Mental health workers win for clients, communities....

but our work isn't done yet!


Mental Health Workers Win

We took a stand and the Washington state Legislature listened to us.

In 2007, we won $24.5 million in improved wages for community mental health workers -- thanks to the advocacy of hundreds of community mental health workers. This was a huge win for clients, our communities, and people who work in the community mental health system.  How we won.



Miranda Nigrey
Miranda Nigrey
Adult Case Manager, Community Psychiatric Clinic

“With more healthcare workers joining SEIU we will have a greater voice in the community and in Olympia. And we can begin to fix the broken system by decreasing caseloads and increasing staffing so that we all have more time to help our clients. My dream is to have the time available that my clients need!”

David Parker
David Parker
Registered Nurse, West Seattle Psychiatric Hospital

“We need every community mental health worker with us – it really pays off. The more people we get organized the more we are can influence the Legislature and the agencies, which will allow us to provide expanded, improved, and consistent, services for our clients.”

In 2009 -- the next time the state Legislature takes up the biennial budget-- we will advocate for further improvements:

  • Reasonable caseloads at clinics

  • Safe staffing at inpatient facilities

  • Access for all who need services