COUNSELING AND TREATMENT SERVICES

Counseling and Treatment Services (CTS) is the bureau of the Programs Division which is responsible for the provision of behavioral health treatment services to the incarcerated population of the Arizona Department of Corrections. CTS is committed to the provision of effective evidence based treatment services to incarcerated offenders in the ADC. Timely, appropriate treatment helps offenders to be able to participate fully in educational and workforce development and prepare for successful reintegration into our communities.

Counseling and Treatment services are provided in four basic program areas:

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

The Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC) recognizes and is sensitive to its responsibility to make the most effective use of its limited resources to meet the serious mental health needs of its offender population. Committed to the concept of "continuity of care", we provide a full array of services including assessment, crisis intervention, individual and group therapy in a comprehensive mental health program. Seriously mentally ill offenders are carefully monitored and treated while in our system and referrals to community programs and services are initiated prior to return to the community.

ADC provides specialized mental health programs and treatment areas for offenders who require a more structured environment and intensive mental health treatment.

Alhambra Behavioral Health Treatment Facility:

The ADC operates a 175 bed licensed level I Behavioral Health Treatment Facility at ASPC- Phoenix. Designated for 155 adult male and 20 adult female inmates the Mental Health Services in this facility are provided to incarcerated offenders of the ADC only. Services provided within this facility include:
assessment, evaluation and treatment of offenders who require court ordered mental health services, assessment, stabilization and treatment for inmates who are experiencing an acute mental illness episode. Within the 20 bed female unit, different levels of service are provided to female offenders based on their needs and treatment plan, from acute to residential care.

Men's Treatment Unit:

The MTU is a 150 bed open yard dormitory style unit at ASPC-Phoenix which provides a continuum of care for adult male inmates who are seriously mentally ill (SMI), mentally retarded/developmentally disabled and who are generally stable and participate in their treatment plans. Services include individual therapy, group therapy, psychopharmacological treatment, recreational and occupational therapy and an academic support program.

Women's Treatment Unit:

The Women's Treatment Unit (WTU) is designed to serve the mental health needs of up to 30 female offenders who have been classified as Seriously Mentally Ill or found to have special needs (i.e., developmentally delayed, traumatic brain injured, mentally ill). It is designed for special inmates with mild to moderate mental illness. Services provided include, but are not limited to, group and individual, Psychopharmacological treatment and recreational therapies.

Special Management Treatment Unit:

For those male inmates whose behavior precludes their housing in the general population and who have a maximum security classification, eighty (80) beds are designated as the Special Management Treatment Unit. The program is designed so that inmates are offered the opportunity to progress through the program, moving thru various levels with less restrictions and more privileges as their progress and behavior permit. The program provides a stable and supportive environment that is conducive to modifying maladaptive behaviors, while at the same time providing security and protection (for both inmates and staff) against assaultive and otherwise unacceptable behavior.

The program includes service components designed to minimize sensory deprivation, including frequent contact with program staff, group activities and outside recreation. The enriched mental health services are integrated trained and supportive security personnel.

Step-Down Program:

In order to provide an opportunity for Mentally Ill inmates in highly structured programs to successfully transition to less structured placements, the Department operates a Step-down Program at ASPC - Tucson. This program provides group and individual therapy, as well as variety of activities intended to assist an inmate in successful transition from the Special Management Treatment Unit (SMTU) mental health program or Arizona Behavioral Health Treatment Facility, to the general population or another specialized Mental Health program.

SEX OFFENDER TREATMENT

Two hundred beds have been allocated for the treatment of male offenders currently serving a sentence for sex offense convictions. This treatment will be provided by the Sex Offender Assessment and Rehabilitation (SOAR) program at the Winchester Unit in the Tucson Complex. The program includes education and cognitive-behavioral treatment, using the Relapse Prevention model for sex offenders.

When they are nearing their release date, offenders are assigned to participate in varying levels of treatment, based on their assessed level of risk. Once in treatment, the individual’s needs are identified and addressed by the program. Services are provided by a highly qualified staff of Arizona Department of Corrections employees (not contractors or external providers). Completion of treatment is followed by transition services to facilitate the offender’s return to the community as a more functional, productive, and non-victimizing member of society.

Mission Statement::

The Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC) has implemented a continuum of services that address these issues. 

