Our Mission
To empower and enrich our communities through comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment, one individual at a time.
Our Vision
We strive to set the standard for behavioral healthcare through our commitment to inclusion, pursuing excellence, and fostering innovation. We aspire to be the beacon of hope, offering access to care and aiming to be the employer of choice committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Valley Cities in Numbers for 2022
Average Clients Served Yearly
Clinics
Employees (& Counting)
Services Provided
Valley Cities Values
Innovation: Pioneering forward-thinking solutions to meet the evolving behavioral health needs of our community.
Growth: Cultivating personal and community growth through continuous learning and development.
Advocacy: Standing as champions for individuals and communities, amplifying their voices and needs.
Diversity: Embracing the identities, experiences, perspectives, and cultures that enrich our work and lives.
Best practices: Upholding the highest standards of integrity, quality, accountability, and effectiveness in our endeavors.
Wellness: Promoting a balance of self-care and well-being for clients and staff alike.
Celebration: Recognizing and honoring achievements, milestones, and the resilience of those we serve, and fostering a culture of appreciation and gratitude within our organization.
Partnership: Building stronger collaborative relationships to enhance support networks and improve outcomes.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mission Statement
Valley Cities is dedicated to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive (DEI) organization that results in an environment where health disparities are reduced, and employees and the individuals we serve experience a culture of connection and belonging. Together, we commit to establishing, achieving, and integrating DEI goals in alignment with our values for every department and program. We remain open to adjusting and changing our goals as our understanding and the needs of the community transform.
Download our CEO’s statement and plan for D.E.I. here.
Our Healthcare Philosphy
Treatment Works.
We know that 100% of mental illnesses and substance use disorders can be treated. With treatment, every individual can live a meaningful life, full of possibilities and promise. Our comprehensive behavioral health services promote recovery, resilience, and improved quality of life.
Rather than an acute or crisis model of care, we focus on prevention and early intervention through behavioral health services integrated with primary care. And our continuing care supports people to build their resiliency and manage their disease every day.
Each individual who comes through our doors is unique, and we tailor care to match their current needs. By partnering and collaborating with community organizations and agencies we can address whatever challenges a client faces, whether that’s medical care, a place to live, or a job.
Our Guiding Principles of Recovery
Person-driven.
Occurs via many pathways.
Holistic.
Supported by peers and allies.
Supported through relationships and social networks.
Culturally-based and influenced.
Supported by addressing trauma.
Involves individual, family, and community strengths and responsibility.
Based on respect.
Emerges from hope
Builds resiliency.
Source: SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) and King County
Care Teams At Valley Cities
Our unique Care Team model gives clients access to a range of specialists with expertise in addressing specific symptoms.
This approach helps clients meet more needs more quickly during their recovery journey with us. Each provider stays connected to the client’s care as long as necessary to help in that area of focus.
Treatment is individualized and can be provided by staff ranging from therapists to peers to specialty or program staff. Every client works with a dedicated Care Coordinator, who is their main point of contact. They help assess needs and link clients to necessary supports, both within Valley Cities and throughout the community.
What is Trauma-Informed Care?
Valley Cities integrates the principles of trauma-informed care into every policy, procedure, service, program, and treatment we provide. We acknowledge our clients’ experiences of abuse, neglect, and discrimination and their lasting marks of mental and emotional distress. We recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma in our clients as they struggle to processes feelings, alter toxic perceptions of self and others, and advance socially and economically.
Our staff responds to our clients’ trauma aftershocks by creating a safe, trustworthy, transparent, and mutually respectful collaboration to empower their personal treatment choices. With Valley Cities they regain their voice, confidence, and independence.
Our History
Half A Century Changing Lives
Established by community members of South King County in 1965 and a United Way agency since 1967, Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care has provided behavioral health care services to people of all ages for over 50 years. Through the ongoing support of our community, Valley Cities delivers compassionate care at 12 comprehensive outpatient clinics located in Auburn, Enumclaw, Federal Way, Kent, Midway, Renton, and multiple sites in Seattle.
From our deep roots in South King County, we have thoughtfully expanded our programs and services in direct response to the changing needs of the communities we serve. Today, Valley Cities offers licensed mental health counseling and substance use disorder treatment for all ages, homeless outreach services and housing programs, and specialized services that deliver counseling and family support to veterans and their families. An integral part of King County’s mental health system, Valley Cities also maintains active partnerships with other service providers to comprehensively meet the needs of our communities.
Throughout our long history, Valley Cities has remained focused on helping families and individuals by delivering a continuum of services designed to maximize their potential and success. Our work is founded on our unwavering belief in the resiliency and strength of the human spirit. We believe that, with help, people can and do overcome the barriers and obstacles that confront them.
Latest Valley Cities News & Events
Recovery Place Kent and Ricky’s Law
Julia Wong of The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation interviewed Teri Hardy, Valley Cities Director of Recovery Place Kent, one of four facilities in Washington state that provides involuntary treatment under Ricky’s Law. Ricky’s law allows for detainment of people with addictions that are deemed to be a risk to themselves or others. The following are excerpts from that story by Wong with the client’s name removed.
On the road again: Valley Cities’ mobile clinic returns to serve King County
Mobile clinic brings support and resources to King County’s most vulnerable rural residents.
Valley Cities’ NHSC approval a big boost for employees and underserved King County communities
Eight Valley Cities clinics approved, offering loan forgiveness to eligible staff.
Videos
Program videos provide an engaging snapshot of several of our programs and services, featuring our experienced and committed staff. The videos explain what each program is, how it works, and how it supports our mission.
Media Highlights
Articles from news outlets around King County highlighting Valley Cities programs, people and events in the communities we serve!
Newsletter Archives
Our monthly newsletters include the latest updates from Valley Cities, share important events, and highlight the great work our clinics and staff members do each day.
Annual Reports & 501 (C)(3) Information
Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care is proud to serve communities in need as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Tax ID: 91-6063183
State of WA – Secretary of State:
Registration Number: 5802
For our most recent Form 990 and more information, visit our GuideStar Profile.
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