Suspension of programs at Columbia River Mental Health Services

This message is an important update to the communication shared last week regarding Columbia River Mental Health Services (CRMHS) pausing several outpatient services  at their Clark County sites. CRMHS has announced plans to slowly phase in some of the paused services in the near future. The timeline for resuming services is currently under development but is considering the urgency of patient needs. This announcement will be updated as new information and resources become available.

Operational services

As of 4/2, the following services are operational:

  • NorthStar (outpatient opioid treatment program)
  • Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT)
  • Mobile Health Response
  • Forensic Housing and Recovery Peer Services (FHARPS)
  • Trueblood

Phasing in services

CRMHS reports they are planning to slowly open these services as able:

  • Adult outpatient
  • Adult psychiatry

Paused services

More information will be available in the coming days regarding paused services, including:

  • Child and family outpatient
  • Health Home
  • Case management services

Resources

We recognize the burden this sudden change places on the community. We have gathered information and resources to support both clients and providers during this challenging situation. 

Information for Clients 

Apple Health coverage with a managed care plan

If you are impacted by this change in services, the Health Care Authority (HCA) encourages you to contact your Apple Health managed care organization to arrange your care.

Apple Health coverage without a managed care plan

If you are on Apple Health and you do not have a managed care plan (also called fee-for-service), contact the Apple Health Customer Service Center at 1-800-562-3022.

Other insurance

If you have another insurance provider, call the phone number on the back of your insurance card. They may be able to help you find a new provider in your area.

Crisis services

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 or the regional crisis line at 800-626-8137 to speak with a trained crisis counselor. Crisis counselors are available 24/7 to support you.

You can also contact the Washington Recovery Help Line at 866-789-1511 to speak with someone who will help you find local treatment resources for behavioral health services. You can also access their website to find a treatment location near you.

Information for Providers

Apple Health coverage with a managed care plan

HCA encourages impacted providers to support affected clients as capacity allows. Providers are also encouraged to contact the client’s Apple Health managed care organization to identify referral options for continued care.

Apple Health coverage without a managed care plan

Providers for clients on Apple Health coverage without a managed care plan (also called fee-for-service) may contact the Apple Health Customer Service Center at 1-800-562-3022.

Other insurance 

Providers for clients with another insurance provider may contact the customer support number on the back of their insurance card.

Frequently asked questions

What services are operational? Are the OTP services operational?

As of April 2, the following services are operational:

  • NorthStar providing outpatient opioid treatment program (OTP) services
  • Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT)
  • Mobile Health
  • Forensic Housing and Recovery Peer Services (FHARPS)
  • Trueblood

CRMHS reports it plans to slowly phase in the following services:

  • Adult outpatient
  • Adult psychiatry

See the CRMHS provider website for more details.

What does a pause in service mean?

A pause in service means those services are temporarily not operational while the provider evaluates and makes decisions about next steps.

Are there other places clients can receive care?

Yes, community providers are working to support access and continuity of care for impacted clients while CRMHS determines the details of the phase in approach. Clients are being contacted to assist with coordination. As outlined in the announcement, clients can contact their Managed Care Organization (MCO), Behavioral Health - Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO), or other insurance provider to help arrange care.

What happens if CRMHS pauses additional services?

State and local partners are working with CRMHS and local providers to stay informed of the situation and to create a contingency plan to support access in the event additional services are impacted. HCA will continue to post updated announcements on this page as changes occur. As outlined in the announcement, clients can contact their MCO, BH-ASO, or other insurance provider for help arranging care.

Why is CRMHS pausing some services? The CRMHS reports the cause of this pause is financial. What is HCA doing to support the provider for Apple Health payments?

The details of the reason for the pause are not yet fully known; however, CRMS reports finances have been a concern. HCA has asked the MCOs and BH-ASOs to work closely with CRMHS to ensure all Apple Health claims are paid appropriately. HCA is monitoring the status and MCOs and BH-ASOs all report actively addressing any need.

When will CRMHS start services again?

  • CRMHS reports it plans to slowly phase in the following services:
    • Adult outpatient
    • Adult psychiatry
  • For current information on service availability and phase-in plans, visit the CRMHS website.

How will medical records be handled?

CRMHS reports client records remain accessible to CRMHS. Records may be transferred to a client’s new provider with appropriate consent.