Kitsap Mental Health Services

10/21/2025

Thank you Representative Tarra Simmons for taking the time to learn about the Reentry Community Services Program (RCSP) we administer and the work the Department of Corrections Community Corrections officers are doing here in Kitsap! RCSP can provide continued support services for up to five years, helping program participants get on their feet, grow their strengths, and foster increased independence. We are grateful for the incredible staff that make this project possible and are proud to help bring this service to our community.

This week, I joined Community Corrections Officers from the Washington State Department of Corrections for a ride-along to see the incredible work they do supporting people as they return to our communities.

These officers use the ICOACH model — a new approach that focuses on coaching, accountability, and humanity. Rather than relying only on punishment, this model builds relationships and helps people develop the tools they need to rebuild their lives and stay on the right path.

We also visited with counselors at Kitsap Mental Health Services who work in the Reentry Community Services (RCS) program. Together, DOC officers and KMHS staff are providing mental health and substance use treatment, stability, and hope for people coming home from incarceration.

It was inspiring to see how partnership, compassion, and evidence-based practices can create safer, healthier communities for all of us.

10/10/2025

Like physical health, your mental health is constantly changing. Mental health describes your mind, thoughts, feelings and actions. Anyone can experience mental health challenges at any time. In fact, 1 in 5 U.S. adults and 1 in 6 U.S. youth ages 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year.

Check on your loved ones. Pause and see how you're really feeling. Make time for self care, utilize your support system, and reach out for appropriate professional help as you need it. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge, you can call or text 988 any time for support.

This what's one thing you're doing to take care of your mental health?

10/03/2025

If you missed joining us for last week's discussion about intergenerational trauma and healing the parent-child relationship, or if you just want to relive the moment, you can now watch a recording of the full event.

Two members of the KMHS Child & Family team, Ashley Lucas and Neesha Roarke, touch on topics like:

-The science behind intergenerational trauma and how it manifests in relationships between caregivers and young children

-How the practice of infant and early childhood mental health is trailblazing healing in early relationships

-Ways you can start fostering closer attachments with your young children right away

09/23/2025

Our dedicated staff work hard to serve our community, clients, and one another while offering hope and opportunity through compassionate recovery focused care. Each year we recognize several staff members who have gone above and beyond in their work over the past year. We are proud to celebrate the following 2025 award winners:

Top Row: Ada – Clinical Services Award, Akiko – Operations Services Award, Wayne – CEO Leadership Award, Thaddeus – 24/7 Inpatient Services Award

Bottom Row: Shay – CEO Excellence Award, Jessa – 24/7 Crisis & Residential Services Award, Lori – Peer Services Award, Amanda – Adult Outpatient Services Award, Alex – Mission Support Award

Not pictured: Matt – Child & Family Services Award

09/18/2025

This past weekend Kitsap had its Second Annual Suicide Awareness Walk and Resource Event. This event, hosted by our own Shay Peters with the help of a volunteer planning committee, connects the community to valuable resources and honors and remembers those we've lost. We are proud to be sponsors of this important event and enjoyed meeting everyone who came out to join the walk.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call the 24/7 toll-free crisis lifeline at 1-888-910-0416 or text 988.

08/27/2025

Matt Walters has joined the KMHS team as Director of Compliance, bringing a strong background in mental health, quality assurance and performance improvement to the role.
He comes to us from Western State Hospital, where he developed the hospital's first Quality Assurance Program Improvement (QAPI) process and reduced the backlog of patient incident reports by streamlining documentation processes.
Matt is excited to work at KMHS because of our agency's overarching impact on the community. "The more I can provide back to the public and community, the better I feel at the end of the day," he said.
Welcome, Matt!

08/12/2025

As part of their inaugural Day of Service on Wednesday, August 6, Kitsap Bank volunteers cooked a meal for Pendleton Place residents and organized back-to-school supplies at Madrona so that they are ready for the new school year.

The bank closed early that day and encouraged employees to volunteer in their communities for the afternoon. More than 225 bank staffers participated at 25 nonprofits across Kitsap, Pierce, Clallam, Jefferson, Mason and King counties.

Thank you Kitsap Bank for your continued efforts to give back to our community and thank you to all the volunteers that chose to spend their time helping KMHS.

07/24/2025

Like physical health, your mental health is constantly changing. We all experience challenges. Learning what your strengths are can help. When times get tough, leaning on your strengths, resources, and community, can help you be resilient.

07/03/2025

We're honored to be the July nonprofit for Silverdale Greendrinks! Their July event is Wednesday the 9th at The Point Casino & Hotel learn more and RSVP at: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FujLseynE/ .

Just a few days away. Who's ready to mix, mingle & celebrate summer with us? 🎉
July Silverdale GreenDrinks is going to be one to remember!

Hosted by The Point Casino & Hotel with a special spotlight on Kitsap Mental Health Services 💚

👉 See flyer for all the details, and don’t forget: it’s $10 cash at the door, 21+ only! Don't forget to share this flyer with everyone you know. Looking forward to seeing you all there.

06/30/2025

KMHS is always reaching, always rising higher to be the community mental health center our clients and community deserve. Our 2024 Community Impact Report shares how our staff embraces our growing mission while highlighting some of the innovative programs KMHS provides.

Read the full report to learn more about the compassionate, evidence-based treatment we provide to more than 5,800 of our most vulnerable neighbors.
https://www.kitsapmentalhealth.org/impactreport/2024-report/

06/19/2025

We had a fantastic time connecting with our community during last weekend's Juneteenth Freedom Festival and People's March and are excited to be out in the community again today for the Kitsap Juneteenth Block Party! Rain or shine, come visit our booth from 1 - 5 pm at 2901 Perry Ave. in Bremerton. Our staff will be sharing resources, answering questions about our services, and handing out fun goodies!

06/17/2025

We are proud to celebrate KMHS board member Patty Lent, recipient of this year's Spirit of Philanthropy Award. Presented by Kitsap Community Foundation, the award recognizes Patty's deep, personal dedication to philanthropy in Kitsap County, as well as her leadership. She's an inspiration, encouraging others in the community to engage in philanthropic leadership themselves.

Patty is tireless in her efforts and her compassion shines through in all she does. We are grateful to have her on our board of directors and deeply appreciate all she gives to the community at large.

Congratulations on this well deserved honor Patty!