Stay Supported This Summer with Our Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program

Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital is proud to offer our Summer Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and invites members of our community to learn more about this valuable resource.

Designed for teens ages 13–17, this program is available both in-person and virtually, providing flexible access to care throughout the summer months. It’s an excellent way for adolescents to stay engaged in their mental health journey while maintaining structure and consistency during a time when routines often change.

Participants benefit from ongoing therapeutic support, meaningful peer connection, and a regular schedule—all key elements in helping teens stay on track.

To learn more about program details, please review the flyer.

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month; Tips to Water your Mental Health Garden

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and for gardeners, it arrives during one of the most active times of the growing season. It’s when new plants are established, soil is nourished, and gardens are watered and prepared for the summer months ahead.

In many ways, this timing is fitting—and a bit paradoxical. Just as gardens need consistent care to thrive, May is a meaningful reminder for all of us to pause, check in, and intentionally water our mental health. Building strong foundations and healthy habits now can provide the support we need as we move into the busy summer season.

At Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital, we understand better than most that mental health is a journey, not a destination. Wherever you are on that path, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Explore our tips for watering your mental health garden this May and investing in your well‑being all season long.

Water Your Mental Health Article

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Exciting News from Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new Outpatient Group for Anger Management. This specialized program is designed for individuals navigating emotional regulation challenges related to anger. Whether you’re pursuing anger management due to a court order or seeking personal growth, we’re here to support you with essential tools and strategies.

Our team is dedicated to helping you transform your relationship with anger, fostering a healthier and more positive mindset. Check out the flyer for more details.

Anger Management Flyer

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Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital Hosts Successful IOP Open House

We’re thrilled to share the success of our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Open House, held on February 25th, 2026, at Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital! The event was a wonderful opportunity to connect with many of our community partners in mental health and substance use. We were delighted to showcase our IOP groups and share how we’re working together to provide crucial support to those in need.

At SPBH, we understand the importance of accessible and adaptable mental health care. We’re proud to offer flexible IOP groups to meet diverse needs:

Frequency: 3-5 days a week
Schedule: Monday-Friday, with both morning and evening sessions
Age Groups: adults and adolescents (ages 13-17)
Delivery: Adult groups are offered virtually, while adolescent groups are hybrid (both in-person and virtual options).

We’re committed to removing barriers to care. Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital accepts most WA Medicaid insurances and commercial insurances for outpatient services – a rarity in today’s healthcare landscape. This allows us to extend our support to a wider community.

If you know someone seeking group-based outpatient therapy for anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, or other mental health needs, Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital is here to help. We are proud to offer no wait list for outpatient support, ensuring timely access to care when it’s needed most.

Thank you to everyone who attended our Open House and continues to support our mission. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those seeking mental health and substance use treatment.

 

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Leadership Spotlight: Chief Nursing Officer, Joe

Leadership Spotlight: Joe (CNO)

This month, we wanted to shine a light on one the leaders of Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital (SPBH), our Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Joe! Joe joined SPBH as the CNO in October of 2024. Some of Joe’s professional experience includes nearly two decades in healthcare, working in both nonprofit and for-profit systems across neuroscience, dialysis, and behavioral health. Prior to his arrival at SPBH, he served as the Director of Nursing at Natchez Trace Youth Academy, a 115-bed adolescent treatment program. He’s also worked at Youth Villages’ Deer Valley Campus as a Campus Manager, supporting at-risk youth through clinical stabilization and safety planning. His background also includes leadership as a facility administrator with DaVita Healthcare Partners and critical-care experience in the Neuro ICU at Methodist University Hospital. Joe is also working on completing his MSN-PMHNP at Walden University.

Outside of work and academics, Joe loves to explore the Pacific Northwest with his wife and two daughters. They spend a lot of time hiking, camping, and foraging for wild plants and foods. They find exploring the PNW a great way to slow down, reconnect as a family, and stay curious.

When we asked Joe why he works at SPBH, he said:

“Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital represents everything I believe modern behavioral healthcare should be – compassionate, evidence-based, and community-driven. I’m drawn to the mission of helping individuals find stability, purpose, and hope in the midst of crisis. What makes SPBH special is the people-our nurses, MHTs, and interdisciplinary teams show up every day with heart and resilience. As a CNO, my goal is to support that passion, ensure safety, and build a culture where staff feel valued and patients feel seen. This work truly matters, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

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Stuff the Bus: A Community Effort to Support Local Students

On Friday, August 15th, 2025, Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital proudly hosted “Stuff the Bus” event! Despite the weather not being in our favor, the spirit of giving and community shone brightly. This event was about supporting our local students in need by literally stuffing the bus with as many school supplies as we could. Our community partners and staff showed up in a big way to make a difference in our community and support SPBH. Their generosity and support helped us collect much-needed school supplies for local students in need.

