Behavioral health counseling in the Rockwall County Detention Center

Rockwall, TX (October 8, 2024) – Under the leadership of Sheriff Garrett and with guidance from Kelley Akins, LPC-S, Director of Behavioral Health, the Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office is leading the way in inmate care with its innovative intern program. This unique initiative supports the professional development of future Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and provides substantial mental health services to Rockwall County Detention Center inmates.

In September, the program had active participation from 12 dedicated interns. With their unwavering commitment, the interns were able to visit the jail at their convenience, ensuring that each assigned inmate received counseling at least once a week. Currently, 50 inmates are benefiting from this program and receiving consistent and professional mental health support.

“I have gained a unique perspective on mental health challenges, distinct from those experienced in private practice settings,” said Riley Brickey, a counseling intern at the Rockwall County Detention Center. “Working with incarcerated individuals has provided me with a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between addiction and trauma, as these experiences are often deeply intertwined. This exposure has developed my cultural competency and fostered collaborative relationships with other mental health professionals within the detention center.”

Brickey continues, “The unique environment of a correctional facility has offered me insight into the specific needs and challenges faced by this population. By addressing these unique needs and challenges, I have been able to contribute to the well-being of a vulnerable population and hope to make a lasting impact on their lives,” Brickey said.

Rockwall County has recently received funds from the Opioid Settlement Fund as part of the pharmaceutical settlement regarding prescription opioids. These funds, allocated by the State, are being used to provide training for interns like Riley. The training will enable them to offer evidence-based treatment counseling to inmates, addressing substance abuse and aiming to reduce the likelihood of individuals returning to jail.

With a conservative estimate of $150 per counseling session, the interns collectively provide services valued at $7,500 weekly. Over a typical four-week month, this amounts to an impressive $30,000 in mental health services offered at no additional cost to the county. Annually, this translates to a substantial savings of approximately $360,000 for Rockwall County, ensuring the efficient use of resources. Captain Alexander Gray of the Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office states, “These numbers not only showcase the success of the program but also instill confidence in its continuous impact on our community.”

Thank you to Captain Alexander Gray of the Detention Division of the Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office and Intern Riley Brickey for their significant contributions to this article and their involvement with the program.

Press release submitted by Jim Barto, edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News.

  behavioral health, inmates, Rockwall County, rockwall county detention center, rockwall county sheriff’s department