Ombuds Services
Statewide Behavioral Health Ombuds Effective October 1, 2022
In 2021 the Washington State Legislature passed SSB 1086, creating the new State Office of Behavioral Health Advocacy, which will replace all regional Behavioral Health Ombuds services currently being contracted by each individual Behavioral Health (Administrative Services Organizations), also known as BH-ASOs. The new law requires the Department of Commerce to begin contracting with one (1) statewide nonprofit to provide all Behavioral Health Ombuds/Advocate services beginning October 1, 2022. Through the competitive bidding process, Commerce selected Peer Washington as the successful bidder to be the nonprofit to run the State Office of Behavioral Health Consumer Advocacy with start date of July 1, 2022, so they can begin getting ready to officially take over. Each of the ten (10) regions will have a local Ombuds/Advocate office.
What does this mean for Individuals?
This means that beginning October 1, 2022, the Spokane County Behavioral Health (Administrative Services Organization) (SCRBH (ASO)) will no longer provide Spokane Regional Service Area(RSA) Behavioral Health Ombuds services as this service will now pass to Peer Washington. However, Individuals' access to Ombuds services, advocacy and support will not change. Individuals will still be able to call and ask for assistance resolving issues and will have a regional representative based out of the Spokane RSA.
How do Individuals contact Peer Washington?
Peer Washington has established a separate Office of Behavioral Health Advocacy. See Information below.
Do you need to do anything special?
Nothing is required from you - all that will change is the service provider for the Behavioral Health Ombuds services.
Where can I find more information?
You can go to the Office of Behavioral Health Advocacy at https://www.obhadvocacy.org/ to get more information. You can also call Gail Kogle, OBHA Program Director, at (509) 655-2839 or email gail@obhadvocacy.org.