’s Chief Development Officer. Sue’s experience gives her a clear focus on the donor experience.

Robert Bloom’s Long Journey Home to...

Robert Bloom’s road to Sound, and to recovery from addiction and depression, was a long one.

Vocational Program Launches Program to...

SoundWorks, Sound’s vocational services program, implemented a new effort to recognize and highlight employee partners that have offered employment and support to Sound clients.

Coming Full Circle: Sound’s Front-Desk...

Ever the optimist, Kevin Cox has been working at Sound for 16 years in the same position as a receptionist and is now located at the new Tukwila office in South King County. His positive attitude gains him fans among both employees and clients. But many don’t know his story — about how he...

Sound Executive Speaks at Annual Health Care...

Sound’s President and CEO, Patrick Evans, joined executives from Kaiser Permanente, Swedish, Virginia Mason, UW Medicine and other organizations during Health Care of the Future, hosted by Puget Sound Business Journal on March 29.

Sound Earns Accreditation by CARF

After taking a three-day survey, and waiting for the final report for two months, Sound earned a three-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). The process began in January.

Award-Winning Program Recognized

At the Washington State DSHS Co-Occurring Disorders and Treatment Conference, held in Yakima last October 16 – 17, Sound’s STAR program received the 2017 Exemplary Service Award as Innovative Program of the Year.

Advocating for CETA, a New Methodology for...

After being trained in the CETA (Common Elements Treatment Approach) in 2015, SUD Program Supervisor John-Paul Sharp has seen the four-part treatment approach successfully work for many Sound clients dealing with symptoms of trauma-related disorders.

Sound Expands Services for Insurance Clients

A new program developed by Sound offers hope and support to commercial insurance clients seeking expert level counseling services to help with a variety of life’s challenges such as: anxiety, depression, addiction, teen issues, relationship problems, attention related difficulties, stress management and more.

A Survivor’s Story: Danny Wills

Danny Wills is a survivor. As a child he remembers police visiting his home frequently for domestic violence and worrying about his mother all the time. At age 13, his father put him out of their home, and he began living on the streets. “I was my own parent,” he says today. “There was...

SMH Announces Launch of New Brand

Sound Mental Health, a provider of comprehensive quality mental health and addiction services, announced today the launch of a new corporate brand identity, name and tagline.

Reaching Recovery: a New Model of Care

After more than 51 years as a vital resource in King County, Sound Mental Health (SMH) has signed on with a new model of service called Reaching Recovery that will bring change to every fiber of the organization.

Premera Blue Cross Awards Grant to SMH...

Premera Blue Cross presented Sound Mental Health’s Children’s Domestic Violence Response Team (CDVRT) with a generous two-year grant totaling $150,000. SMH was one of seven nonprofits this year to receive the grant

Forum to Inform, Enlighten Community,...

Each year, the community behavioral health industry circles the month of November as a special time to advocate for its clients and promote its agenda.

Longtime staff member retires after more than...

Deeanne Matz, longtime assistant to SMH’s chief executive officers, retired from SMH in mid-September after 20 years in her position. Such longevity is a rarity these days. For everything she has done for SMH and the community, we thank her for her 21 years of service with our organization.

September is National Recovery Month

Please join us as we celebrate National Recovery Month, an opportunity to raise awareness for recovery and recognize our staff, and the clients they serve.

Premera Invests in SMH DV Program

Sound Mental Health's Children's Domestic Violence Response Team (CDVRT) received a $150,000 Social Impact grant from Premera Blue Cross to support survivors of domestic violence and their children.

Medical House Calls Reach Clients in Crisis;...

The concept of medical house calls seems old-fashioned in these days of overflowing emergency rooms. But to Sound Mental Health (SMH) Physician Assistant Dale Sanderson, house calls to the intellectually disabled are a lifesaver.

Sound Mental Health Client Overcomes...

For Jeanette Anderson, the path to recovery was a long and winding road.

New Chief Development Officer Takes the Helm

Susan (Sue) Bean, a veteran development professional of over 20 years and a Certified Fund Raising Executive, was appointed Vice President & Chief Development Officer for Sound Mental Health in April.

