Wraparound with Intensive Services (WISe)

Wraparound with Intensive Services, or WISe, is an approach to helping children, youth, and their families with intensive mental health care. Services are available in home and community settings and offer a system of care based on the individualized need of the child or youth. WISe is a voluntary service that takes a team approach to support you and your family in meeting your goals.

Where do I go for additional information?

To refer yourself or someone else to WISe

A WISe referral can be made directly to the WISe referral agency or through a managed care organization. 

To make a referral, contact a WISe referral agency:

To learn more about WISe services

WISe services are accessed through community behavioral health provider agencies. To learn more, contact:

Your primary care provider or health plan will help you find these benefits and coordinate your care when necessary. 

WISe handouts and training

The following materials are also available to help you understand WISe and how it works.

To find the managed care organization (MCO) my family is enrolled in

Contact Apple Health managed care.

To get information or make a referral if my family is not in an MCO

Contact your fee-for service WISe agencies.

To check on the status of a WISe referral

Contact the agency where the referral was made.

To answer my WISe service questions if I and my family already have a team

Contact your WISe team or your managed care organization (MCO).

To learn about implementation progress and reporting

The Health Care Authority (HCA) provides detailed reports on the implementation of the WISe program model as well as quarterly quality management reports by location. Visit the Wraparound with Intensive Services (WISe) reports page to view and download the reports.

An overview of the WISe program model

How is WISe different?

WISe is based on a team approach to care that is guided and driven by you and your family.

You and your family:

  • Set goals that meet your needs, and
  • Develop an individualized care plan based on your strengths.

In addition:

  • WISe services and supports are available in locations and times that work best for you.
  • Crisis services are available any time of day (24/7) with individuals who know your situation.

Who is on a team?

Team members include natural supports (such as family, friends, and religious leaders) and the professionals who work with you and your family (such as counselors, schools, Child Protective Services (CPS), and probation officers).

Peer support

Peer support pairs those in treatment with individuals who have had similar experiences.

Grievance, appeals, and fair hearing information sheet

Learn about the fair hearing process.

Who qualifies for WISe?

WISe is available to youth age 20 or younger with complex behavioral health needs who are eligible for coverage under WAC 182-505-0210 and meet medical necessity criteria for WISe services. 

To ask for a screening, contact a WISe provider agency in your county.

  • If you are a youth over the age of 13: you can ask for a WISe screen to find out if they are eligible.
  • If you are under 13: you need permission from your parent or guardian.
  • If you are a parent: you can refer your child for a WISe screen at any time, but after age 13, a child must consent to services.

More information can be found on our Family Initiated Treatment (FIT) webpage.

How do I get WISe services? 

  • Complete the Child Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) screening tool (26 questions) either over the phone or in-person. Learn more about the tool.
  • If the screening tool shows you are:
    • Eligible — do need this level of care: a WISe provider agency will assign a team and all care will be coordinated through the agency/team.
    • Not eligible — do not appear to need this level of care: you will be referred to other mental services, appropriate to your needs.

How can I get involved?

Your voice can help improve services for children and youth. Join your regional Family, Youth, and System Partner Round Table (FYSPRT) — a community forum addressing the behavioral health needs of children, youth, and families in Washington.

FYSPRTs are an important part of a governance structure that includes the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Work Group (CYBHWG) and is working to make improvements to the children's behavioral health system, including WISe.

A survey of participants and their caregivers in the WISe program is currently underway. We encourage participants and their caregivers to take the survey when they are contacted.