Approximately $1 million is available for organizations to provide access to clinical therapeutic mental health services and supports for Seattle secondary students or youth ages 13-24 who live and/or attend school in Seattle, including opportunity youth whose education has been interrupted to support their return to school and/or career.  

A primary goal in expanding access to therapeutic mental health services for Seattle youth is to ensure availability of culturally and linguistically responsive services for populations who are not already accessing existing mental health services and may experience disproportionate barriers including gaps in culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate care.  

DEEL is seeking applications from providers with a demonstrated history of effectively serving: 

• Immigrant and refugee youth 
• Youth who speak a primary language other than English 
• Foster youth  
• BIPOC youth underserved relative to their share of the youth population in Seattle by current mental health services, including  
  • Hispanic/Latinx 
  • Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 
  • American Indian/Alaska Native 
  • North African/Middle Eastern youth 

This investment is part of the City’s Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy commitment to expand access to high-quality, culturally responsive therapeutic services.  

Read the full guidelines 

Eligibility 

The 2026 Youth Mental Health Therapeutic Services Request for Proposals seeks proposals for the following two service tracks: 

1. One (1) Universal Access Provider offering virtual care with low barrier access to therapeutic services 

2. One (1) Specialized Services Provider offering virtual and in-person care with specialized therapeutic services for focus youth populations 

Prospective grantees must meet the following minimum qualifications:   

• Services may be delivered by community-based organizations, health agencies, and/or private companies with expertise in therapeutic supports, mental health and behavioral health services.  

• Provider must deliver therapeutic and behavioral health services through clinicians licensed to provide services in Washington State.

• Provider must maintain city and state insurance, licensing, privacy, confidentiality, and regulatory requirements.  

• Provider must have systems in place to protect confidential client information and comply with all applicable privacy laws. 

• Current DEEL providers may apply, provided they meet the eligibility requirements and can competitively demonstrate fit for the service track for which they are applying. 

Providers must serve Seattle secondary students or youth ages 13-24 who live and/or attend school in Seattle. Additionally, successful funding proposals must: 

1. Provide direct clinical therapeutic services (individual and/or group therapy), including Intake, Assessment, and Treatment planning  

2. Reduce barriers to accessing care  

3. Expand service access for underserved youth populations  

4. Deliver culturally responsive care aligned with youth needs   

5. Conduct youth engagement through outreach and referral partnerships  

6. Coordinate with schools, providers, and community partners to improve referral pathways and streamline service delivery 

Funding 

A total of $1M in funding is available for the contract period from September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027. The available funding amount per provider varies based on proposals and contract negotiations, with anticipated award amounts ranging from $170,000 to $830,000. 

Due Date 

Friday, June 12, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. Pacific  

Please allow ample time to complete your application; applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. 

How to apply 

For more information or to begin your application, visit https://www.seattle.gov/education/for-providers/funding-opportunities/2026-youth-mental-health-therapeutic-services-rfp  

All applicants must complete the online application via Submittable using the Online Application Link. 

Language Assistance 

Do you need an interpreter? Do you need documents translated? Language assistance is available! Contact DEELfunding@seattle.gov or (206) 386-1050. 

Please note: Changes to the funding process and timeline may occur. DEEL will not provide individual notice of changes, and applicants are responsible for regularly checking our Funding Opportunities web page for technical assistance information, updates, clarifications, or amendments.    

Contact 

For Questions related to the Youth Mental Health Therapeutic Services RFP:  

• Submit questions about this RFP via email to DEELFunding@seattle.gov and include “Question Youth Mental Health Therapeutic Services RFP” in the subject line. Please allow three (3) business days for answers to submitted questions.  

The City of Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning’s mission is to transform the lives of Seattle children, youth, and families through strategic investments in education. www.seattle.gov/education  

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