Sponsor Spotlight: US Bank

U.S. Bank, the fifth-largest bank in the United States, employs 1,300 people and has 92 branches in the Puget Sound region.

SMH Announces New Corporate Headquarters

Come the summer of 2017, SMH’s corporate headquarters will have a new home. After approval from the SMH Board of Directors, the new location will be located at SMH’s Tukwila East facility at 6400 Southcenter Blvd. The move will take place in early summer.

SMH CEO joins top executives at business...

Joining numerous community leaders, SMH President & CEO Patrick Evans served as a panelist during the Puget Sound Business Journal's Health Care of the Future, on Friday, March 24.

Affordable Care Act Central to Improving...

Sarah is just like any other 20-something you'd meet. Her hair is dyed rust red and she is at ease in casually-torn jeans, graphic tee and well-loved tennis shoes. But what sets this SMH client apart is that she is a walking testament to the life-changing power of the Affordable Care Act.

Sponsor Spotlight

Keeney’s Office Supply | Office Interiors is a local, woman-owned, independent office supply and furniture company. In business since 1947,we are located in Redmond WA and deliver daily to both private and public businesses in the Puget Sound.

Sponsor Spotlight: Jackson Main

"Why we support Sound Mental Health: Jackson|Main is committed to the welfare of our team, our clients, and the community we work in. We believe that a vibrant city starts with a healthy population: strong in body, mind, and outlook."

SMH Therapist Shares Insights into Engaging...

Sound Mental Health’s Katie Jo Glaves, marriage and family therapist in our Eastside office, shared insights during the February 4 session of the “State of Mind” conference in Issaquah.

Sponsor Spotlight

Clark Nuber is the sixth largest accounting firm in the Puget Sound region and was named one of the Top 100 accounting firms in the United States by Accounting Today and Inside Public Accounting.

Sponsor Spotlight: Aegis Living

We believe mental health is such a key component to a person’s overall well-being, that we choose to support Sound Mental Health as one of our charity partners. Aegis Living is a national leader in assisted living and Alzheimer’s care.

Foundation Spotlight

"We are pleased to partner with Sound Mental Health in our initiative in three Seattle middle schools: Aki Kurose, Denny, and Mercer. We are committed to supporting the success of all students and believe that behavioral and mental health is an essential part of that."

New CTO Joshua Nelson will build on...

SMH announced this month the hire of Joshua Nelson as Chief Technology Officer.

SMH Announces New Corporate Restructure

Six months into his tenure, Sound Mental Health CEO Patrick C. Evans today announced significant changes to the organization’s executive leadership team.

CEO Article in Puget Sound Business Journal:...

With improved employee engagement and a dedicated presence of behavioral health in workplace wellness programs, employers here should begin to reap significant benefits.

Client Relied on SMH and Hard Work to...

Davis Apitz, a young man with his whole life in front of him, hit rock bottom a year ago, in December of 2015. That was when he finally came to grips with the fact that his heroin addiction was beginning to destroy his life.

Client Spotlight – Shane Buck

In 2015, Shane’s father passed away, and without support, he became homeless. Shane was homeless for about a year before Sound Mental Health helped him to find housing.

October is National Domestic Violence Month

Did you know that survivors of domestic violence often need therapeutic support in addition to domestic violence services?

Youth Suicide Prevention Advocate Celebrates...

To see Serena McDonald today, you’d never guess that she was a survivor of a suicide attempt at the age of 17 in 2013. A victim of bullying in middle school and years of emotional and physical traumas, Serena’s feelings of depression, isolation and an emerging eating disorder left her so desperate that ending...

Chief Medical Officer: Mary Bartels, MD

I am committed to community mental health in general, having always wanted to work with underserved individuals with complex mental illnesses. Since coming to SMH, my life has changed.

Board Profile: Stan Moffett

"Without community acceptance and understanding of the value of having mentally healthy citizens, we lose valuable contributions to families, a state of joyful living, and human productivity. Instead we stigmatize and settle for people living sub-standard lives..."

