OBHA Newsletter
September 18th, 2025
Who we are and what we do
The Office of Behavioral Health Advocacy (OBHA) supports individuals and their families who are being served and supported in the Washington State behavioral health system. OBHA uses a trauma-informed approach to enhance behavioral health awareness, promote self-empowerment, and increase access to services.
The work of OBHA is based on the desired outcomes expressed by participants.
We provide information and resources to all community members and assist with complaints, grievances, appeals, Mental Health Advance Directives, and the Fair Hearings process.
Learn more about the OBHA on the Washington State Legislature site HERE.
OBHA Purpose, Mission, & Vision Statements
Purpose:
The Office of Behavioral Health Advocacy is based on desired outcomes expressed by individuals. OBHA practices trauma-informed consultation and support to individuals, their families, supporters, and the community. We assist with complaints, grievances, appeals, administrative hearings, and Mental Health Advanced Directives (MHAD).
Mission:
The mission of the Office of Behavioral Health Advocacy (OBHA) is to promote positive change and uplift the voices of individuals receiving behavioral health services, their families, supporters, and the community in the state of Washington.
Vision:
The Office of Behavioral Health Advocacy (OBHA) maintains an impartial stance while assisting individuals, families, supporters and communities in navigating needs and concerns related to the Washington State behavioral healthcare system.
Events Calendar
Each region hosts a monthly Community Forum to find out about trends and services happening in their region. What’s going well? Where can we improve? What are your biggest barriers to providing or receiving care? What is needed? This is a place to share your ideas and resolutions. Go to this link and select your region to find out when your community forum is happening.
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If you’re interested in other events in your area, please see this community calendar from our friends at Washington State Community Connectors (WSCC).
Staff Spotlight:
Angela Kennedy,
Advocacy Coordinator for the Southwest Region
Day in the Life of an Advocacy Coordinator as written by Angela Kennedy
When an individual first reaches out to the Office of Behavioral Health Advocacy (OBHA), they will speak to an Advocacy Coordinator (AC). Advocacy Coordinators are people with lived experience navigating the behavioral health system and who understand how challenging it can be to find pertinent information, behavioral health resources, or even clarity on our rights in Washington. The AC will gather information from the individual and, through a trauma-informed lens, collaborate with them to reach a resolution at the lowest level possible.
Sometimes an individual may reach out for services that are beyond the scope of the OBHA. That's ok! At OBHA, we have a "no wrong door" policy. This means we will do our best to connect them directly to the resources within the community that best suit their needs. Doing so eases the burden of endless searches for the individual and could help prevent re-traumatization of telling their stories repeatedly. The Advocacy Coordinators work alongside the Behavioral Health Advocate in the event a grievance is requested. In such instances, the AC will provide the regional advocate with information provided thus far and connect the parties involved. Our hope is that each connection made results in a satisfactory resolution.
Want to know more about the team that serves your region? Link here.
Youth rights in behavioral health:
Read our presentation on youth rights in behavioral health. Created by our Thurston-Mason Advocacy Coordinator, Alex Baccus.
What do we need from you?
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Details about the issue.
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Explain what the resolution would look like.
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Maintain contact with the behavioral health advocate.
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Communicate with the OBHA Team with dignity and respect.
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Complete the Release of Information and Authorization to Represent forms.
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If calling from an inpatient facility, we will need your Access/Patient ID number. If you would like a return call after you are discharged, please provide an additional contact number outside of the facility in the event you want us to continue services or follow up when you are discharged.
Quote of the quarter:
“If you are always trying to be normal, you’ll never know how amazing you can be.” — Maya Angelou
How to Self-Advocate – Tips & Tricks
for Youth
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a. Build a relationship with a trusted adult who can help advocate for your needs.
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b. Youth have the right to ask for a different provider, request a private session, and participate in decisions about their care (especially youth 13-17).
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c. Use visual tools and/or apps to track appointments, medications, or feelings.
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d. Ask questions and speak up for yourself: "I need time to think about that." "Can you explain that differently?" "I am not comfortable with that option."
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Resource Spotlight:​
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​Office of the Education Ombuds:
Supports youth and families with questions and concerns related to K-12 public education.
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​Phone number: 1-866-297-2597
Website: https://www.oeo.wa.gov/en
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​​Office of the Family & Children's Ombuds:
Supports families and youth involved with DCYF and the foster care system.
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Phone number: 1-800-571-7321
Website: https://ofco.wa.gov/
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Media recommendations of
the quarter:
Book recommendation:
The Teenage Brain: A Neuroscientist’s Survival Guide to Raising Adolescents and Young Adults.
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Underbelly app:
Yoga for body acceptance, self-love and accessing your inner power.
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Habitica app:
Turns self-care habits into a game!
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Calm app:
Meditation for beginners!
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Headspace app:
Mental health app with expert-led meditations and tools.
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TED Talk:
Peer Support and Youth Mental Health - This Is Real | Haylee Bass | TEDxYouth@CherryCreek
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OBHA Newsletter
May 16th, 2025
Who we are and what we do
The Office of Behavioral Health Advocacy (OBHA) supports individuals and their families who are being served and supported in the Washington State behavioral health system. OBHA uses a trauma-informed approach to enhance behavioral health awareness, promote self-empowerment, and increase access to services.
