As part of the voter-approved Crisis Care Centers initiative, we are excited to share that youth behavioral health urgent care is now available at our first Crisis Care Center, Connections Kirkland—whether or not you have insurance.
The Crisis Care Centers initiative is making sure everyone including children and teens have access to free 24/7 behavioral health crisis services, including:
- Someone to call: 988 Crisis Line
- Someone to respond: Crisis Response Teams operated by the YMCA
- Somewhere to go: Our first Crisis Care Center, Connections Kirkland
Key Details: Connections Kirkland Urgent Care for Youth
- Who: Youth ages 4–17 living in King County.
- Cost: Support is free for all King County youth. Insurance is billed when possible, but there are no client costs for services.
- Appointments: Call 425-650-3896 or schedule online. Walk-ins are accepted, though appointments are encouraged.
- Address: 11410 NE 122nd Way, Kirkland, WA 98034
- Hours: 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Daily
- Learn More: connectionshs.com/kirkland
There has long been a gap in care for families and youth—a place to go when a child is struggling with a mental health crisis that’s not an emergency but requires a supportive intervention. Connections Kirkland is helping fill that gap at its urgent care.
“Opening our first urgent care for youth at Connections Kirkland is progress,” said Dr. Matthew Goldman, Crisis Systems Medical Director. “This is a first step towards having four regional crisis care centers like in Kirkland that serve youth with lower acuity needs as well as the future youth crisis care center that will serve higher acuity needs as well—a robust system that will eventually have five entry points for youth and their families to easily access behavioral health care.”
Looking ahead, King County will open a full-service Crisis Care Center for youth in the coming years. The youth Crisis Care Center will provide comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment for all kinds of crises, including for higher-level needs. Until it opens, the Emergency Room remains the best place to go for an emergency-level mental health or substance use crisis, such as risk of suicide, harm or overdose.
When Youth Should Choose Urgent Care vs. the Emergency Room
Visit Connections Kirkland’s Behavioral Health Urgent Care for:
- Non-emergency crises: Intense feelings of depression, anxiety, or panic attacks.
- Substance use concerns: Support for drug or alcohol-related issues.
- Medication needs: Assistance with psychiatric medication refills or management.
- Support & Guidance: Access to recovery coaching, safety planning, and connections to social services like sober living or peer support.
Go to the Emergency Room (ER) or Call 911 for:
- Immediate risk of harm: Active suicidal thoughts or attempts.
- Overdose: Any suspected drug or alcohol overdose.
- Safety risks: Actively violent or aggressive behavior.
- Medical emergencies: Physical injuries, seizures, or other medical problems.
- Seattle Children’s Hospital also offers Psychiatric Urgent Care for youth.
“Our team specializes in providing compassionate care for children and teens in behavioral health crisis and is ready today to help families navigate overwhelming moments with expert, respectful support,” said Joel Conger, West Regional President for Connections Health Solution
King County’s Crisis Response Teams from the YMCA are an option, too. Simply call or text 988 to get connected.
988 and Crisis Response Teams
Call or Text 988 anytime to talk to a local crisis counselor and get immediate support.
Request a Crisis Response Team: By calling or texting 988, families or youth can request a team from the YMCA to meet you anywhere in King County for in-person support. Their services are free and they follow up with youth and families for up to eight weeks after a crisis. Here are some situations you might call and request a Crisis Team for:
- Conflict at home with your children or caregiver
- Self-harm
- Thoughts of suicide
- Aggression or violence
- Sudden changes in your child’s behavior
- Disruption in family
“I really encourage youth and families to call 988 and request a team from YMCA if they are experiencing a crisis—they are highly skilled in de-escalating a situation, stabilizing youth, supporting caregivers,” said Dr. Goldman. They are an excellent resource, also following up after a crisis in a way that promotes long-term recovery.”
