Pearl Youth Residence in Tacoma is scheduled to close at the end of November. It is one of four Washington sites in the Children’s Long-term Inpatient Program, which provides psychiatric care for young people.
The planned closure follows financial and operational concerns. Chris Gleason of Comprehensive Life Resources, the nonprofit that runs Pearl Youth, said the decision was difficult. He said the minors treated there have serious, complex behavioral health needs, including conditions that can involve suicidal thoughts, self-harm or other disorders.
The center has capacity for 27 patients and currently has 16. Gleason said most are on Medicaid. If Pearl Youth closes, three state-funded facilities offering this level of care will remain: the Child Study and Treatment Center in Lakewood, Two Rivers Landing in Yakima and Tamarack Center in Spokane.
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