By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
Last week, Pioneer Human Services and King County have announced the launch of the King County Residential Treatment Program (KCRTP), a new initiative aimed at supporting justice-involved individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions and substance use disorders. The 16-bed facility will begin accepting patients on September 23, 2024, and is designed to serve Medicaid-eligible adults who have been involved in the criminal legal system.
KCRTP will offer a comprehensive range of services, provided by an interdisciplinary team that includes licensed clinicians, peer support specialists, medical and psychiatric providers, housing and employment specialists, and other professionals. These services aim to support patient recovery and reintegration into the community.
“We are committed to providing quality treatment for some of our highest risk and most vulnerable community members here in South Seattle,” said Anthony Wright, CEO of Pioneer Human Services. “The commitment to providing treatment over incarceration for individuals struggling with substance use disorders and mental health issues requires courage, foresight, and compassion. Treatment reduces recidivism, lowers crime rates, and decreases the burden on our overcrowded jails and prisons. But more importantly, it saves lives.”
King County has long been focused on providing services for justice-involved individuals, including reentry and diversion programs. While incarcerated, individuals can access medical and behavioral health services. The KCRTP is part of the county’s larger mission to support people as they transition back into the community, specifically focusing on Medicaid-eligible individuals dealing with complex health issues.
King County Executive Dow Constantine expressed confidence in the impact the program will have, estimating that the 16-bed facility will serve over 300 people each year. This effort contributes to the county’s broader goal of adding 115 residential beds to its behavioral health system.
“When a person’s substance use or mental health reaches a crisis point, it can also be a turning point toward support and recovery, but only if the right treatment is available,” Constantine said. “This program is a key part of King County’s comprehensive approach to addressing the overdose crisis and expanding access to behavioral health care. Treatment works, and recovery is possible when people receive the care they need, when they need it.”
King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda echoed this sentiment, noting the program’s importance in providing comprehensive treatment services.
“Making more beds available to those who need longer-term support, opening the Crisis Care Centers, and strengthening our community behavioral health workforce bring us one step closer to the future we envision—where King County residents can access the behavioral health care they need to thrive,” Mosqueda said. “Facilities like this, paired with our ongoing investments in our behavioral health workforce, make up the backbone of reaching a lasting and equitable solution.”
The collaboration between Pioneer Human Services and King County allows KCRTP to offer a wide range of services, including medication management, motivational interviewing, and connections to community-based treatment, housing, and employment resources. Upon discharge, clients will continue to receive medical, housing, and employment support to ensure a successful transition.
“We have a vested interest in providing compassionate care to all of our clients to help secure a successful recovery,” said Carmela Maxel-Runyan, director of KCRTP. “Staff will ensure that anyone graduating from the program has access to the necessary medical, housing, and employment resources, along with scheduled outpatient care to support their continued recovery.”
