11 Feb Judge Sarah Capp and Counseling Associates Collaborate on New Court Referral Program in Johnson County
The Honorable Judge Sarah Capp and Counseling Associates, an affiliate of Arisa Health recently joined efforts in the creation of a court referral program in Johnson County. This initiative will have a positive impact on the community by providing criminal offenders in Johnson County the opportunity to seek rehabilitation through mental health treatment. If clients complete the program successfully, fines and charges may be dismissed based on their compliance in the court referral process.
“The intention of the program is to allow criminal offenders opportunities to better themselves and, in the process, avoid the financial burden caused by fines and take advantage of a fresh start. For those involved in the court systems you see firsthand how often substance abuse and mental health issues are directly linked to repeated court appearances. This is an effort to effectuate change where it matters the most” said Judge Capp.
Qualified Behavioral Health Professional Elizabeth Webster will serve as the court liaison, meeting with potential clients, completing initial assessments to determine if the voluntary program is appropriate for them, and submitting referrals for treatment which may include outpatient or residential treatment. Licensed Professional Counselor Lou Strain will be the primary therapist for the provision of client individualized mental health and outpatient substance abuse treatment depending upon needs.
Arisa Health employs 1,200 individuals and provides administrative, paraprofessional, licensed mental health and certified substance abuse staff, peer specialists, physicians/prescribers, and nursing staff to its four affiliate Community Mental Health Centers across Arkansas which include Counseling Associates, Mid-South Health Systems, Ozark Guidance, and Professional Counseling Associates. www.arisahealth.org