Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital

11/16/2025

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, observed each November, is dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by unhoused individuals and those struggling with limited resources and hunger. This year, the need is greater than ever.

With state food benefits being reduced, a growing number of people are facing hunger, especially as the holiday season approaches. Many are struggling to maintain their housing, leading to an increase in homelessness. A significant portion of the unhoused population also grapples with mental health issues, creating additional barriers to stability and well-being.

Despite the challenges, there is hope. Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital is committed to supporting unhoused individuals in need of mental health treatment. Our dedicated team provides comprehensive care to each patient, addressing their unique needs and circumstances.

Life can be challenging, but positive change is always possible, one step at a time. Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital is here for you 24/7, providing compassionate and effective mental health care.

11/10/2025

We're thrilled to introduce Amy, the newest member of the Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital (SPBH) team! Amy joins us as a Community Liaison on the outreach team and brings a wealth of experience and passion to this role.

Amy's background includes 15 years of dedicated work in direct service and community outreach, primarily focused on serving the unhoused population. Her expertise lies in addressing the complex needs of individuals facing mental health
challenges and substance use disorders. Amy's passion for working at SPBH stems from her own personal recovery journey, giving her a unique understanding of the needs of the population we serve. She is excited to advance her career in a clinical behavioral health setting and continue collaborating with community partners and hospitals to provide comprehensive support to patients.

When Amy is not working to support our community, she enjoys a fulfilling life filled with diverse interests. She is actively involved in her church and recovery group functions. Amy cherishes spending quality time with her adult children
and enjoys various outdoor activities. She is also a fan of sporting events, concerts, and traveling.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Amy! We are confident that her experience, passion, and dedication will be a valuable asset to the SPBH team and the community we serve. We're excited to have her on board!

11/07/2025

Smokey Point Behavioral hosted a successful continuing education event yesterday, focusing on 'Emotionally Intelligent Care: Enhancing Resilience with Trauma-Informed Practices.' The onsite class provided valuable insights and practical skills for mental health professionals.

DSHS Trainers Tamara and Jennifer led the session, effectively engaging participants with relevant practices related to trauma-informed care. Their teaching style was both informative and engaging, creating a positive learning environment. Their sense of humor was appreciated.

A big thank you to all who attended! We are delighted to have supported your professional development by providing 2.5 CEU credits, along with knowledge and compassion to enhance your practice.

11/05/2025

This month, we wanted to shine a light on one the leaders of Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital (SPBH), our Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Joe! Joe joined SPBH as the CNO in October of 2024. Some of Joe's professional experience includes nearly two decades in healthcare, working in both nonprofit and for profit systems across neuroscience, dialysis, and behavioral health. Prior to his arrival at SPBH, he served as the Director of Nursing at Natchez Trace Youth Academy, a 115-bed adolscent treatment program. He's also worked at Youth Villages' Deer Valley Campus as a Campus Manager, supporting at-risk youth through clinical stabilization and safety planning. He background also includes leadership as a facility administrator with DaVita Healthcare Patners and critical-care experience in the Neuro ICU at Methodist University Hospital. Joe is also working on completing his MSN-PMHNP at Walden University.

Outside of work and academics, Joe loves to explore the Pacific Northwest with his wife and two daughters. They spend a lot time hiking, camping, and foraging for wild plants and foods. They find exploring the PNW a great way to slow down, reconnect as a family, and stay curious.

When we asked Joe why he works at SPBH, he said:

"Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital represents everything I believe modern behavioral healthcare should be - compassionate, evidence-based, and community-driven. I'm drawn to the mission of helping individuals find stability, purpose, and hope in the midst of crisis. What makes SPBH special is the people-our nurses, MHTs, and interdisciplinary teams show up every day with heart and resilience. As a CNO, my goal is to support that passion, ensure safety, and build a culture where staff feel valued and patients feel seen. This work truly matters, and I'm proud to be a part of it."

11/03/2025

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Native American and Alaskan Native people. It's also an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges these communities have faced and continue to face.

We are fortunate to live in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), specifically Washington State, an area with a vibrant and enduring Native American presence. The tribes of this region boast a diverse range of traditions, languages, and art forms. From the Coast Salish peoples to the tribes of the Plateau region, the PNW is a tapestry of unique cultural identities.

