At the Lake Region Correctional Facility, a new voluntary program has been introduced to help inmates with substance abuse and mental health. Evolution Counseling, a counseling center in Devils Lake, since December 4, 2023, has been helping inmates, with a “focus on reconnecting with self, family, and community.”
Statistics provided by Evolution Counseling say that 86 inmates at the LRCF have obtained substance use evaluations. 77 inmates at LRCF have voluntarily participated in intensive outpatient treatment services.
Victoria Church, Behavioral Health Case Manager at the Lake Region Law Enforcement Center said there was “a need” for such a program at the correctional facility. “The end goal was to provide individual therapy for mental health,” she said.
As of now no other correction facility, other than state corrections, in North Dakota provides such services.
Services are done in a male and female group format and meet three times a week. Inmates are counseled on substance use and mental health disorders, relapse prevention, and other healthy coping skills. Outpatient services continue after release.
“They’re human beings. They’re people. They have a life,” said Heather Gibbens, a social worker and addiction counselor with Evolution Counseling. “I’m hoping what we can provide them is hope. Dig them into. Help them reconnect with their goals.”
Funding for this program comes from the North Dakota Substance Use Voucher Program. The voucher program started in 2016 to support eligible people in their personal recovery by reducing financial burdens in accessing addiction treatment and recovery services. It provides reimbursement for services such as screenings, evaluations, individual or group therapy, transportation, and peer support.
“This whole program is amazing,” said Starr Klemetsrud, Director of the LRLEC. “I want to thank Victoria and Heather for all the work they’ve been doing in the facility. They really worked hard to bring it to our community.”
Captain Daniel Kraft said he’s noticed that inmates who take part in the program had a positive change in attitude toward staff. “I think the biggest thing we see is a change in the inmates’ attitude especially with staff interactions,” he said. “It’s always been inmates against law enforcement… It provides something beneficial to them while they are in custody. Not just waiting for their time to be up.”
Church said funding for the SUP is important to keep the program going. “The funding for the voucher needs to be talked about,” she said. “If that goes away our program goes away.”
“Behavioral is health too… If you have cancer or a broken bone, that will be cared for. The same needs to be for mental health.”
Inmates wrote about how much the program has helped them while in custody. “I think providing treatment while being incarcerated does more than help us in recovery but opens the door to so many options and gives us hope,” one inmate wrote.
“I now know that there is help. All you gotta do is ask! Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” another wrote.
Gibbens said “it’s the only disease that’s criminalized.”
“It’s about breaking down the stigma. These are good people that are struggling.”
