About the WISe Training – In Person & Online

The Collaborative partners with the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR), Portland State University, University of Washington, and other critical stakeholders to provide WISe trainings around the state. The training was originally developed by Portland State University in collaboration with DBHR and youth and families across Washington state.

The training is a combination of six online training modules and a two-day, in-person training. The training is designed to educate provider staff who serve on WISe teams about the WISe process and principles. WISe teams are staffed by a Care Coordinator, Therapist, Family Partner and/or Youth Partner. All WISe staff are required to complete the two-day training and receive a certificate.

The History of WISe

Since 2014, Washington has been implementing Wraparound with Intensive Services, or “WISe,” around the state. WISe is designed to provide intensive mental health services to assist youth and families in achieving wellness, safety, and to strengthen communities. WISe uses a team-based approach to providing services, and is available to youth under age 21 who are eligible for the Medicaid program. The goal of WISe is for eligible youth to live and thrive in their homes and communities, as well as to avoid or reduce costly and disruptive out-of-home placements.

The implementation of WISe is targeted to be statewide by June 30, 2018. The purpose of this program is to assist in maintaining consistency across Washington State’s service-delivery system for providing intensive mental health services, in home and community settings, to Medicaid eligible youth who screen in for these services.

WISe Principles

  • Family & Youth Voice & Choice
  • Team Based
  • Natural Supports
  • Collaboration
  • Home & Community Based
  • Culturally Relevant
  • Individualized
  • Strengths Based
  • Outcome Based
  • Unconditional

Family and Youth Perspective on WISe

Wraparound with Intensive Services (WISe) uses a team approach for families involved in multiple systems. There are many layers to the challenges families face when working in a system of care. These challenges are rarely isolated to one department or event. A system of care refers to different organizations and people, such as schools, mental health counselors, probation officers, faith organizations, etc., in which a family may be involved. These systems and people are meant to be helpful to individuals and society at large, but sometimes children, youth, and families involved with these systems need assistance to navigate them. This is where WISe can help.

WISe Governance Structure and Oversight

The WISe program is an integral part of the Children’s Mental Health Governance Structure that was adopted within the T.R. et al. v. Kevin Quigley and Dorothy Teeter Settlement Agreement. Oversight for WISe is provided by Family Youth System Partner Round Tables (FYSPRTs) and an Executive Leadership Team. The FYSPRTs bring the voice of youth and family to the behavioral health system in Washington, and inform high-level behavioral health policy, program planning, and decision-making, including the implementation of WISe at the state level.