Kitsap Mental Health Services

06/05/2026

We are proud to celebrate our Leadership Kitsap graduates! Working with the rest of the Leadersip Kitsap Class of 2026, KMHS Director of Facilities Pylo Lopez, Director of Residential and Substance Use Disorder Programs Wayne Swanson, Senior Director of Child and Family Services Abigail Stevenson and Director of Information Services Wil Bruce, spent nine-months growing their leadership skills through team based projects designed to benefit the community.

Congratulations to all the Leadership Kitsap graduates on their hardwork throughout the program. We can’t wait to see how you put your unique talents and all you’ve learned through the program to use, continuing to help our community grow and thrive.

(Pictured left to right: Pylo Lopez, Wayne Swanson, Abigail Stevenson, CEO Monica Bernhard and Wil Bruce.)

06/02/2026

We are proud to announce that after five years of serving KMHS, Mark Hughes’ role is expanding from Senior Communications Director to Chief Communications & External Affairs officer.

Our CEO Monica Bernhard shared that “Mark’s proven ability to transform our agency communications strategy and his deep experience building strong community relationships will further extend our impact in this community.”

In addition to communications and public relations work, in this new role, Mark will be responsible for overseeing the agency’s fundraising program and strengthening community partnerships.

"As someone born and raised in Kitsap County, our mission is deeply personal to me," Mark said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting employees and building a culture of hope at KMHS."

05/29/2026

Pendleton Place is celebrating its fourth anniversary! Since opening its doors, the 72-unit permanent supportive housing complex has provided adults experiencing homelessness with a fresh start, safety, support and community.

One resident reflected on how their life changed when they got their own apartment in 2022: “I was constantly being abused and mugged and beat up. It was hell. I got here and I haven’t looked back. I love it here.”

At Pendleton Place, residents have life-changing access to mental health and substance use services and onsite primary care.

We’re grateful to Bremerton Housing Authority and Peninsula Community Health Services (PCHS) for their continued partnership on this program. Working together, we accomplish more for our community.

05/27/2026

"Early childhood mental health is all about providing children from birth to age five with a foundation for their future health and wellbeing...making sure caregivers have their needs met and supports in place enables them to help their children grow and thrive," says Ashley L., KMHS Director of Training.

The early relationships young children form shape how they learn, think, and how their brains develop. Taking care of your own mental and physical health makes it easier to show up and care for those around you.

If you're struggling, you're not alone. Reach out for help. Talk to friends and family, connect with local resources, and if you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988 for immediate support from trained professionals.

05/21/2026

1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental health disorder each year. Here in Washington State 388,000 adults are living with serious mental illness. Yet fewer than half receive treatment—often because of stigma, cost, or fear of being judged. Each one of us has the power to make a difference simply by starting a conversation.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month KMHS CEO Monica Bernhard is sharing her own experience with mental health challenges and encouraging us all to help normalize conversations about the topic, check in on our loved ones, and listen without judgment when someone shares their experience.

https://www.kitsapmentalhealth.org/break-the-silence/

If you're struggling now, don't try to go it alone. Reach out for support just as you would for any other health need. Call or text 988 for 24/7 crisis support.

05/20/2026

Many of us feel lonely or like we don't have anyone in our lives to spend meaningful time with. You can feel lonely even when you're around other people. Loneliness happens when you feel distressed that you're alone. Prolonged loneliness can cause lead to a variety of physical and mental health challenges.

Feeling lonely? Here are a few ways you can feel more connected!

If you or someone you love is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 for support.

How do you fight feelings of loneliness?

05/12/2026

In 2023 Stephanie was fleeing domestic violence, living with unmedicated bipolar disorder and addicted to drugs and alcohol. She entered KMHS services through our Crisis Triage Center (CTC) before continuing services at Pacific Hope and Recovery Center(PHRC).

“The services that I received through KMHS absolutely changed my life. I arrived at my very lowest rock bottom, with minimal desire to continue on in life…When I arrived, hope was just a word in my vocabulary but during my stay at PHRC I felt hope for the first time in my entire life.”

Now Stephanie, who has been sober since October 9, 2023, is a shift supervisor at Pacific Hope and Recovery Center. And she says a big part of her recovery is seeing similar transformations among clients.

05/05/2026

There is no greater place to live and work than Kitsap. Kitsap County offers a place where healthcare professionals can deliver meaningful, community-centered care while enjoying a high quality of life.

KitsapHealthCareers.org seamlessly links people to open healthcare positions as well as healthcare education and advanced placements all throughout the county. It’s never been easier to launch your healthcare career, right here in Kitsap.

As the second largest healthcare employer in Kitsap County we’re proud to be a part of this project, supporting the individuals who show up day after day to care for our community.

Find your path in Kitsap County!

Kitsap Community Health Priorities (KCHP) and KEDA recently joined forces to launch a new website, KitsapHealthCareers.org, in an effort to showcase and strengthen and strengthen Kitsap County’s healthcare workforce.

Learn how you can make a visible impact on community health outcomes in a dynamic clinical environment with a growing and diverse population.

Kitsap Public Health District Chad Melton Monica VanZanten Bernhard Peninsula Community Health Services (PCHS) Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Holly Ridge Center Dedra Miller The Doctors Clinic Olympic College

05/04/2026

Anyone can experience a mental health challenge at any time. Like our physical health, the state of our mental health changes. Some days are better than others.

Small interactions can make a big impact. Be someone's reminder that they are not alone.

Start simple. Connect with those around you. Make a habit of having honest conversations about how you feel. When you ask "How are you?" take the time to listen to how someone answers. Challenge yourself to respond to the same question genuinely.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis call or text 988.

04/28/2026

Did you spot our mug during Jake Whittenberg's Monday morning segment on KING 5 ?

Anyone can experience a mental health challenge at any time, but recovery is possible. Things can get better. If you or someone you love are experiencing changes in your thoughts, feelings, or behavior that are sudden and unexplained, and are causing problems in any or all areas of your life, reach out for help.

For 24/7 mental health crisis support, call or text 988.