This event was not only about the spirit of giving back, but allowed us to connect with our community partners, and get to know each other better.

We are grateful for our continued partnerships with those in the community. Together, we’re making a positive impact — rain or shine!

Thank you for helping us support local students and for being a vital part of the SPBH family!












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Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital – Stuff the Bus

Stuff the Bus flyer

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Leadership Spotlight: Dr. Hamayun Ahmed

Dr. Ahmed's picture

At Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital (SPBH), we understand that exceptional patient care begins with strong and compassionate leadership. We are privileged to have a team of experienced professionals guiding our mission to provide comprehensive and supportive behavioral health services to our community. We are incredibly proud to highlight Dr. Ahmed, our dedicated Medical Director, who has been an integral part of the SPBH team for the past 7 years. Dr. Ahmed’s unwavering commitment to patient well-being and his extensive expertise in behavioral health have made a significant difference in the lives of countless individuals.

Dr. Ahmed’s leadership is characterized by his empathetic approach to patient care and his dedication to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for our staff. He is a strong advocate for evidence-based practices and continuously strives to improve the quality of care provided at SPBH. His guidance ensures that our patients receive the most effective and compassionate treatment possible.

He is actively involved in overseeing all aspects of medical care at SPBH, including patient assessments, treatment planning, and medication management. His deep understanding of the complexities of mental health allows him to tailor treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each individual.

Dr. Ahmed’s dedication extends beyond direct patient care. He is also committed to educating the next generation of behavioral health professionals, providing mentorship and guidance to our clinical staff. His passion for learning and innovation ensures that SPBH remains at the forefront of behavioral health care.

Dr. Ahmed completed his residency at Rutgers University — Newark, NJ, is board-certified with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc., and is a member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine – ASAM. Dr. Ahmed is Board certified with the ABPM in Addiction Medicine. He is also fellowship trained in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) from Duke University Hospital and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) from UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital. In his spare time, Dr. Ahmed enjoys baseball, playing tennis, and spending time with his family.

Thank you for your dedication to quality behavioral health care at Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital, Dr. Ahmed!

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Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital – NAMI Walk 2025

Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital is proud to announce its sponsorship and participation as a vendor at the 2025 Seattle NAMI Walk. We are excited to support the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the vital work they do for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions.

About NAMI:
NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, support, and research, and is steadfast in its commitment to raising awareness and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness.

Specifically, NAMI:
Provides support and education programs for individuals living with mental health conditions and their families. Connects people with resources to help them navigate the mental health system. Raises awareness about mental health and advocates for policies that support individuals with mental illness.

SPBH’s Commitment
Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital is deeply committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health services to our community. We understand the challenges faced by individuals and families affected by mental illness, and we are dedicated to offering hope, healing, and recovery.

By sponsoring and participating in the Seattle NAMI Walk, we aim to:

  • Raise awareness about mental health resources available in the Puget Sound region.
  • Show our support for individuals and families affected by mental illness.
  • Connect with the community and share information about our services.

Help NAMI reach its fundraising goals, so it can continue providing its crucial programs.

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Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital Celebrates 2025 Hospital Week

Celebrate Hospital Week

National Hospital Week is 1 week in the month of May every year. It is a chance for all Hospitals to recognize and appreciate all of the hard work and efforts of their employees. Tucked into the Smokey Point area of Marysville, WA in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, is our hospital. At Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital we recognize that our team is full of compassionate and dedicated individuals, who are passionate about ensuring patient quality care and outcomes. Without their efforts, we could not do what we do. Each day during Hospital Appreciation Week, we gave back to our employees with breakfast and coffee, Macho Burger Food truck, Afternoon Energy Drinks, and Employee Goodie Bags.

Interested in exploring career opportunities with Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital? Check out our Careers page to learn more about our open positions. We accept varying ranges in experience in Mental Health, based on the position you are applying for. Start your future today, by exploring what it looks to work with us!

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