Chemical dependency treatment for the indigent alcoholics and addicts seeking alcohol or drug rehab in Washington State is described under "ADATSA" [below].  Looking for drug rehab centers for chemical dependency treatment?  There is also a web-based national directory provided by a federal agency.  The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration maintains the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator.

ADATSA

The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment and Support Act

The state of Washington will pay for drug abuse treatment or alcoholism treatment (grouped together under "chemical dependency treatment" of alcoholics and addicts) who lack financial resources.  The application process involves applying for public assistance.

The addict or alcoholic should go to the nearest DSHS office (often referred to as a "CSO" or community service office).  The public assistance application form will first be screened by a Financial Worker or determine whether the applicant meets financial guidelines.  

Next the applicant will be interviewed by an Incapacity Specialist (sometimes referred to as a social worker).  The Incapacity Specialist will schedule the applicant for an alcohol/drug assessment by an ADATSA Case Manager.

If the applicant is found to be chemically dependent (an alcoholic or addict) and otherwise eligible, the ADATSA Case Manager will schedule an intake appointment at an appropriate chemical dependency treatment facility.  The ADATSA Case Manager will make the determination whether this should be inpatient or outpatient treatment.

Treatment is provided at treatment centers, facilities that have contracted with the state and the nature of treatment to be provided is defined by the state.

Eligible persons can receive up to six months of treatment within a two-year period.  This generally is defined as no more than three months of inpatient treatment and not more than three months of outpatient treatment.

During inpatient treatment, the state covers medical expenses and provides $39.00 monthly for personal and incidental expenses.  During outpatient treatment, the state provides up to $339.00 a month toward rent, as well as food stamps and medical assistance.

Chemical dependency treatment received under this system is frequently referred to as "ADATSA treatment," or more correctly, ADATSA funded alcohol or drug addiction treatment. Funding by the state legislature is currently very inadequate and so ADATSA treatment is "rationed" in many ways--essentially denying service to many of those who need drug or alcohol rehab.

For specific regulations, read the provisions of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) using the hyperlink shown below.

[Note: In July 2002, WAC 388-800 was in the process of being "revised and updated to incorporate changes necessary and related to Senate Bill 482 (chapter 64, Laws of 2002).  The bill removed the six month 180 day limitation on alcohol and drug treatment services for low income and indigent clients."  Final version has not yet been released.]

IN KING COUNTY: On February 14, 2006, the King County Government closed the King County Assessment Center in SeaTac (on Hwy 99 south of the airport).  Assessment will now be done by various treatment programs that have contracts with the state.

Floyd Else, Webmaster

Access to treatment for TANF, SSI, GAU, GAX AND Medicaid Clients

The Greenbook "Directory of Certified Chemical Dependency Services in Washington State" online.

 

Projected funding level
Division of Alcohol & Substance Abuse
ADATSA SERVICES

This level of funding is anticipated for fiscal years 2005, 2006, and 2007, assuming no further federal budget cuts.

[Information thanks to Representative Ross Hunter, 48th Legislative District, Washington State Legislature, April 2005]

Also on CounselingSeattle.com:
illegal drugs--how they affect the body and the brain.

Felony Drug Offenders: Drug Court in Washington State

ADATSA
ELIGIBILITY A-Z MANUAL
DSHS, Washington State.

Purpose: Describes the services available through the Detoxification and the ADATSA programs which are meant to assist clients who are chemically dependent or abusing alcohol or drugs. This section also describes the process for access to chemical dependency treatment for people who are on other public assistance programs and for those who are not eligible for any public assistance program.

Washington Administrative Code (WAC)
Read "Chapter 388-800" about
CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Washington State

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