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Social Services and Assessment Team (SSAT)

Defendants on pretrial release are assessed for substance use disorder and mental health needs by PSA’s Social Services and Assessment Team (SSAT). The SSAT aids in finding connections to employment, housing, education, medical and other social services. It is the go-to place for information on community resources such as mental health and substance use disorder treatment.

If you are a defendant under pretrial supervision, your referral to the SSAT may occur based on self-disclosure of drug use or active involvement with a behavioral health care provider, a court order or via a supervision officer for these services.    

Types of Assessments and Referrals

PSA is dedicated to accurately assessing the level of a defendant's involvement with drugs and the need for mental health services ensuring they receive or have access to appropriate treatment. Defendants on pretrial release undergo evaluations for substance use disorders and/or mental health needs. Through PSA’s Social Services and Assessment Team, they are connected to employment, housing, and other vital social services.

The Social Services and Assessment Team (SSAT) at PSA functions as a comprehensive hub for mental health screenings and substance use disorder assessments for defendants. Typically, about half of those identified as needing treatment are placed in a program or referred for services, but there are times when treatment is not pursued—whether due to case dismissal, lack of a judicial order, or the defendant's refusal. The SSAT offers various assessments and referral services, including:

  • Mental Health Screening: This process uses formal tools to determine if a defendant may have a mental health condition that warrants further attention and services. Conducted by PSA Pretrial Services Officers, it reviews both recent and past information across major life areas and may occur alongside a substance disorder assessment. 

    In some cases, a liaison from the D.C. Department of Behavioral Health may conduct the assessment before the defendant’s initial release. This screening does not result in a mental health diagnosis and is solely used to determine if the defendant is eligible for placement in the Specialized Supervision Team or referred for mental health services. Full mental health evaluations are carried out through referrals to private or publicly funded community providers.

  • Psychological Testing: These evaluations, which may include written, visual, and verbal assessments, are conducted under the supervision of a psychologist or other qualified clinician to assess cognitive abilities, personality traits, intelligence, and emotional functioning.
  • Substance Use Disorder Assessment: Formal tools are used in this process to evaluate the extent of a defendant's substance use disorder and any related issues. 

    The assessment, typically conducted by PSA Pretrial Services Officers, reviews information across major life areas to determine if the defendant has a substance-related issue that requires treatment. Although the assessment does not result in a diagnosis, it does lead to a recommendation for the appropriate level of treatment. These assessments may be court-ordered or conducted voluntarily if the defendant consents.