Garden Group Shares the Bounty!

Sound Mental Health clients share the bounty throughout the summer at our campuses in Auburn, Bellevue and Capitol Hill. It's a great metaphor for recovery!

Parent Partners Guide Stressed Families from...

Desperate times, it is often said, call for desperate measures. For that grandparent stepping up to take care of their at-risk grandchildren...

A New CEO, A New Era

Sound Mental Health welcomes new Chief Executive Officer, Patrick C. Evans! Mr. Evans, who helmed Behavioral Healthcare Partners of Central Ohio, Inc. for the past 14 years, assumes duties at SMH on June 13. Mr. Evans takes over for long time CEO, David R. Stone, who is retiring after 27 years as SMH’s...

50th Anniversary Celebration

A great time was had by one and all at our 50th Anniversary Celebration on May 12, 2016! Seven hundred friends, staff, board members, community leaders, elected officials and more attended the event to pay tribute to retiring CEO, David Stone.

Program Helps Individuals Stay Out of...

By the time the Washington State Supreme Court ruled psychiatric boarding as illegal in 2014, Sound Mental Health (SMH) was already developing a program...

Development Department Re-envisions SMH as a...

The transitions taking place in behavioral health go well beyond the Affordable Care Act, integration and partnership with primary care.

Foundation Spotlight: NW Children’s...

“We are proud to partner with Sound Mental Health in support of their innovative Children’s Domestic Violence Response Team (CDVRT)."

Swedish Ballard to open new behavioral health...

Swedish is expanding its behavioral health services with the opening of a new unit at Swedish Ballard.

SMH Time Line

From the SMH History Book – a time line of the development of SMH and community mental health:

SMH History Book Profile – Retiring CEO...

David R. Stone, Ph.D has been the CEO of Sound Mental Health since 1989 – he retires this year:

SMH History Book Profile – Dr. Bob

Here’s a profile of Dr. Robert Houk, who was with SMH from 1970 – 2010, and instrumental in our history.

Transitioning to New Leadership

Dr. Stone spent the past 27 years building Sound Mental Health from modest beginnings into one of the most respected behavioral health organizations in the region.

SMH History Book Profile – Pat Pagdilas...

Pat Pagdilas-Shepherd has been with SMH for 38 years – we are so fortunate!

SMH History Book Profile – Rhea Lutton,...

Rhea Lutton has served on the SMH Board since 1981 – a valued and dedicated volunteer:

SMH History Profile – Paul Eisenhauer,...

Here is an excerpt from the SMH History Book about our Chief Financial Officer, Paul Eisenhauer:

SMH History – One of our founders

Here is an excerpt from the SMH History Book about one of our founders: Booth Gardner.

SMH History Book – 50 Years of Service

On May 12, SMH will publish its history book in time to celebrate our 50th Anniversary! Here’s a look at the cover. More info to follow.

SMH Hires New Chief Executive Officer

Seasoned behavioral health executive brings nearly 20 years executive management experience to the position. Sound Mental Health announced today that Patrick C. Evans has been selected as the new Chief Executive Officer.

Board Profile: President Gloria Bernard

"We need good mental health to live productive and happy lives. Mental Health is as important as physical health. Both are needed for an individual to live a happy and productive life."

Board Profile: Juan Cotto

"Mental Health is important because it has a 'stigma' which exists with a number of diseases, conditions, and social concerns. The 'stigma' about mental health exists because people don't understand or are not well versed on the topic and they don't like to nor want to talk about it. Which is exactly...

Client Spotlight: Nancy Clark

SMH’s Parent Partner program has provided support to Nancy Clark for nearly a year. Though her son receives supportive services at another King County provider, Nancy has been supported by SMH’s Parent Partner program, a part of Child and Family Services.

Board Profile: Paula Janson

" We are being confronted every day with the need for behavioral health and mental health services, from issues of homelessness, to the increase in heroin and chemical abuse problems. Investing in SMH is investing in our community's well-being."

Board Profile: Lois Bloom

"We all want to live in safe and functional communities, it can be more than just a wish or dream..... it can happen with Sound Mental Health as our community partner."

