Engaging with CRIS: Why 988 (and Your Voice) Matter.
- Ashley Haynes-Gibson, MA, LMFTA -- Legislative Committee Co-Chair
- 6d
- 2 min read
If you’ve been feeling the ripple effects of our state’s evolving crisis system, you’re not alone. Washington’s Crisis Response Improvement Strategy (CRIS) is actively shaping how we respond to behavioral health crises—from the first call to stabilization and follow-up care. As MFTs, this touches our clients, our families, and our daily work. Here’s what’s happening and how you can plug in.
First things first: what’s CRIS?
CRIS is Washington’s multi-stakeholder effort to improve the full crisis continuum and support the rollout of 988. Think of it as a big table where system leaders, providers, and people with lived experience are building a more responsive, humane crisis system together.
Next Lived Experience meeting (save the date)
Monday, November 10, 2025 • 1:00–3:00 PM PT • via Zoom➡️ Join the meeting (Zoom link via HCA): “Join the meeting” on the CRIS page. Washington State Health Care Authority
(CRIS Lived Experience meetings are typically held on Mondays from 1–3 PM.)
Why 988 matters now
In a time of rising anxiety, uncertainty, and access barriers, 988 is a lifeline—literally. It connects people to trained crisis responders who can de-escalate, link to mobile teams and stabilization services, and keep care trauma-informed and dignity-centered. The stronger our 988 ecosystem is, the stronger our clients and communities.
Spotlight: Lived Experience meetings (we really recommend peeking in).
The CRIS Lived Experience Collaborative centers the voices of people and families who’ve used (or tried to use) the crisis system. If you’ve ever wished decision-makers could hear what you see in session—or what your clients go through—this is a direct channel. Here’s the upcoming agenda for Nov 10, 2025 (PDF).
You can also review their slide show from April, 2025 to get a sense of what the meeting will cover HERE.
We’re sharing this because attending (or simply following along) can be genuinely helpful—professionally, clinically, and for advocacy. If it resonates, consider joining or sharing with clients and partners who want to be heard.
Who’s at the table?
Curious about representation and how to connect? Skim their 2024 roster:
CRIS Committee Members: https://www.hca.wa.gov/assets/program/cris-committee-member-list.pdf
Quick ways to engage (without burning out)
Skim the CRIS page for upcoming meetings and materials.
Consider attending the Lived Experience meeting—or share the agenda with folks who’d contribute meaningfully.
Reach out to the WAMFT Legislative Committee if you want to collaborate on comments or learn where your voice could have the most impact.
Together, we can help shape a crisis response system that’s relational, accessible, and truly supportive of Washington families.
— WAMFT Legislative Committee
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