State to receive $14 million for mental health facilities

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington state is slated to receive $14 million in grants for mental health facilities.

The Washington State Department of Commerce says the grants will go to 11 health care providers. They'll develop facilities for short-term psychiatric detention services and for state hospital diversion services.

The funds are for construction and equipment to set up facilities needed to accommodate more psychiatric admissions after lawmakers changed Washington's Involuntary Treatment Act in 2012.

The funds will also support facilities that provide for the diversion or transition of patients from the state hospitals.

The patients to be treated have a mental disorder and may be gravely disabled or pose a danger to themselves or others.

The grants were awarded through a competitive process conducted by commerce and health services agencies.