KKNW Radio Interview on Transition Support...

SMH Staff member Beth Anderson is interviewed by Gary Shipe on his public affairs program. The interview focuses on SMH’s Transition Support Program which helps mental health clients as they transition from hospitals back into the community.

Foster Parents Needed

The Sound Mental Health Foster Care Program provides therapeutic care to foster youth by maintaining safe, structured, and nurturing homes. We place children and youth ages six through eighteen who may be dealing with issues related to abuse, abandonment, and neglect.

Supportive Housing Helps Hundreds

Consumers engaged in these programs are provided with access to housing and intensive, wraparound services including housing case management, mental health counseling, chemical dependency counseling, and employment services.

SMH’s “New Look” Web Site Goes...

After six months of careful planning and implementation, Sound Mental Health rolled out its new Web site on October 1, 2015. At first glance, the redesigned web site has a contemporary and inviting look. But a closer look will tell you that there’s more to the site than just appearances.

Cognitive Bias and Ethnic Disparity in Autism...

Joey* and Andrew* are, in so many ways, quite similar. These 3-year-olds are rambunctious, never want to take a nap and don’t like peas. Both also share traits commonly associated...

SMH Program, “Teen Talk” Supports...

We are pleased to see this worthwhile program, SMH Deaf Services' "Teen Talk," profiled in the October 2015 edition of Seattle Magazine.

Mental Health Plans are Good for Business

Apple founder Steve Jobs lived with mental health issues. So did cosmetics mogul, Estee Lauder. Media tycoon, Ted Turner, has also written about living with mental illness. These and many other executives struggle with mental illness, which is

Hollywood is helping stigma of mental illness...

For decades, Hollywood was proficient in its negative portrayal of the symptoms, treatment and individuals living with mental illness. Film, television and other forms of entertainment produced by Hollywood...

Tenth Annual Mental Health Matters Gala...

As attendees filed out of the Meydenbauer Center at the end of the evening, stomachs full and hearts swollen, the buzz was that Mental Health Matters, SMH’s annual gala, was one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling in the 10 years that it has been held.

New Development Executive Takes Helm at Sound...

After an exhaustive effort in search of a top candidate, Sound Mental Health recently announced that fundraising and community development professional, Tresa Thomas Massiongale, CFRE, joined the executive team as its new chief development officer. Thomas Massiongale leverages more than 20 years of progressive nonprofit executive experience to the position and is...

New Health Care Law Unlocked Door to Recovery...

For years, Sound Mental Health client Donna Shaw didn’t think she’d make it. Perhaps it was the trauma she suffered after the Jan. 2000 crash of Alaska Airlines Flight 261, which claimed the lives of 88 people, including a close friend. Maybe it was her unstable childhood that left a sense of insecurity and...

Children and Family Programs Offer Wealth of...

Most athletes know all about grit and determination. Anyone who has engaged in the theater of sport knows just what it feels like to experience victory. And, of course, defeat. Just ask Heather Hamilton, a Sound Mental Health (SMH) client who has received chemical dependency counseling, housing support, individual therapy and specialized counseling for her...

How to Prevent More School Shootings

A 16-year-old youth shoots another student at a school in a small town in Oregon. A young man who had stopped taking his psychotropic medication so he “could feel the hate” decides to shoot random students at Seattle Pacific University. Even President Obama appears

SMH Announces New Tukwila Facility

SEATTLE – June 29, 2015 – With a centrally accessible location, the new facility meets increased need for vital community mental health services for youth and families.

Foundations Support Hope and Recovery for SMH...

Foundations Support Hope and Recovery for SMH Clients “Lizette” is 15, having difficulty at home and rebelling in school. “Moira” is a mother of very young children and newly free from an abusive household. “Reginald” just lost his apartment, the one place he could find respite after losing his dishwashing job one month...

Older Adult Services

Older Adult Services (OAS) provides behavioral health care to individuals and their loved ones/caregivers with emotional or psychological problems or those experiencing difficulties with life-impacting events related to the process of aging. Our program serves clients, ages 60 and older, providing holistic care with a variety of clinical services including: comprehensive assessment, treatment and...

