Partial federal government shutdown
HCA does not anticipate any immediate impacts to our services or disruption to provider payments at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation and share updates if anything changes.
HCA does not anticipate any immediate impacts to our services or disruption to provider payments at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation and share updates if anything changes.
Parents or guardians can bring their youth (ages 13-17) to a participating provider and request a mental health or substance use disorder evaluation through Family Initiated Treatment (FIT). As a provider, you must inform families of all available treatment options and, if you have the capacity and skills to provide treatment even if the youth refuses care. FIT gives families another way to access treatment, but it does not guarantee immediate services. Each provider follows their own process for evaluations and admissions.
Strengthen school, family, provider collaboration. Use practical tools to coordinate timely behavioral health support for youth 13–17.
Under RCW 71.34.375, you must:
Review behavioral health treatment options for adolescents (updated March, 2022).
Within 24 hours of all inpatient or outpatient admissions under FIT, you must complete the FIT notice of outpatient mental health treatment form, and notify HCA's contractor and the FIT administration office via secure email or via secure fax at 206-859-6432.
If treatment is medically necessary, outpatient services may be available through FIT.
Medically necessary inpatient or residential treatment may be available through FIT.
Youth admitted under FIT must be released immediately if:
If a court does not release the youth in a residential treatment facility, they can remain in the residential facility as long as treatment continues to be medically necessary (RCW 71.34.630(2)).
Youth have the right to receive services in the least restrictive setting that meets their needs and keeps them within their community whenever possible.
Providers may share some treatment information with families if they believe it will help the youth’s treatment process.
Read the mental health information disclosure guide for more information.
In accordance with 71.34.650(6), there are no limits on intensive outpatient treatment services and use of partial hospitalizations. Intensive outpatient treatment services and partial hospitalizations are covered at the discretion of the behavioral health professionals.
In accordance with SHB 2883, the process for inpatient treatment applies and medical necessity is required.
Page last updated: March, 2025
Email: FIT program