This June, we reflect on the incredible momentum built during Mental Health Awareness Month and look ahead with a reenergized purpose during an especially important month for our community, Pride Month.
In May, our Orange Door campaign brought visibility to mental health in powerful ways, reaching thousands across King County and sparking critical conversations about hope, healing, and recovery. Thank you to everyone who visited an installation, shared their stories, or engaged with us online. Your support made this campaign truly impactful.
The Orange Door served as a striking visual reminder that SOUND Behavioral Health is here for our community, no matter the need. While the Orange Door installations are not permanent, the work we do is. Mental health awareness is not confined to a single month. It’s something we show up for every single day, in every corner of our work.
Earlier this month, we recognized Juneteenth, a day marking the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in 1865. Juneteenth invites us to reflect on our nation’s history and recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of justice and equity. At SOUND, we acknowledge the lasting impacts of systemic racism on mental health and well-being. We honor this day by continuing to expand equitable access to care and uplifting historically marginalized communities.
This commitment is equally vital as we celebrate Pride Month. At SOUND, we stand proudly with LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and communities. While we’ve been dedicated to serving the LGBTQ+ community for many years, our recent community needs assessments have helped us identify where we can do more, and we’ve responded by expanding outreach and access through our Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) - federally designated clinics that provide comprehensive mental health and substance use services regardless of ability to pay. Through this model, we are reaching more LGBTQ+ individuals, along with BIPOC communities, veterans, and others who have historically experienced barriers to care. Our goal is to ensure every person feels seen, heard, and supported with inclusive, affirming, and culturally informed services.
To close out this meaningful month, we’re proud to show up for our LGBTQ+ community with a moment of celebration. SOUND is a sponsor of the Trans Pride Parade on June 27 and will also participate in the Seattle Pride Parade on June 29. We encourage our SOUND community to join us, show support, and walk alongside your LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors.
And finally, we also recognize Men’s Health Month this June, a time to raise awareness around the unique mental health challenges men face. It’s an important reminder to encourage men to prioritize wellness, find supportive spaces and challenge the stigma that often surrounds mental health.
Thank you for continuing to walk with us as we open more doors to our neighbors across King County.
Most Sincerely,
Katrina Egner
SOUND President & CEO
On left: Chief Impact & Community Engagement Officer: Eddie Pasatiempo
On right: President & CEO: Katrina Egner at KEXP Music Heals Day 2025
At SOUND Behavioral Health, we are inspired when young people step up to make a difference in our community. A group of students from Mercer Island High School —Levi Jones, Ronan Buckley, and Connor Flume — have done just that with their initiative, 988 Find Your Peace.Through T-shirts and sweatshirts featuring the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 988, these students are helping normalize conversations about mental health and letting their peers know that support is always available. All profits from their apparel go directly to SOUND, helping us provide critical counseling, crisis intervention, housing support, and recovery services throughout King County.
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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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