Kitsap Mental Health Services

We are proud to introduce our new Training Director Ashley Lucas. An experienced clinician, Ashley has been with KMHS eight years. Most recently, she's been a Clinical Program Manager for Child & Family Services, leading our Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health program. Ashley has had many opportunities to work on training initiatives during her time at KMHS and it’s become her favorite part of the job. In particular, Ashley was excited to develop a Rising Clinician program for WISe and Child & Family Outpatient to give new clinicians support, mentorship and community. "It helps them get started on the right foot," she said. "It helps them feel they can tackle this big new job." Her natural talent and passion for training have shone brightly during her time here. We are excited to see the many ways she’ll continue to support our staff and push the agency forward as part of her new role. #nonprofit #behavioralhealth #mentalhealth #communitybehavioralhealthclinic #CCBHC #certifiedcommunitybehavioralhealthclinic #training #directoroftraining #leadership

Our Adult Outpatient Engagement Team (pictured below) received a grant from Kitsap Bank that will support their efforts to increase access to care for adults in our community. Many people face housing, financial, or transportation related challenges that can make it difficult to participate in mental health and/or substance use treatment. This clinical team goes out into the community and meets clients where they are. They are able to begin treatment immediately and get connected to our full range of services and providers. This grant will provide the Engagement Team with iPads they can utilize while out providing services around Kitsap. This tool will make it significantly easier for them to access client information and have clients sign important documents, improving the overall experience for clients and our staff! Thank you Kitsap Bank for your generous support! With your help, we are able to continue providing hope and opportunity to those who need it most. #grant #community #mentalhealth #behavioralhealth #nonprofit #communitybehavioralhealthclinic #behavioralhealthclinic #mentalhealthtreatment #substanceusetreatment

We are proud to celebrate our Leadership Kitsap graduates! Working with the rest of the Leadersip Kitsap Class of 2026, KMHS Director of Facilities Pylo Lopez, Director of Residential and Substance Use Disorder Programs Wayne Swanson, Senior Director of Child and Family Services Abigail Stevenson and Director of Information Services Wil Bruce, spent nine-months growing their leadership skills through team based projects designed to benefit the community. Congratulations to all the Leadership Kitsap graduates on their hardwork throughout the program. We can’t wait to see how you put your unique talents and all you’ve learned through the program to use, continuing to help our community grow and thrive. (Pictured left to right: Pylo Lopez, Wayne Swanson, Abigail Stevenson, CEO Monica Bernhard and Wil Bruce.) #leadership #leadershipkitsap #community #graduation #learning #servantleadership #lead #leader #nonprofit #leadershipkitsapclassof2026 #leadershipkitsap2026

We are proud to announce that after five years of serving KMHS, Mark Hughes’ role is expanding from Senior Communications Director to Chief Communications & External Affairs officer. Our CEO Monica Bernhard shared that “Mark’s proven ability to transform our agency communications strategy and his deep experience building strong community relationships will further extend our impact in this community.” In addition to communications and public relations work, in this new role, Mark will be responsible for overseeing the agency’s fundraising program and strengthening community partnerships. "As someone born and raised in Kitsap County, our mission is deeply personal to me," Mark said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting employees and building a culture of hope at KMHS." #nonprofit #communitybehavioralhealthclinic #newrole #behavioralhealth #mentalhealth #communications #publicrelations #PR #philanthropy #fundraising #community #communitypartnerships #leadership

Pendleton Place is celebrating its fourth anniversary! Since opening its doors, the 72-unit permanent supportive housing complex has provided adults experiencing homelessness with a fresh start, safety, support and community. One resident reflected on how their life changed when they got their own apartment in 2022: “I was constantly being abused and mugged and beat up. It was hell. I got here and I haven’t looked back. I love it here.” At Pendleton Place, residents have life-changing access to mental health and substance use services and onsite primary care. We’re grateful to Bremerton Housing Authority and Peninsula Community Health Services (Washington) for their continued partnership on this program. Working together, we accomplish more for our community. #supportivehousing #permanentsupportivehousing #housing #mentalhealth #substanceuse #healthcare #mentalhealthtreatment #substanceusetreatment #nonprofit #anniversary

"Early childhood mental health is all about providing children from birth to age five with a foundation for their future health and wellbeing...making sure caregivers have their needs met and supports in place enables them to help their children grow and thrive," says Ashley L., KMHS Director of Training and licensed mental health professional. The early relationships young children form shape how they learn, think, and how their brains develop. Taking care of your own mental and physical health makes it easier to show up and care for those around you. If you're struggling, you're not alone. Reach out for help. Talk to friends and family, connect with local resources, and if you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988 for immediate support from trained professionals. #nonprofit #mentalhealth #behavioralhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #behavioralhealthclinic #communitybehavioralhealthclinic #earlychildhoodmentalhealth #earlychildhood #childwellness

1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental health disorder each year. Here in Washington State 388,000 adults are living with serious mental illness. Yet fewer than half receive treatment—often because of stigma, cost, or fear of being judged. Each one of us has the power to make a difference simply by starting a conversation. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month KMHS CEO Monica Bernhard is sharing her own experience with mental health challenges and encouraging us all to help normalize conversations about the topic, check in on our loved ones, and listen without judgment when someone shares their experience. If you're struggling now, don't try to go it alone. Reach out for support just as you would for any other health need. Call or text 988 for 24/7 crisis support. https://lnkd.in/gBze7Jjf #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #behavioralhealth

Many of us feel lonely or like we don't have anyone in our lives to spend meaningful time with. You can feel lonely even when you're around other people. Loneliness happens when you feel distressed that you're alone. Prolonged loneliness can cause lead to a variety of physical and mental health challenges. Feeling lonely? Here are a few ways you can feel more connected! If you or someone you love is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 for support. How do you fight feelings of loneliness? #community #connection #loneliness #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #behavioralhealth #nonprofit #behavioralhealthclinic

In 2023 Stephanie was fleeing domestic violence, living with unmedicated bipolar disorder and addicted to drugs and alcohol. She entered KMHS services through our Crisis Triage Center (CTC) before continuing services at Pacific Hope and Recovery Center(PHRC). “The services that I received through KMHS absolutely changed my life. I arrived at my very lowest rock bottom, with minimal desire to continue on in life…When I arrived, hope was just a word in my vocabulary but during my stay at PHRC I felt hope for the first time in my entire life.” Now Stephanie, who has been sober since October 9, 2023, is a shift supervisor at Pacific Hope and Recovery Center. And she says a big part of her recovery is seeing similar transformations among clients. Watch the video below to hear more of her story. https://lnkd.in/gVvcHrGc #mentalhealth #behavioralhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthawrenessmonth #recovery #substanceusetreatment #nonprofit

There is no greater place to live and work than Kitsap. Kitsap County offers a place where healthcare professionals can deliver meaningful, community-centered care while enjoying a high quality of life. KitsapHealthCareers.org seamlessly links people to open healthcare positions as well as healthcare education and advanced placements all throughout the county. It’s never been easier to launch your healthcare career, right here in Kitsap. As the second largest healthcare employer in Kitsap County we’re proud to be a part of this project, supporting the individuals who show up day after day to care for our community. #healthcare #healthcarecareer #healthcareprofessionals #healthcareworkers #career #careerdevelopment #community #behavioralhealthcare #mentalhealth