As we enter 2026, we are marking a truly meaningful milestone: SOUND’s 60th anniversary. Six decades of service is not just a measure of time; it is a testament to the belief that everyone deserves access to compassionate, high-quality behavioral health care. While this anniversary sparks reflection on how far we’ve come, it also challenges us to imagine the future we are building together.
Our story has always been powered by people. The dedication of our staff, the partnership of community organizations, and the trust of those we serve are the foundation of everything we do. Across generations, you have carried SOUND’s mission forward with care, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to helping individuals transform their lives. We’re so excited to celebrate this milestone with you! Stay tuned—we’ll be sharing more about our year-long festivities very soon.
This year also brings exciting momentum for behavioral health across Washington, and for SOUND in particular. We are proud to be part of the state’s inaugural Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Pre-Certification Cohort – one of only ten behavioral health organizations selected statewide for this important work. Inclusion in the cohort reflects both the strength of our existing services and our commitment to delivering integrated, whole-person care that meets people where they are.
We are encouraged by Governor Ferguson’s proposed budget, which includes support for CCBHC, signaling that comprehensive behavioral health care is a growing priority at the state level. Lawmakers and advocates across Washington continue to champion this model, and SOUND is committed to building on this work. For organizations like ours that have already been operating CCBHC-modeled clinics, 2026 represents an important bridge from time-limited grant funding toward long-term sustainability, allowing us to expand access, strengthen care, and serve our communities more effectively for years to come.
This New Year season also reminds us of the resilience and compassion that define the SOUND community. In December, severe flooding required the evacuation of one of our residential living facilities in Auburn. During an incredibly challenging moment, our staff responded with urgency, care, and professionalism, ensuring the safety and dignity of every resident. I am deeply grateful for their swift action, and for the generosity and partnership of the team at the Interurban Tukwila hotel, who stepped in to support our community when it was needed most.
Looking ahead to the year in store for us, I am inspired by the dedication, creativity, and heart that fuel SOUND’s work every day. As we celebrate 60 years, we remain focused on what lies ahead – opening doors, expanding access, and shaping a future where hope, healing, and opportunity are within reach for all.
Thank you for being part of SOUND’s journey. Together, we are honoring our past while building a stronger, more compassionate future.
Most sincerely,
Katrina Egner
SOUND President & CEO
This month, I find myself reflecting on the power of partnership. Across our region, we have witnessed what is possible when communities come together around a shared vision. Seattle's successful role as a FIFA World Cup host city has showcased our region on a global stage and demonstrated the extraordinary impact of collaboration among businesses, community organizations, public agencies, volunteers, and civic leaders. We appreciated the opportunity, in coordination with King County, for SOUND’s Crisis Services team to contribute to the Behavioral Health Emergency Planning for the FIFA World Cup. Beyond the excitement of the tournament itself, the event has highlighted how collective effort can generate lasting economic opportunity, community pride, and positive outcomes that benefit us all.
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As SOUND Behavioral Health celebrates 60 years of serving the Puget Sound region, the organization has launched its new Corporate Community Partner Program, creating meaningful opportunities for businesses to invest in behavioral health while advancing employee wellness, community engagement, and corporate social responsibility goals.
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For more than 20 years, SOUND's Middle School Support Program (MSSP) has helped connect middle school students with behavioral health support where they need it most. The program is one part of SOUND's broader continuum of school-based behavioral health services, which bring care directly to students across King County. Since the program's inception, the Nesholm Family Foundation has helped sustain the MSSP through two decades of dedicated support, allowing students to access care in the place they spend much of their day: school.
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