A free walk-in clinic for young people in mental health crisis is open daily in Kirkland, about five miles from downtown Bellevue.

The Youth Behavioral Health Urgent Care clinic at the Crisis Care Center in Kirkland, 11410 NE 122nd Way, operates from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. Families can make an appointment or walk in to speak with behavioral health professionals and receive same-day support, safety planning and referrals. No insurance is required. There are no costs, according to the King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS).

DCHS announced the clinic and other youth crisis resources Oct. 8. The department said school-year transitions can intensify anxiety and stress for some children and teens.

The clinic is part of King County's Crisis Care Centers system. The Kirkland center, the county's first Crisis Care Center, opened in 2024 and operates around the clock for adults. The youth urgent care component is new. Families can call 425-650-3896 or schedule online.

Other free crisis services

Beyond the walk-in clinic, phone-based services can connect Bellevue families with immediate help:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Calling or texting 988 reaches local crisis counselors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is free and confidential.

YMCA Mobile Crisis Response Teams. Through 988, families or young people can request a YMCA team to meet them in person anywhere in King County. The teams come at no cost, require no referral and follow up with youth and families for up to eight weeks after a crisis, according to DCHS. They respond to situations including self-harm, aggressive behavior, sudden behavioral changes and substance use challenges.

Teen Link. Teens can speak peer-to-peer with trained teen volunteers by calling or texting 866-TEENLINK.

$1.2 billion levy funds expansion

The services are backed by King County's Crisis Care Centers Levy, which is investing $1.2 billion over nine years into crisis care, according to a separate Public Health Insider report published Sept. 30. That report noted the levy funds enhanced 988 call center resources, expanded mobile crisis teams, the crisis care centers and follow-up supports.

Dr. Matt Goldman, a psychiatrist and the Crisis System Medical Director at DCHS, said in the September report that the department is building a post-crisis follow-up program. It "will provide up to 90 days of weekly service with mental health clinicians and peer support specialists," Goldman said.

Plans call for additional Crisis Care Centers in Seattle, South King County and East King County, plus a dedicated youth center, according to the September report.

For life-threatening emergencies, families should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For non-urgent mental health concerns, King County's Behavioral Health and Recovery Division (BHRD) Client Services line is available at 206-263-8997.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.