Behavioral Health Peer Services

Pierce County seeks proposals from peer-run organizations to deliver peer-led behavioral support services that are not reimbursable under Medicaid or private insurance. All services must be designed and implemented by individuals with lived experience, in alignment with the values of recovery, empowerment, and person-centered care.

Proposers must be either a Behavioral Health Agency (BHA) providing Peer services or a faith-based organization providing peer services, or a community agency employing licensed behavioral health providers who will provide services under this proposal. If your project is not providing peer services, please go to the Outpatient and Community-Based Services, Services for Justice-Involved Adults, Shelter and Housing Support Services, Wellness, Prevention, and Early Intervention, and/or Youth and School-Based Services RFPs, as applicable. Please see the Solicitations and Competitive Bids page.

This procurement is aligned with Pierce County’s Behavioral Health Improvement Plan (BHIP), the Pierce County Council's Behavioral Heath Focus Areas, and the County's 2026-2027 behavioral health funding priorities.

All agencies may apply for funding through the Pierce County BHTC Tax program. Proposed projects that serve more than one geographic area of the county will be given priority. Projects located in the City of Tacoma and serving only Tacoma residents must receive City of Tacoma funding.

In December 2020, the Pierce County Council passed Ordinance 2020-138 , authorizing a 1/10th of 1% Behavioral Health and Therapeutic Courts Tax (BHTC) in accordance with RCW 82.14.460 . The BHTC fund was established for the purpose of improving the quality of life for Pierce County residents and decreasing criminal justice system costs and emergency department use by reducing negative outcomes associated with untreated mental health and substance use disorders.

Pierce County recognizes peer-run organizations (PROs) are vital components of the behavioral health system, offering services that are grounded in lived experience, mutual support, and recovery-oriented principles. However, gaps remain in transitional periods such as reentry from inpatient settings or incarceration, housing instability, and early stages of recovery. With this procurement, Pierce County seeks to expand access to peer services through approaches that improve behavioral health outcomes, reduce system strain, and promote community stability across Pierce County.