Most of us recognize that mental health, substance use, and housing are challenges facing our community, but it’s important to know exactly where the biggest needs lie so that we can plan and prioritize accordingly.
With that in mind, in 2024, we conducted a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), which provided valuable insights into the state of mental health needs and access to care across our region. Based on responses from over 500 community members across Yakima, Walla Walla, Kittitas, Benton, and Franklin counties, here’s what we found:
What prevents access to care?
Respondents shared their primary obstacles to getting mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment.
We understand that long wait times can be frustrating. That’s why, at Comprehensive Healthcare, we’re committed to reducing the time between when clients walk through our doors and when they complete an assessment. We offer same-day assessments for behavioral health services at all our locations, and in March 2025, we began offering same-day assessments for substance use disorder treatment. You can read more about that on the next page.
What does that mean for you? This means that the day you come to us for help, we’ll complete your intake assessment – the first step to connecting you to care. Once that’s done, we’ll get you connected to services as quickly as possible.
Where are the gaps?
Community members participating in the survey feel we need to expand these services in their counties.
This feedback about youth services aligns with what we’re seeing as both a provider and a society.
Recent studies show that nearly 1 in 5 adolescents have used an illicit drug in the past year. Because the adolescent brain is still developing, youth are especially vulnerable to the effects of substance use. Early intervention and support are key to preventing long-term problems and helping them build healthier lives.
Our Youth Mobile Outreach (YMO) program was created to offer immediate, community-based intervention and stabilization to youth in crisis, including those struggling with substance use issues. In addition to YMO, we offer the Youth and Family Tree program, which supports adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 25 who are dealing with substance use. This program connects clients to services based on a personalized treatment plan that may include group therapy, skill building, and more.
Health and Wellness Outside of the Clinic
While mental health and medical care is important, there are many other factors that contribute to our health and well-being. These are called social determinants of health – the social support, environmental factors, and other resources that are key to our ability to live and thrive. Across Yakima, Benton, Franklin, Walla Walla, and Kittitas counties, here’s what community members said is most important to them.
Opportunities to Do More
Following the Community Health Needs Assessment, Comprehensive Healthcare identified several key priorities and actionable steps to address the behavioral health needs of the communities we serve. These priorities are organized into eight key categories:
- Community Prioritization: We’re focusing on improving services based on each community’s unique needs and responses.
- Complex Treatments: We will enhance service coordination and navigation for individuals with complex needs.
- Collaboration and Communication: We will enhance our communication and collaboration efforts in each of our communities through enhanced community visibility and partnerships.
- SUD-Continuum: We will expand substance use disorder care.
- Youth Focus: We will strengthen care options for youth and continuing to build partnerships with other local organizations to meet their needs.
- Access to Care: We will prioritize timely access to care, offering same-day assessments, and connecting clients to services within 10 days.
- Supportive Housing: We will continue to build community partnerships and advocate for housing solutions to meet the needs of our communities.
- Recruitment and Staffing: We will review and enhance staffing plans to ensure we are providing robust support, training, and mentoring to retain our current staff, while also increasing recruitment efforts to address the ongoing workforce shortage.
About the CHNA
As a CCBHC grant recipient, Comprehensive Healthcare conducts Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) every three years to better understand the state of mental health in Central Washington. Our latest assessment, completed in 2024, provided valuable insights into the current challenges and gaps in mental health across our region. This data has helped us focus our efforts on areas where support is most needed and where we can make the greatest impact.
