Corrections Mental Health Services

The mental health program at the Pierce County Detention and Corrections Center(PCDCC) recognizes that large numbers of mentally ill individuals are incarcerated at PCDCC. Providing proper mental health care to individuals in custody is important to maintaining inmate and staff safety. The goal is to promote mental health stability of individuals during their stay in the Pierce County Jail and to assist, when indicated, with links to mental health services in the community. The center shall confine persons in a responsible and humane manner that maintains self-dignity.

Contact Us

The Mental Health Professionals at PCDCC can be reached at (253) 798-4013. We encourage the inmate's natural community support network, family and friends to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Mental Health Program Values

We have a commitment to promoting public safety and individual well being through continuity of care.

• Providing necessary and timely support to each consumer experiencing a mental disorder in order to assist each toward their recovery
• Recognition and affirmation of the unique and intrinsic worth of each individual
• Treating all those we serve with compassion and kindness while being mindful of the importance of accountability
• Acting with honesty, integrity and fairness in the way we conduct our business

Community Health System

The current program promotes the position that the mentally ill jail inmate must be viewed as a community issue. Since most inmates spend a relatively short time in custody is it imperative that there be a strong link between the community mental health system and mental health services at PCDCC. We strive to deliver high quality, cost effective mental health services in cooperation with criminal justice, correction and community service providers, for the at-risk mentally ill inmate.

The MHP coordinates mental health treatment with PCDCC's staff psychiatrist, advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) and medical team, to provide continuity of care from the community to the jail, and coordinates release planning, including referrals to mental health agencies. The MHP acts also as a crisis intervention specialist, assessing the risk of an inmate to themselves or others, and makes appropriate housing and treatment recommendations. The MHP interfaces with the court to provide evaluations and assessments.