• • Intake Assessment
• • Substance Education Classes
• • Formal Treatment
• • Self Help/ Mutual Help Support Groups
• • Transitional/ Aftercare Services 
   

Intake and Assessment

Upon arrival at an Arizona Department of Corrections intake unit  (ASPC Phoenix-Alhambra Unit for males or ASPC Perryville - Lumley Unit for females), offenders are interviewed todetermine the history and extent of their drug and alcohol use/abuse.  Using a combination of interview information and corroborating file documentation, intake staff assign an Alcohol / Drug Treatment Needs (A/D) Score, which becomes part of the offender’s classification profile.  A/D Scores are assigned on a scale of one (1) to five (5), with five (5) representing the most acute need for intervention and treatment.  Each inmate’s classification profile is reviewed every 180 days for the duration of the sentence; if programming has been successfully completed within that time period, consideration is made for reducing the score according to a system prescribed in the ADC Classification Operating Manual.  In addition, the A/D Score will be increased if an offender is found guilty of using drugs while in prison. 
 

Substance Abuse Education Classes

Substance abuse education classes are offered to all offenders to prepare them for treatment by:

• Providing education about recovery;
• Increasing self awareness regarding abuse and addiction and the effects on individuals and their families;
• Providing understanding of the need for treatment;
• Increasing awareness about solutions and resources;
• Generating motivation for treatment.   

ADC provides the following substance abuse education classes: 

Thinking Straight

A twenty (20) - module curriculum, written by Department staff and based upon the Self Management and Recovery (SMART) program.  SMART Recovery is an abstinence-based, not-for-profit organization, which teaches common sense self-help principles designed to empower participants to develop a positive, drug-free lifestyle.  The program focuses on rational versus irrational thoughts and behavior, using a four-point program that includes:    

• Building motivation
• Coping with urges
• Problem solving
• Balanced lifestyle 
   

ASPC Tucson - Manzanita, Echo and Catalina Units

This twelve-month, four phase treatment program, houses 92 men in Manzanita Unit, 30 men in Echo Unit, and 20 men in Catalina Unit.  It is based on a "Stages of Change" model and utilizes a curriculum entitled New Direction by Hazelden.  This program places special emphasis on reentry and family reunification and provides special classes (labs) for offenders and family members, especially children, as an integral part of the program.  Transitional housing is made available for those graduates who meet eligibility criteria. 

ASPC Tucson - Winchester Unit

This program, which is anticipated to being operational in September 2004, will provide substance abuse treatment to 80 convicted male sex offenders.  The program consists of a formal assessment by a certified clinician, forty weeks of substance abuse treatment, followed by an exit assessment.  Continuing treatment is available for offenders who exhibit the need.  This program is presented in cooperation with the Arizona Department of Corrections Health Care Services.  

* Women in Recovery Programs

This is twelve-month, four phase treatment program is based on a "Stages of  Change" model and places special emphasis on reentry and family reunification.  Helping Women Recover by Dr. Stephanie Covington, a gender-specific curriculum, is utilized in the program.  Offenders participate in family education classes that include family reintegration labs and other programs provided through linkages with the Girl Scouts Beyond Bars program and other community resources.  Transitional housing is made available for those graduates who meet eligibility criteria.   

1. ASPC Perryville - San Pedro Unit–accommodates 96 women

2. ASPC Perryville - Santa Cruz Unit–accommodates 96 women

3. ASPC Perryville - Lumley Unit–accommodates 96 women   

4. ASPC Tucson - SACRC –accommodates 40 women 
 

Private Prison Facilities:   

* Marana Community Correctional Treatment Facility   Turning Point

This privatized institution, which houses 450 male inmates, is operated by Management Training Corporation and offers a treatment program subcontracted by Turning Point.  The program consists of a fourteen-week intensive program, followed by an ongoing second phase for the remaining length of sentence.  It is cognitive-based and may include offenders with drug and/or alcohol abuse problems.  Following the intensive phase, each inmate participates in release preparation planning and ongoing treatment reinforcement. 

Day Treatment Programs:

Intensive, six (6) month programs that incorporate substance abuse education and therapy groups. 

Programs are delivered by licensed substance abuse counselors. 

