KENNEWICK, Wash. — Benton County is partnering with Handspring Health to offer free virtual behavioral health care for residents ages 8 through 29.
Tula Jackson, Benton County’s behavioral health coordinator, said the program aims to lower cost and access barriers for people trying to get mental health support. The county covers the full cost of up to 12 therapy sessions.
“Hand spring health, they have therapists available not just during the school day, but they have therapists available in the evening. They do have some Saturday sessions. They also have Spanish therapists; those fill up pretty fast, but they do have that option,” Jackson said.
The program started in April and is in the early stages of delivering care. After enrolling, participants complete an intake process online and are matched with a therapist.
Jackson said behavioral health needs show up across all age groups and look different for every person.
“Behavioral health needs don’t just start at a certain age range. We are seeing younger kids with behavioral health needs, and then that goes into adulthood as well,” Jackson said. “It’s not one size fits all. Not every behavioral health need looks the same for each individual.”
According to Jackson, Benton County has allocated $50,000 from the behavioral health fund, which comes from the mental health sales tax in the county.
“We want people to know that there is help available. And we want to support our community in those needs,” Jackson said.
More information about free mental health resources can be found here.