City Council authorizes $500K contract with North Shore YMCA for mental health services

The Bothell City Council meeting on July 8, 2025, focused on a significant funding proposal for mental and behavioral health services in the community. The council discussed a contract not exceeding $500,000, which includes a request for $300,000 from general funds and $200,000 from opioid segment funds. The contract is set to cover services from July 2025 to December 2026.

Key components of the contract involve providing behavioral health and substance use disorder professionals, a benefits navigator, and direct aid to residents. This includes rental assistance, transportation vouchers, and necessary medications for treating substance use disorders and overdose. The contract will also support a mini community resource center aimed at connecting residents with essential programs and services.

City staff will provide periodic updates to the council on the contract's performance, with scheduled updates at the end of 2025 and again in June 2026. The council is expected to authorize the city manager to execute the contract with the North Shore YMCA, which will oversee the delivery of these services.

Council member Aldrichs expressed gratitude for the work involved in developing the contract and raised a question regarding previous collaborations with the Center for Human Services, specifically about their involvement in schools. This highlights the council's ongoing commitment to addressing mental health needs within the community.

The approval of this contract marks a proactive step towards enhancing mental health resources and support for Bothell residents, reflecting the city's dedication to addressing pressing community health issues.