Akin (formerly Children’s Home Society of Washington)

Formerly known as the Children’s Home Society Washington, Akin is a community initiative that provides outpatient mental health services in Spokane Valley, Washington. It provides care for people of all ages with an emphasis on offering early intervention programs for children. Like many parts of Washington state, Spokane is a perfect backdrop for natural therapy.

The region is home to the Mirabeau Point Park, Spokane Valley CenterPlace and the YMCA Spokane Valley. The easy access to nature parks is ideal for anyone who enjoys hiking and other outdoor activities.

Early Childhood Preparedness

One of the hallmark features I researched about Akin is their emphasis on early education for children. This includes Early Head Start and Parents as Teachers which are two programs designed for families with young children. The goal is to ensure academic readiness for better outcomes once children finally enroll in formal education.

Children and Family Mental Health

This center also focuses on children’s mental health and wellness. Services are provided on an outpatient basis and can also include resources designed to treat the family as a unit instead of only focusing on the individual members. This includes building communication skills, stress management, enhancing parenting behaviors, and problem solving skills.

Interventions in Spokane Valley

While substance use disorder (SUD) treatment isn’t a primary offering at Akin, this facility does provide brief intervention treatment. This is meant to help stabilize a person in crisis and, more importantly, transfer them to a facility that is better equipped to manage their illness. This feature isn’t just for SUD treatment but can also be accessed by people facing more serious mental illness (SMI).

Akin accepts Medicaid and select private insurance plans. It also offers a sliding fee scale based on demonstrated need.