Welcome to the Washington State Coalition of Mental Health Professionals and Consumers Web Site.

We hope you will visit our site often for updates and important information regarding mental health care in Washington State.

Who we are:  The Washington State Coalition of Mental Health Professionals and Consumers is a multi-disciplinary group of mental health professionals and consumers.  Created in early 1994, the Coalition supports and advocates for specific values that are essential for effective psychotherapy.  The Coalition works toward a health care system in which mental health benefits are a vital component.  Mental health services offered through benefits plans must balance high-quality services and cost efficiency while maintaining respect for the therapeutic process, recognizing the importance of the patient-therapist relationship, and protecting the patient's right to maximum confidentiality within that relationship.  In this time of continuing change in the delivery of mental health services, the Coalition serves as a resource and support for consumers, practitioners, and any others who share this vision and wish to make mental health care reform.


2011 Legislative Update

The primary issue affecting all aspects of Washington government this Legislative Session (which began on January 10) is the looming $4.2 billion shortfall in the 2011-2013 budget and the $1.6 billion shortfall for the first six months of 2011. Read the entire report (click here).


Mental Health Coverage: What you should know about the mental health care your plan provides

Stated mental health  benefits in insurance and HMO plans may not be what they seem.  Many people are unaware of the actual mental health coverage their plan allows.  Getting answers to some important questions may help avoid future surprises about what is and is not covered by your plan.   Click here for details.


HIPAA Rules: Washington state clinicians need to understand how these rules affect their practices.  If you have questions about how HIPAA Rules affect you as a clinician, see the Answers to Frequently Asked Questions on HIPAA Privacy Standards or Washington State Privacy Laws. Also, see Answers to Frequently Asked Questions on HIPAA Security Standards.