For six decades, Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care has been a trusted cornerstone in King County – quietly transforming lives through accessible, compassionate mental health and substance use services.
What began in 1965 as a single community clinic has grown into a vital network of 11 outpatient locations, two inpatient recovery centres, and a mobile outreach unit serving rural areas from Seattle to Enumclaw.
“For 60 years, our mission has been simple,” says Shekh Ali, CEO of Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care. “We meet people where they are – with compassion, with dignity, and with care that treats the whole person. Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive.”
That mission is reflected in the numbers and in the lives behind them. In 2024, Valley Cities delivered over 273,000 behavioral health services to more than 15,000 individuals across King County. Its impact reaches youth and families, veterans and older adults alike, offering therapy, recovery support, crisis care and housing assistance to those who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
Programs like MATCH, which helps individuals begin recovery from opioid use, and the Cohen Military Family Clinic, which provided more than 11,000 therapy sessions last year, continue to help meet the needs of the region’s most vulnerable residents.
“For 60 years, our mission has been simple,” says Shekh Ali, CEO of Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care. “We meet people where they are – with compassion, with dignity, and with care that treats the whole person.” Courtesy Valley Cities
Meanwhile, the organization’s housing stability initiatives helped more than 370 people and families find safe, permanent homes, and its Mental Health First Aid training empowered 2,300 residents to recognize and respond to signs of distress in their own communities.
“Our clients remind us daily what resilience looks like,” says Tracy Johnson, Auburn Clinic Manager. “When someone walks through our doors, they’re not alone. They’re part of a community that believes in their future.”
That belief is what keeps Valley Cities strong. Every counseling session and recovery story is made possible by a shared commitment – from staff, partners and community members who choose to invest in one another’s well-being.
Valley Cities welcomes one-time, monthly and legacy donations to help sustain and expand its services throughout King County. Every contribution – large or small – helps ensure that care remains accessible, responsive and rooted in compassion.
These gifts directly support counseling, recovery, housing and community education programs that make a tangible difference in the lives of thousands each year.
“When our community invests in mental health, it strengthens more than one organization,” Johnson says. “It strengthens the entire network of people who call this region home. Together, we can continue building a future where everyone has access to the support they need, when they need it most.”
To learn more about Valley Cities and its services, call 253-833-7444 or visit valleycities.org. Follow them on Facebook for news and updates
If you or someone you know is currently struggling with mental health and/or addiction, contact the Valley Cities team by phone at 253-833-7444 or in person at your local Valley Cities location. You can also call the 24 hour crisis line at 206-461-3222 or toll free at 866-427-4747.
