Family initiated treatment (FIT)
Parents or guardians can bring their youth to participating providers and request a mental health or substance use disorder evaluation through Family Initiated Treatment (FIT). As a provider, know that parents can consent to FIT for youth who need it, even without the youth's consent. FIT provides an extra way to access care but does not guarantee immediate treatment. Each provider will have their own steps and requirements for evaluation and admitting youth to services.
On this page
Step-by-step directions for FIT treatments are available for providers.
Eligibility requirements
Youth ages 13-17 years old.
Provider requirements
In accordance with RCW 71.34.375, you must inform the parent or guardian of all available treatment options. As long as you have the capacity and skill, you must treat the youth, even if they refuse care. You can only admit a youth to treatment if it is medically necessary. (See RCW 71.34.600 for details.)
Review behavioral health treatment options for adolescents (updated March, 2022 [in 16 languages]).
FIT review notifications
Within 24 hours of all inpatient or outpatient admissions under FIT, you must complete the FIT notice of outpatient mental health treatment form, and notify HCA's contractor and the FIT administration office via secure email at or via secure fax 206-859-6432.
For more information
- Family Initiated Treatment (FIT) guide for families, participants, and providers
- Family Initiated Treatment (FIT) toolkit for providers (August, 2024)
- Parent's guide to Family Initiated Treatment (updated April, 2022).
Outpatient FIT
Medically necessary FIT outpatient services may be available.
Inpatient FIT and residential inpatient process
Medically necessary FIT may be available for inpatient or residential services.
Youth admitted to inpatient facilities under FIT must be released immediately upon the written request of the parent, or:
- The youth's status changes to voluntary, or
- A Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) initiates involuntary commitment proceedings.
For adolescents receiving treatment within a residential treatment facility and is not released by a court, they may remain in a residential treatment facility so long as it continues to be a medical necessity for the adolescent to receive such treatment (RCW 71.34.630(2)
Youth who need services have the right to receive those services in the least restrictive setting that best meet their need and keep them within their community whenever possible.
Mental health information disclosure
Mental health providers are now allowed to communicate some youth (age 13-17) treatment information to parents, if the provider believes that sharing this information would benefit the treatment process. This includes sharing information through Family Initiated Treatment (FIT).
Read the mental health information disclosure guide for more information.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
- What about partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient services?
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In accordance with 71.34.650(6), there are no limits on intensive outpatient treatment services and use of partial hospitalizations. Intensive outpatient treatment services and partial hospitalizations are covered at the discretion of the behavioral health professionals.
- What guidelines do I use for residential services under FIT?
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In accordance with SHB 2883, the process for inpatient treatment applies and medical necessity is required.
Page last updated: June, 2024