MultiCare Health System, based in Tacoma, and Navos, based in Seattle, announced Tuesday plans to affiliate, creating a stronger system of behavioral health services focused on healing and treating patients and meeting their physical behavioral needs.

This affiliation, which is subject to regulatory review, will be effective in spring 2017 and create one of the largest behavioral health providers in the state.

MultiCare and Navos will offer individuals more options for getting the care they need in Puget Sound communities and throughout the continuum of behavioral health care. MultiCare and Navos will work to integrate behavioral health and social services in settings where people already receive medical services, including primary care clinics, mobile outreach clinics, schools, offices and the home, which will help to address the region and state’s pressing need for behavioral health services.

“Behavioral health is deeply intertwined with physical health. We can achieve lasting improvement in our individual and in our population’s health and quality of life by addressing behavioral health needs,” said Bill Robertson, president and CEO of MultiCare. “Our affiliation with Navos is an important step in MultiCare’s work to make behavioral health services more accessible to all members of our community and to help individuals achieve their full potential, providing the compassionate care and social support they deserve.”

Behavioral health and substance abuse issues affect people of all ages and all walks of life. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), nearly one in four adults and one in five children face behavioral health challenges each year.

People of all ages with untreated behavioral health disorders are at high risk for many unhealthy and unsafe behaviors, and earlier mortality than the general population. MultiCare and Navos are striving to improve earlier diagnosis and earlier referral to the most appropriate treatment options, by offering integrated physical, behavioral and social services.

Current patients of both organizations will see little change and will continue to receive excellent care from the providers they know and trust in the same locations they visit now. Navos employees will remain Navos employees, and the Navos name and brand will be retained.

“This affiliation is a natural fit,” said David M. Johnson, CEO of Navos. “We are proud to be joining with MultiCare, a community partner that shares our dedication to serving vulnerable people who show valiant resiliency to overcome the challenges of serious psychiatric symptoms and substance abuse disorders. This partnership will allow us to strengthen and expand our services that help children, youth and adults of all ages to achieve their potential for wellness and recovery.”