Veteran and Veteran Families' Outpatient Behavioral Health Services

Pierce County is seeking proposals to provide outpatient behavioral health services that address ongoing or emerging needs of indigent veterans and their families. Programs must promote recovery, stability, and long-term wellness while reducing reliance on crisis and impatient care. Services should strengthen functioning and reduce social isolation, a risk factor for suicide or worsening behavioral health conditions among veterans. Data from the 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention annual report indicates higher suicide rates amongst lower income veterans or those not connected to behavioral health services. Given the persistently elevated suicide rates in veteran populations, proposals that include evidence-based suicide prevention strategies are strongly encouraged. Programs should coordinate with existing veteran and behavioral health systems and demonstrate measurable improvements in health, stability, and community connection. While not required, proposals that include workforce development (such as training or supervising students, interns, or fellows interested in veteran-focused behavioral health) will be prioritized, as this helps build long-term system capacity. This procurement is aligned with the Pierce County Behavioral Health Improvement Plan (BHIP), the 2026-2027 Pierce County Council's Behavioral Heath Focus Areas, and the County's 2026-2027 behavioral health funding priorities. Proposed projects that serve more than one geographic area of the county will be given priority. Pierce County is particularly interested in proposals that leverage partnerships with the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), Community Care, and other veteran service providers, and that demonstrate measurable improvements in stability, access, reductions in wait times for services, and long‑term outcomes for veterans and their families.