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.
Note: It is now possible to apply
for benefits online at
WASHINGTON CONNECTION--your link to services.
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. In
addition, funds are divided between different chemical dependency treatment agencies around the state, authorizing treatment for a
specific number of clients who can be served each year. It is not uncommon for treatment agencies to admit too many clients and
use up their ration in mid-year. Once agencies have used the year's budget of state treatment funds, persons who go through DSHS
screening and qualify for treatment may have difficulty finding a facility that will take them.
For specific regulations, read the provisions of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) using the hyperlink shown below.
Floyd Else,
Webmaster
Important ADATSA
Related Links
Chapter 388-800 WAC: Chemical dependency assistance programs. This explains the law that covers all aspects of chemical
dependency assistance programs in Washington State. Who is eligible? What happens if you are determined to be
eligible? Would I go to inpatient treatment or outpatient treatment? What groups receive priority for ADATSA
services? Are there cash benefits? What happens if I drop out of treatment? What are ADATSA shelter services?
What is a protective payee?
The
Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR)
is that branch of the Washington State department of Social &
Health Services (DSHS) that administers Substance Abuse Services and Mental Health Services in Washington State.
[
More information on state-funded treatment services ]
Apply for ADATSA
assessment and treatment services through your local DSHS
Community Services Office (CSO).
Find your local CSO office on-line.
Access to treatment for TANF, SSI, GAX AND Medicaid Clients
List of
ADATSA ASSESSMENT CENTERS in Washington State--arranged
alphabetically by county. [.pdf file]
You can call the Alcohol and Drug 24-Hour Help Line at 1-800-562-1240 (toll-free in Washington)
or (206) 722-3700 from Seattle or out of state, for crisis counseling or referral to a program near you that can help. However,
with budget cuts, they are no longer available 24 hours a day.
The
Greenbook "Directory of Certified Chemical Dependency Services in Washington State" online
[alcohol addiction treatment, alcohol rehabilitation centers, drug and alcohol rehab centers]
online.
The Greenbook
includes a number
of Appendices: Chemical dependency related
information and sometimes non-certified or contracted
agencies. In order, the appendices are:
A County
Alcohol & Drug Coordinators and County Prevention and
Treatment Specialists
B
Information and Referral (Help-Line, Legal Action Center,
DOH-CDPs, & other state #s)
C
CD Professional Associations of Washington State
D Transitional
Support Services for Pregnant/Postpartum Women (Contracted)
E Residential
Services - Women and Children (Contracted)
F
Hospitals Providing Inpatient Care to (CUP) Women
(Certified)
G
ADATSA Assessment Centers
H
Washington State Oxford Houses
I Involuntary Committal Information
J
Youth Outpatient County Contractors
K
Youth Residential Contractors
L
Community College/University Chemical Dependency Programs
M Adult
and Youth Drug Courts
N Native
American Treatment & Prevention Providers
O DASA
Certified Detoxification Facilities
P Prevention
Providers
Q
Opiate Substitution Treatment Programs (Methadone Programs)
R
"Access To Recovery" County Contacts
S Problem Gambling Treatment Agencies
