New data shows King County Department of Community & Human Services helped more people access crisis care last year than ever before, thanks largely to new services and investments made possible by the voter-approved Crisis Care Centers Levy. This levy, approved by voters in 2023, invests in mental health and substance use care across King County.
Now, we’ve released two reports that show both the momentum we’re building and the gaps still to address as the system grows:
• 2025 Crisis Care Centers Annual Report: This report outlines the Crisis Care Center Levy’s activities, accomplishments, and data.
• 2025 King County Crisis System Data Brief: This brief gives a high-level look at services delivered and people served across King County’s behavioral health crisis system in 2025.
Together, these reports provide a clearer picture of how the levy is transforming crisis care in King County as we continue investing in this essential system and work to open a network of five Crisis Care Centers across the region by 2030.
Once all five Crisis Care Centers are open, people will have multiple 24/7 walk-in options for mental health and substance use support, in addition to existing services like the 988 Crisis Line and mobile crisis response teams. Making sure all these services are easily available to everyone in every corner of our region means people won’t have to wait or travel long distances in crisis, and first responders and hospitals will have better alternatives for connecting people to care.
Key Findings:
- REACHING MORE PEOPLE THAN EVER BEFORE:
- An estimated 107,110 people received at least one crisis service in 2025, with most accessing lower-barrier supports like crisis lines and outreach.
- A total of 22,039 people used higher-contact services such as mobile response teams, crisis facilities, and hospitals.
- A PLACE TO GO: King County’s first ever Crisis Care Center in Kirkland saw 5,425 visits in its first full year.
- RAPID RESPONSE: Mobile Rapid Response Crisis Teams for adults responded to 5,140 referrals, a 45% increase over 2024.
- OVERDOSE PREVENTION: Five naloxone vending machines distributed 3,000+ kits, expanding overdose prevention access.
- SUPPORTING GOOD PAYING JOBS: 3,686 behavioral health workers benefited from levy-funded Career Pathways investments, improving retention and strengthening culturally responsive care.
As demand for crisis services continues, levy-funded expansions—additional Crisis Care Centers, residential treatment beds, mobile response capacity, and a strong workforce—are critical to meeting the needs of people across King County.
Read more in the full 2025 Crisis Care Centers Annual Report and 2025 Crisis System Data Brief.
