Becoming Employed Starts Today (BEST)

Supported employment services in Washington State for individuals with mental illness were discontinued in 2012, resulting in uneven service offerings across the state. This report prepared by the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery outlines the primary goals of the Becoming Employed Starts Today (BEST) program and provides baseline profiles and initial service information for participants. BEST is a five-year federally funded pilot program to provide evidence-based supported employment services to individuals with serious mental illness at two sites in Washington State. Program goals for participants include higher employment rates, reduced hospitalization and criminal justice system rates, and improved well-being.