* ASPC Lewis - Stiner Unit

This six-month treatment program, which houses 60 men, is based on a "Stages of Change" model and utilizes a curriculum entitled New Direction by Hazelden.   

* GENESIS Program

This ninety (90) - day intensive treatment program is designed for sixteen (16) female inmates housed at the Southern Arizona Correctional Release Center (SACRC) in Tucson.  The program utilizes the Design for Living curriculum by Hazelden.  Following release, transitional/aftercare services are provided to each participant for four (4) months.  The program represents a collaboration between the Arizona Department of Health Services, which funds the program, and the Arizona Department of Corrections, which provides the participants and classroom space for the program. 
  
Therapeutic Community:

Intensive, highly structured treatment program for offenders with severe/long term addictions. 

Offenders are housed in a separate environment, creating a supportive community of staff and participants.  Treatment is cognitive-based and includes education and therapy groups.  Participants remain in this program until release and are provided transitional services through ADC Community

Supervision.

* ASPC Tucson/ Manzanita

This program became operational in September 2004. 

DUI Treatment Programs:

These programs provide 36 hours of DUI treatment as statutorily mandated for convicted DUI offenders.  Offenders also attend classes in such topics as parenting, family dynamics of addiction, and stress management throughout their length of sentence. 

ADC Facilities:

* ASPC Perryville - Santa Maria Unit          Road to Recovery

This program, operated by TASC (Treatment Assessment and Screening Center, Inc.), serves 96 women.  It became operational in March 2002 and is designed to address the gender-specific issues surrounding women convicted of DUI offenses.  Emphasis is placed upon improving parenting skills and fostering/renewing family relationships, especially with children.  Participants must be within fifteen months of release.  Upon release, they are offered follow-up counseling, case management, and housing assistance. 

* ASPC Douglas - Papago Unit         Alternatives

Operated by Alternatives Counseling, Inc., this program provides DUI treatment to 340 male offenders. 

Private Prison Facilities:

* ASP Phoenix West                Journeys - West

This privatized institution, operated by Correctional Services Corporation, provides DUI treatment to 450 male offenders. 

* ASP Florence West                Journeys - East

This privatized institution, operated by Correctional Services Corporation, provides DUI treatment to 500 male offenders. 

* ASP Kingman

This privatized institution, operated by Management Training Corporation, is scheduled to open August 2004 with 400 offenders.  When fully operational, this facility will provide DUI treatment to approximately 1,000 offenders. 

Self Help/ Mutual Help Support Groups:

The Arizona Department of Corrections values the self help/ mutual help support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and SMART Recovery offered through community volunteers.  At units where inmates are permitted to meet in groups and contingent upon the availability of volunteers at the individual units, a variety of these groups are offered on a weekly basis. 

Transitional/ Aftercare Services:

The passage of Proposition 200 and its related subsequent legislative action now allows the Arizona Department of Corrections to use Proposition 200-generated funding for transitional / aftercare services and treatment for offenders on community supervision.  As a result, a unique partnership was established between the Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC) and the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS).  Though an intergovernmental agreement, ADC has placed one staff position within each of the existing Regional Behavioral Health Authorities, which operate under DHS purview.

These Correctional Officer/Offender Liaisons (COOLs) work with Parole Officers to identify and refer offenders to community resources that best match their needs.  Participating offenders pay a co-pay for all services but sliding fee scales bring programming within financial reach.  The COOLs assist with transitional services and aftercare for offenders who have participated in one of ADC’s formal treatment programs as well as arrange drug and alcohol treatment for those who had no opportunity to participate.

Transitional and aftercare services and limited housing assistance are also offered through ADC case managers in the Men in Recovery and Women in Recovery programs, and through contracted community-based case managers in the Road to Recovery program.  These services are limited to offenders who complete the Men in Recovery, Women in Recovery, and Road to Recovery programs only.  
 
 
For additional information, see:

* Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) #17, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, page 42;  www.csat.samhsa.gov

* www.columbia.edu

* www.girlscoutstotem.org  
 

MENTAL RETARDATION AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY

Currently Mental Retardation and  Developmental Disability services are provided by the Mental Health Program staff.  The department plans to add an Mental Retardation and Developmental Disability coordinator position in the near future. 

For more information, please contact:
Kim O'Connor, Counseling and Treatment Administrator
koconnor@azcorrections.gov (602) 364-0295

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