Family initiated treatment (FIT)
Parents or guardians can bring their youth (ages 13-17) to a participating provider and request a mental health or substance use disorder evaluation through Family Initiated Treatment (FIT). As a provider, you must inform families of all available treatment options and, if you have the capacity and skills to provide treatment even if the youth refuses care. FIT gives families another way to access treatment, but it does not guarantee immediate services. Each provider follows their own process for evaluations and admissions.
On this page
A step-by-step guide is available for providers.
Eligibility requirements
- Youth ages 13-17 years old.
- Treatment must be medically necessary.
Provider responsibilities
Under RCW 71.34.375, you must:
- Inform parents or guardians of all available treatment options.
- Treat youth if you have the capacity and skills, even if they refuse care.
- Admit youth only if treatment is medically necessary. (See RCW 71.34.600 for details.)
Review behavioral health treatment options for adolescents (updated March, 2022).
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 or via secure fax at 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).
FIT services
Outpatient FIT
If treatment is medically necessary, outpatient services may be available through FIT.
Inpatient FIT and residential inpatient process
Medically necessary inpatient or residential treatment may be available through FIT.
Release from inpatient care
Youth admitted under FIT must be released immediately if:
- A parent submits a written request.
- The youth voluntarily agrees to treatment.
- A designated crisis responder (DCR) starts involuntary commitment proceedings.
If a court does not release the youth in a residential treatment facility, they can remain in the residential facility as long as treatment continues to be medically necessary (RCW 71.34.630(2)).
Youth have the right to receive services in the least restrictive setting that meets their needs and keeps them within their community whenever possible.
Mental health information disclosure
Providers may share some treatment information with families if they believe it will help the youth’s treatment process.
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 should I follow 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: March, 2025