ReachLink is committed to delivering safe, ethical, and legally compliant mental-health services to clients located in Washington State. We follow all state and federal regulations governing mental-health practice, telehealth, privacy, client rights, and mandatory reporting.
1. Compliance With Washington State Mental-Health Regulations
Washington mental-health providers are regulated by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and its affiliated boards and advisory committees.
Washington State Department of Health – Health Systems Quality Assurance (HSQA)
Licenses and regulates counselors, social workers, psychologists, and marriage & family therapists
- Website: https://doh.wa.gov
- HSQA Customer Service: (360) 236-4700
Professional Licensing Boards/Programs
(1) Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC), LMHCA, & Counselors
Regulated by the DOH Counselor Program
- Program Page: https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/mental-health-counselors
- Phone: (360) 236-4700
(2) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)
Regulated by the DOH Marriage & Family Therapist Program
- Program Page: https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/marriage-and-family-therapist
- Phone: (360) 236-4700
(3) Licensed Social Workers (LSWAIC, LICSW, LSWA)
Regulated by the DOH Social Worker Program
- Program Page: https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/social-worker
- Phone: (360) 236-4700
(4) Licensed Psychologists
Regulated by the Examining Board of Psychology
- Website: https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/psychologist
- Phone: (360) 236-4700
License Verification
Consumers can verify a Washington provider’s license here:
https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/providercredentialsearch/
2. Mandatory Reporting Compliance (Washington Law)
We follow all Washington State mandatory reporting laws, including:
- Child abuse or neglect (RCW 26.44.030)
- Abuse of vulnerable adults (RCW 74.34.035)
- Imminent threats of harm to self or others
- Tarasoff-type duty to warn and protect (RCW 71.05.120 & case law)
Clients are informed of these legal limits of confidentiality during intake.
3. Client Rights & Mandatory Disclosure Statement (WA Requirement)
Washington law requires all licensed and associate mental-health providers to give clients a Mandatory Disclosure Statement (RCW 18.130 & WAC 246-809).
This includes:
- Provider’s name, credentials, and license number
- Training and therapeutic orientation
- Fee schedule & billing practices
- Office policies, cancellations, and communication guidelines
- Confidentiality & its legal limits
- Client rights and grievance procedures
- Contact information for DOH and licensing boards
Clients may file complaints via:
https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/health-profession-complaints
DOH Complaint Hotline: (360) 236-4700
4. Telehealth Compliance in Washington
We comply with Washington-specific telehealth standards, including:
- Verifying that clients are physically located in Washington at the time of service
- Ensuring clinicians are properly licensed or credentialed in Washington
- Using secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms
- Providing information about telehealth risks, benefits, and alternatives
- Complying with the Washington telemedicine coverage law (RCW 48.43.735)
Washington Telehealth Resources:
https://doh.wa.gov/emergencies/covid-19/telehealth
5. HIPAA & Washington Privacy Laws
We maintain compliance with:
- HIPAA
- 42 CFR Part 2 (when applicable)
- Washington Mental Health Records Law (RCW 71.05 & RCW 70.02)
- Washington Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86)
Washington has additional privacy protections for behavioral-health records, and we follow all enhanced requirements for maintaining confidentiality and secure data storage.
6. Ethical Practice Standards
All clinicians adhere to the ethical codes of their disciplines, including:
- APA – psychologists
- NASW – social workers
- ACA – counselors
- AAMFT – marriage and family therapists
We also comply with Washington requirements for:
- Informed consent
- Cultural competency and nondiscrimination
- Continuing education
- Accurate documentation
- Professional boundaries
7. Consumer Protection, Complaints & Verification
Clients can file complaints regarding a provider or service directly with:
Washington State Department of Health – Health Professions Complaint Process
- Complaint Portal: https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/health-profession-complaints
- Phone: (360) 236-4700
License Verification
https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/providercredentialsearch/