SMH Gala Raises Awareness and Funds for...

SEATTLE – May 13, 2015 – Sound Mental Health, which served more than 3,400 children and thousands of families last year, announced that its annual fundraiser, Mental Health Matters, will highlight its work with children and families.

Patrick Kennedy, former US Congressman, To...

SEATTLE – May 1, 2014 – Sound Mental Health, King County’s most comprehensive provider of behavioral health services, announced that former Congressman Patrick Kennedy, a nationally-respected politician and mental health advocate, will keynote its ninth annual Mental Health Matters gala.

Sound Mental Health CEO Presents at Regional...

SEATTLE – February 10, 2014 – Leaders in the region’s top health care organizations, including Sound Mental Health’s David Stone, Ph.D., will offer valuable insights into effective strategies for healthier, more productive workplaces during Health Care of the Future, Puget Sound Business Journal’s highly anticipated health care summit.

SMH Domestic Violence Program Honored By King...

SEATTLE – Sept. 23, 2013 – After years of ground-breaking work helping survivors of domestic violence, a Sound Mental Health program is being honored by King County in a late September ceremony.

Mariel Hemingway, Oscar-Nominated Actress,...

SEATTLE – Sept. 9, 2013 – Academy Award-nominated actress, mental health advocate and author, Mariel Hemingway, will headline an annual event hosted by Sound Mental Health with ambitions of tackling the crippling stigmas associated with mental illness.

Sound Mental Health Announces New Board...

SEATTLE – Aug. 15, 2013 – Sound Mental Health (SMH), one of the most comprehensive behavioral health agencies in the state of Washington, announced the addition of Juan J. Cotto and Diane C. Gordon, BSN, MA, MPH to its volunteer board of directors.

New York Times Best Seller and Pulitzer...

SEATTLE – May 14, 2013 – Pulitzer Prize finalist and New York Times Best Selling author, Pete Earley will keynote at Mental Health Matters, Sound Mental Health’s annual spring gala and fundraiser.

Sound Mental Health CEO Presents at Health...

SEATTLE – February 28, 2013 – Leaders in the region’s top health care organizations, including Sound Mental Health’s David Stone, Ph.D., are participating in Health Care of the Future, Puget Sound Business Journal’s much anticipated health care summit, March 1, 2013.

Sound Mental Health Announces New Board...

SEATTLE – Feb. 6, 2013 – Sound Mental Health (SMH), one of the most comprehensive behavioral health agencies in the state of Washington, announced the addition of Deborah G. Brockway, a long time Marketing executive, to its volunteer board of directors.

Councilman Gossett To Enjoy Holiday Meal with...

SEATTLE – Dec. 11, 2012 – King County Councilmember Larry Gossett will join residents of Gossett Place, a facility named in his honor last year, to enjoy a delicious holiday meal with its residents.

Congressman McDermott to Share Holiday Meal...

SEATTLE – Nov. 19, 2012 – Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) will join residents of McDermott Place, a low income housing facility, for a holiday feast today.

Sound Mental Health Assumes Oversight of Two...

SEATTLE – Sept. 24, 2012 – Sound Mental Health (SMH) announced that it is assuming the operations of two housing properties for low income and disabled residents.

Sound Mental Health Announces New Board...

SEATTLE – Aug 7, 2012 – Sound Mental Health (SMH) announced the addition of several new members to its volunteer board of directors.

Sister of Hollywood Actress and Mental Health...

SEATTLE – May 8, 2012 – When Sound Mental Health hosts its seventh annual gala, Mental Health Matters, Wednesday, May 9, it will feature a very special guest, Jessie Close.

SMH Completes Implementation of Data...

SEATTLE – May 4, 2012 – Sound Mental Health announced today an agreement with iCentrix, a leading provider of data warehousing and business productivity solutions.

SMH CEO Joins Industry Heavyweights at...

SEATTLE – March 20, 2012 – David Stone, Ph.D., Sound Mental Health CEO, will join other executives to share their vision for healthcare.

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