It's crucial to acknowledge the mental health challenges faced by Native Americans in the PNW. According to Mental Health America, 19.6% of Native American and Alaskan Native adults experienced mental illness in the past year. This is a significant concern, and the su***de rate for this population is tragically higher than all other racial and ethnic groups in the US.

To all Native American and Alaskan Native people, we want you to know that you are not alone. We are here to support you on your mental health journey. If you are struggling, please reach out for help. We offer free 24/7 mental health assessments with no appointment required. Your well-being is important, and we are committed to providing resources and support to help you thrive.This Native American Heritage Month, let's commit to celebrating the resilience, strength, and cultural richness of Native American communities while also addressing the critical need for mental health support.

10/31/2025

Halloween is a time for costumes, candy, and spooky fun, and the team at Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital went all out to celebrate this year! We dedicated a whole week to themed decade costumes, adding a fun and creative twist to our daily routines. We also held department pumpkin decorating competitions, with each team creating their own unique and spooky masterpieces. Ending the week with our favorite part, was putting together an on-site trick-or-treating event for our adolscent patients, keeping Halloween traditions alive for them, when they're away from home.

At Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital, we understand the importance of team building and creating a supportive work environment. These moments of fun and camaraderie allow us to recharge and continue providing the best possible care for our patients. Taking a break to celebrate, laugh, and connect strengthens our bonds and reminds us of the joy in our shared purpose.

Happy Halloween from all of us at Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital!

10/30/2025

We are thrilled to announce Diamond as our Employee of the Month!

Diamond is a Recreational Therapist who consistently goes above and beyond in her role. Diamond's dedication and positive attitude make her an invaluable asset to our team. She embodies the spirit of teamwork, always ready to lend a hand wherever needed. Thank you, Diamond, for all of your positive IMPACTs on this team and for your quality and compassionate patient care.

10/28/2025

Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital was at the Everett Recovery Cafe, engaging with members and staff on our co-occurring treatment programs and services. As a community hub for recovery support, the Cafe is a valuable asset, and we appreciate the role organizations like this play. We look forward to future collaborations with the Recovery Cafe.

10/27/2025

10/24/2025

In recognition of Mental Illness Awareness Month this October, Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital (SPBH) and ERC Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center have joined forces to support the mental health community. Today, they hosted a Yoga and Therapy Dog session specifically designed for mental health professionals.

This event underscores the critical importance of self-care for those dedicated to the mental well-being of others. By providing this session, SPBH and ERC Pathlight aimed to equip professionals with valuable tools and techniques to manage their own stress and promote their overall wellness.

Beyond self-care, the event also shines a light on the effectiveness of diverse therapy forms. Yoga and Therapy Dogs offer unique avenues for healing and emotional support. SPBH incorporates a variety of therapeutic modalities into its patient care, beyond daily therapy. The use of the following expressive and recreational therapies are equally as important such as:

Yoga
Gym Time
Game Time
Art/Music Therapy
Dog Therapy

Thank you again to all our community partners who came out, we value your trust and partnerships in providing quality patient care.

10/21/2025

Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital is excited to announce the return of its continuing education series for mental health professionals. This free opportunity offers valuable training and the chance to earn 2.5 DSHS CEU credits.
The series kicks off with an enlightening course on Trauma-Informed Care. This course is designed for professionals working directly with individuals experiencing mental health disorders, providing essential insights and practical strategies.
Space is limited, and RSVP is required. Interested professionals are encouraged to email to reserve their spot right away.

Light snacks and beverges will be provided.

Refer to the flyer for specific event details.

10/20/2025

Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital (SPBH) was a proud sponsor vendor at this year's IMPACT Behavioral Health Resource Fair on October 17th. The event, held in Spokane, Washington, provided a valuable opportunity to connect with behavioral health organizations and share resources.

IMPACT is an organization dedicated to providing resources and fostering collaboration among behavioral health organizations. Originally focused on Washington state, IMPACT's network has expanded to encompass 10 states across the US, demonstrating its growing influence and commitment to improving behavioral healthcare access.

SPBH's participation in the resource fair was driven by a shared commitment to IMPACT's mission. By connecting with organizations in Spokane, SPBH aimed to bridge geographical gaps and strengthen the network of support available to patients throughout Washington. The ultimate goal is to ensure that individuals receive the care and resources they need, regardless of their location.