The work of OBHA is based on the desired outcomes expressed by participants.
We provide information and resources to all community members and assist with complaints, grievances, appeals, Mental Health Advance Directives, and the Fair Hearings process.
Learn more about the OBHA on the Washington State Legislature site HERE.
OBHA Purpose, Mission, & Vision Statements
Purpose:
The Office of Behavioral Health Advocacy provides trauma-informed consultation and support to individuals, their families, supporters, and the community. We assist with complaints, grievances, appeals, administrative hearings, and Mental Health Advanced Directives (MHAD).
Mission:
The Office of Behavioral Health Advocacy (OBHA) maintains an impartial stance while assisting individuals, families, and communities in navigating their needs and concerns related to behavioral health services throughout Washington State.
Vision:
The Office of Behavioral Health Advocacy (OBHA) aims to promote positive change and amplify the voices of families, supporters, communities, and individuals in behavioral health services across Washington State.
Events Calendar
Each region hosts a monthly Community Forum to find out about trends and services happening in their region. What’s going well? Where can we improve? What are your biggest barriers to providing or receiving care? What is needed? This is a place to share your ideas and resolutions. Go to this link and select your region to find out when your community forum is happening.
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If you’re interested in other events in your area, please see this community calendar from our friends at Washington State Community Connectors (WSCC).
Angie Williams, Behavioral Health Advocate for the Southwest Region
Staff Spotlight:
Angie's passion for community service has been
evident from a young age. As a parent to four
biological children and numerous foster children,
she played a pivotal role in her community, believing
deeply in the power of local engagement. She immersed herself and her children in various community activities, from volunteering at food banks and homeless shelters to supporting local schools and organizations.​
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For over 25 years, Angie thrived as a restaurant manager while pursuing higher education and earning multiple degrees. However, driven by her belief in the value of lived experience, she eventually followed her heart's calling to support others more directly. Transitioning careers, Angie discovered her true calling in behavioral health. As a Program Manager at a nonprofit specializing in mental health, she facilitated support groups, led Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP), and served as a Certified Peer Counselor (CPC) and a Recovery Coach.​
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Today, with OBHA, Angie feels she has found her purpose, dedicating herself to helping others in need. For her, life is not just about reaching a destination but embracing the remarkable journey it offers. Angie's story is a testament to the transformative power of following one's passion and making a meaningful impact in the community.
Quote of the quarter:
“What if you moved through the world as if you were easy to be loved? Because I promise you, you are easy to love.” Sonalee Rashatwar, LCSW
Self-advocacy tips & tricks:
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To increase success during mediation, set the tone of a meeting using tempo and body language. Slow down, take a few deep breaths, and be yourself.
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Make a plan. Bring a list of talking points with you to appointments, meetings, and mediations.
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Practice telling your story with a friend, family member, advocate, or partner.
Book recommendation of the quarter:
An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness by Kay Redfield Jamison
“This book takes an honest, gut-wrenching look into the realities of living with bipolar disorder, written by a psychologist with the unique perspective of living with the very illness she has studied for years. Dr. Jamison writes with sincerity and candor about her lived experience coping with this serious mood disorder, detailing the ecstatic ups and devastating lows that punctuate her mind’s eye. The author eventually shares how she found the medication and consistent support that have allowed her to lead a full, healthy life. This memoir is a must read for anyone living with or loving someone with bipolar disorder or any other serious mental illness.” – Andy Levitt, OBHA Program Manager
Artist credit:
The Awkward Yeti
Like what you see? Click below to explore more and follow the artist!
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Day in the Life of a Behavioral Health Advocate as written by Angie Williams
A typical day for a BHA begins by opening the office and checking emails, voicemails, and the calendar for updates or new appointments. This includes reviewing any outreach from community members or new events added after hours. The BHA checks in with the Advocacy Coordinator (AC) to confirm if there are any additional meetings, events, or needs that have not already been scheduled.
Throughout the day, the BHA may attend various meetings, including crisis response, Behavioral Health Advisory Council (BHAC) and Behavioral Health Advisory Board (BHAB) meetings, or other community gatherings. The BHA and AC are highly engaged in the community, frequently receiving calls or visits from individuals and organizations seeking support, updates, or collaboration. Other daily tasks may involve case reviews and updating the resource database with new contacts or support options discovered through outreach.
Outreach is a key part of the BHA’s role. This includes connecting with local facilities, individuals, and organizations to offer assistance and build relationships. The BHA also supports community members who reach out with concerns, even if those concerns fall outside the BHA's direct scope, thanks to a “no wrong door” policy. The goal is always to provide helpful information and resources.
Above all, the BHA’s work is grounded in a trauma-informed approach. Whether someone walks in for information, resources, or emotional support, the BHA is a compassionate point of contact. While no two days are exactly the same, the ability to adapt and respond with care is central to the role. The BHA and AC work closely together, driven by deep respect for their community and a shared commitment to providing meaningful support.