This winter is shaping up to be a transformational time for behavioral health care in our state. In January Washington received a $1 million CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration Program planning grant from SAMHSA, unlocking essential funding to support the implementation of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model in this state. This model represents a long-term solution for building a more effective and sustainable community behavioral health system in Washington, and I’m excited and proud to see Sound Behavioral Health helping lead the way in implementing it in King County. I also want to express my deep gratitude to the Washington Council for Behavioral Health for their dedicated leadership in advocating for the statewide adoption of the CCBHC model. You can read the full announcement here:
With the 2025 Legislative Session in full swing, we are prioritizing our advocacy work through the Fourfront Contributor coalition. Our primary focus is protecting behavioral health services from potential budget cuts. Shortly before the session began, I participated in a panel discussion about CCBHCs at the annual Washington State of Reform Health Policy Conference in Seattle.
I also participated in a week of outreach and advocacy meetings in Olympia this month with several key legislators and members of Sound’s leadership team. In meeting with our government officials, we first expressed our sincere appreciation for their continued support and financial backing of Behavioral Health issues in our state. We also acknowledged the challenges posed by the current budget deficit. Despite them, we were able to secure sponsorship commitments to propose funding support for critical Sound program initiatives which will help ensure that vital Behavioral Health services remain accessible to those who need them most. For this, we are truly grateful for their unwavering help.
I am optimistic that our awareness efforts are resonating with state leadership as we work to ensure improving quality and access for behavioral health care remains a top priority for our state. It has been a chaotic start to the new year. In these uncertain times, I want to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to our community. We deeply understand the concerns and fears that recent political changes and executive orders may have created. Sound’s doors are, and will always, remain open to everyone. We stand firm in our belief in creating a space where everyone feels safe, respected, supported, and empowered.
In closing, I’d like to call attention to Sound’s recently updated mission statement: "Improving lives by providing equitable, recovery-focused behavioral health care for all in our community.
"Now, more than ever, we remain committed to that mission – and to building a community where everyone belongs. Everyone.
Please explore the many Ways to Give on the SOUND website. We are deeply grateful for your continued support of our critical mission.
Warm regards,
Katrina Egner
SOUND President & CEO
When SOUND clinician Marlene Andrews began volunteering at the Sammamish Animal Sanctuary, she noticed something unexpected. The animals, many of them rescued or recovering from neglect, required patience and consistency to build trust – much like the people she supported in her work at SOUND Behavioral Health. That realization planted the seed for what would become SOUND’s Animal Sanctuary program. In partnership with the Sammamish Animal Sanctuary, SOUND’s program is now a thriving part of the organization’s Child and Family Services offerings.
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Just a few short weeks ago, SOUND Behavioral Health welcomed more than 400 community members, partners, and supporters to Fremont Studios for the annual SOUND of Hope Gala — an evening dedicated to expanding access to mental health and substance use services across King County.
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As we reflect on the SOUND of Hope Gala: Open Hearts, Open Doors, we are deeply grateful to our community for coming together to expand access to hope, healing, and recovery across King County. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and partners, we exceeded our fundraising goal and are building momentum as SOUND enters an exciting new chapter, including our selection for Washington State’s first Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Pre-Certification Cohort. Together, we are opening more doors to care for all—regardless of insurance or ability to pay.
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