When a defendant is found incompetent, the judge in their case may order treatment services to restore their competency. Restoration services involve admission to an inpatient or outpatient treatment program. Services typically include medications to help treat behavioral health symptoms, and educational, therapeutic, and recreational activities.
DSHS provides inpatient competency restoration services at Eastern State Hospital, the Behavioral Health and Treatment Center – Steilacoom Unit, and Western State Hospital. Washington State Healthcare Authority also provides outpatient competency restoration programs in select counties.
Length of competency restoration treatment
The court order typically specifies the number of days a person will be enrolled in a treatment program. Each person is monitored throughout the period of restoration treatment to determine whether they are competent to proceed with their legal case .
If found competent to proceed, the person can continue with their case. If not found competent, the court has several options including ordering another treatment period. In rare circumstances, a person is considered not restorable with available treatment. In this circumstance, the court usually does not order additional periods of competency restoration.
Visiting competency restoration inpatient clients
People enrolled in inpatient competency restoration programs may have virtual or in-person visitors. Please call the program to get more information:
Eastern State Hospital – (509) 565-4000
Steilacoom Unit – (253) 984-5651
Western State Hospital – (253) 582-8900
Legal questions
If you have legal questions about your family member participating in a competency restoration program, contact your family member’s assigned attorney. Information for attorneys can be found at the Washington State Bar Association.