Pearl Youth Residence, a Tacoma program providing intensive inpatient behavioral health care for teens, is scheduled to close Nov. 21. The facility, operated by Comprehensive Life Resources, has been part of Washington’s Children’s Long-term Inpatient Program, which serves young people with complex needs requiring residential treatment.
In reporting by KNKX, the nonprofit cited both financial and operational pressures. Pearl Youth expanded from 13 beds to 27 in 2020, but staffing shortages later led the program to pause admissions at times. The nonprofit reported losing $3 million from facility operations since 2020.
The program also served youth from across the region and state. Comprehensive Life Resources told KNKX that only 5% of the young people served since 2024 were from Pierce County. The broad service area made frequent weekend home visits—an important part of treatment—more difficult. The organization said it wants to refocus services on Pierce County, including rural communities.
When Pearl Youth closes, three state-funded facilities are expected to remain in Washington for this level of care. KNKX reported in October that staff were still working through where young people might be placed and whether other programs would have enough openings. The planned closure was also expected to affect 92 staff members
Read the full article at KNKX.org here.
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