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Dear Friends of Ryther,
You may remember that in 2021, national leaders declared a mental health emergency for children and teens. Sadly, that crisis continues. Right here in King County, recent reports show an increase in youth dying by suicide, and data from the State of Washington confirms that children are seeking mental health care at higher rates than adults.
But there is hope.
The State of Washington has developed the Washington Thriving Strategic Plan, a community-informed roadmap to strengthen behavioral health services across the state. The Legislature is currently considering House Bill 2429 and Senate Bill 6224 to adopt and advance this plan, helping ensure our state takes real action to meet the needs of young people and families.
Ryther is proud to be part of the solution. From expanding early childhood services to opening new programs for intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, and residential treatment, we are strengthening the continuum of care for youth across the age spectrum and helping close critical gaps in services.
Together, with strong plans, growing services, and community support, we can help every young person get the care they need to thrive. Thank you for standing with us in this important work.
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Karen Brady
Executive Director/CEO
| | Enrichment Center Reopens! | | |
Ryther is thrilled to announce that renovations to the Tarrach Enrichment Center (TEC) building are complete! This two-story 1962 building, which once served as our on-campus school, has been transformed into a vibrant space for Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization Programs, expanding much-needed capacity for intensive behavioral health services in our community.
This project was made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Taxpayers of Washington State through Washington’s Department of Commerce. Additional funding for furniture, fixtures, and equipment came from generous foundations, and program supplies were provided by Trilogy for Kids.
Special thanks to Senator Javier Valdez and Representatives Gerry Pollet and Darya Farivar, along with leadership at King County’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Division, for their support and letters to the Department of Commerce. We also thank Pennon Construction and Insight Construction Consulting for a job exceptionally well done!
RSVP today to join us in celebrating the opening of the newly renovated Enrichment Center on Friday, April 24th from 3:00-4:30 PM. Come tour the space and see firsthand how this investment is expanding access to care for youth and families.
| | We’re excited to share that Trilogy for Kids made a generous gift of $34,565 to support the youth and families we serve! Their funding will help equip our new Enrichment Center with art supplies, sensory tools, games, and other hands-on materials that kids and teens will use every day in therapy. As Georgia, a T4K Liaison shared, “Ryther's mission perfectly dovetails with my desire to partner with an agency where I could volunteer, support, advocate, and make a difference in the life of a traumatized child.” Ryther is deeply grateful for their partnership. | | |
Residential Therapy Program
Opens in July!
| | After years of planning, Ryther’s Residential Therapy Program is finally opening in July! This long-awaited program gives youth ages 8–14 a safe, supportive place to grow, build confidence, make friends, and learn important life skills. Through therapy, family support, and daily activities, they’ll have the tools and encouragement they need to thrive. When ready, youth can move on to Ryther’s Partial Hospitalization or Intensive Outpatient Programs for continued care. Thanks to everyone who stuck with us through the licensing process, this program is now ready to welcome youth who need it most! | | |
Aspiring Youth
Celebrates 20 Years!
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This year marks the 20th anniversary of Ryther’s Aspiring Youth Program. Over the past two decades, the program has served thousands of neurodivergent kids and teens through social groups, summer programs, and activities that help youth build connection and confidence. As alum Phontip Myrabo shares, “Ryther’s Aspiring Youth Program helped shape who I am today. The wonderful peer community, understanding camp counselors, and engaging activities fostered lifelong skills.” Now an early childhood educator, Phontip credits the program with inspiring her path as a helping professional.
Join us on March 28th at the Mountaineers Seattle Program Center at Magnuson Park for our annual fundraising event, NeurodiverseNW. Tickets are on sale now! Know someone who could benefit? Share our updated website, aspiringyouth.net, to help them find the perfect program!
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Ryther Intern Spotlight!
Thao Fiore, DBT IOP
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Masters of Social Work (MSW), Simmons University
Graduation Date: August 2026
| | As a clinical intern in our DBT IOP program, Thao has been supporting youth since last May. With graduation just around the corner, we asked her to reflect on her time at Ryther. | | |
What drew you to Ryther for your internship?
"Ryther felt like the right fit to support my growth as a clinical social worker because of its comprehensive programs serving youth and families during some of the most formative and vulnerable stages of life."
What has been the most meaningful part of your experience here?
"Working alongside and collaborating with Ryther clinicians and staff has significantly shaped my development as an emerging clinical social worker. Seeing how they navigate complex systems to support youth and families has strengthened my clinical skills and given me tools I’ll carry throughout my career."
What have you learned from working with the youth and families we serve?
"What I've come to appreciate is that our clients are navigating incredibly complex and unique challenges, and yet they show up with so many strengths. Learning to recognize and build on those strengths has become one of the most important parts of how I show up for them."
What are your plans after graduating with your MSW?
"I would love to find a role where I can balance direct clinical work with the opportunity to drive change at a larger scale through program development, policy, or community partnerships."
| | Your support makes everything at Ryther possible. Whether it’s attending an event, volunteering, or visiting our campus, there are many ways to be part of our mission. Every connection helps children and families access the care and support they need to thrive. You can also follow us on social media ( Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube ) to share our work and help spread Ryther’s mission. Join us and make a difference today! | | | | | | |
RYTHER
Main Office
2400 NE 95th St
Seattle, WA 98115
P: 206.525.5050
Tax ID
# 91-0564983
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