District of Columbia - Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Program

The number of individuals in the District of Columbia (DC) that are incarcerated with a substance use disorder continue to rise. The District of Columbia (DC) Department of Corrections (DOC) estimates that up to 41 percent of individuals incarcerated in the DOC facilities have a substance use disorder, while 20 percent of DOC residents have a mental health diagnosis. In addition to this, 28 percent of all incarcerated individuals are dually diagnosed with a substance use disorder and a mental health diagnosis.  The District’s Jail-based Substance Abuse Treatment program (also known as RSAT) is a certified, therapeutic co-occurring disorders program that provides interventions and activities geared towards assisting the DOC resident in stabilization and management of their co- occurring disorders. The RSAT program is certified by the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) to provide Level 3.1 Clinically Managed Low Intensity Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services for Adults. This certification requires that the program meet all DBH regulatory requirements. The program’s primary objectives are to 1) provide a holistic patient centered co-occurring substance use program to improve substance use outcomes; 2) provide continuity of care upon release; and 3) decrease recidivism rates. RSAT supports the client in changing negative behavior patterns, addressing the client’s trauma and the impact of trauma, reducing criminal behavior. The RSAT program consists of four phases, with preliminary testing occurring before a resident is admitted into the RSAT program. Clients are assessed in every stage before moving to the phase to assess their readiness for treatment and compliance in living a substance free life. The RSAT manager and clinician conducts cognitive, substance use, stages of change and psychological assessments for all potential clients.