Regional Industry & News

The Brief

Lutheran Community Services Northwest moved into a larger, trauma-informed facility located at 7011 West Canal Drive in Kennewick, expanding its capacity to serve families in the region.

The new center features eight therapy rooms designed for same-day appointments, with trauma-informed design elements including natural lighting, wider hallways and calming spaces.

The organization began seeing clients in the new building and will hold a community grand opening and ribbon-cutting on August 5th.

KENNEWICK, Wash. — Lutheran Community Services Northwest has moved into a new, larger facility, the old Amazon building on Canal Drive. It's designed to expand services and reduce wait times for families seeking mental health and counseling support.

The nonprofit's new center features expanded counseling space, including eight therapy rooms designed to offer same-day appointments for some families. The building's trauma-informed design incorporates natural lighting, wider hallways, and calming spaces to help children and teens feel more comfortable from the moment they arrive.

"We'll be able to expand our programs, hire more employees, and open opportunities to serve more youth and more families in our area," said Sharon Gentry, District Director of Lutheran Community Services Northwest.

The organization officially began seeing clients in the new building, even though finishing touches are still underway. A community grand opening and ribbon-cutting is planned for August 5th.

The move addresses a critical need in the community. Mental health services for children and adolescents have become increasingly important as families navigate challenges related to trauma and emotional well-being. By expanding its physical space and capacity, Lutheran Community Services Northwest aims to reduce the barriers families face when seeking professional support.

The trauma-informed design of the facility reflects best practices in mental health care. Research shows that the physical environment plays a significant role in a patient's comfort and healing process. The wider hallways, natural lighting, and designated calming spaces create an atmosphere that prioritizes the emotional safety of young clients during vulnerable moments.

With eight therapy rooms, the facility can accommodate more simultaneous appointments, reducing the wait times that have historically challenged the organization. Same-day appointments for some families represent a significant improvement in accessibility and responsiveness to community needs.

The expansion also allows the nonprofit to hire additional staff, strengthening its ability to provide comprehensive services. More employees mean the organization can offer a wider range of programs and reach more families across the region.

What Services Does LCSNW Provide?

Lutheran Community Services Northwest operates more than 100 programs across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, helping people overcome crises and stabilize their lives. The organization's behavioral and mental health services include outpatient counseling for individuals, groups, and families dealing with trauma, depression, or addiction. The organization also offers intensive youth services, including wraparound programs and family stabilization support.

For families in crisis, LCSNW provides 24/7 sexual assault and crime victim crisis intervention support in select regions.

Beyond mental health services, LCSNW supports refugee and immigrant families through resettlement assistance, cultural orientation, community integration, and housing support. The organization also provides free or low-cost immigration assistance, including green card adjustments and citizenship instruction. Multicultural counseling services are available in multiple languages to ensure culturally specific mental health care.

The organization's family and community support services extend to aging adults, offering lifelong connections and support groups for older adults managing memory loss or neurocognitive challenges. LCSNW also supports vulnerable children through foster care services and licensing, and provides emergency rent assistance, case management, and job-readiness aid to families facing housing instability and basic needs challenges.

The new Kennewick facility will enhance the organization's ability to deliver these services to the Tri-Cities area and surrounding communities. By reducing wait times and expanding capacity, LCSNW can reach more families who need support navigating mental health challenges, trauma, and other life difficulties.

The August 5th grand opening and ribbon-cutting will allow community members to tour the new facility and learn more about the services available. The event represents a milestone for the organization and a positive development for families in the region seeking mental health support and community resources.