Commissioner: Gregory C. Dozier

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Graduates return to society

FORSYTH, Ga. – Since January 1, 2017, 17 female detainees have completed the nine-month therapeutic program at West Central Integrated Treatment Facility (ITF) in Zebulon, Ga. Graduations are held twice a month, and upon completion, graduates leave the residential therapeutic community and return to society.

“West Central Integrated Treatment Facility addresses both mental health and substance issues simultaneously,” said Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier. “We are proud of the 17 offenders who completed this program, and feel confident that they are returning to society with the necessary tools to succeed.”

Program participants have a dual diagnosis consisting of both mental health and substance abuse issues. The three-phase program provides integrated training and assistance, to treat both disorders and related problems more effectively.

Treatment provided includes: cognitive behavioral treatment, trauma-focused treatment, psychoeducational therapy and cognitive restructuring groups, motivational enhancement therapy, relapse prevention, medicated assisted therapy, psychopharmacologic interventions and illness management, problem-solving skills, dual recovery mutual self-help recovery, and a reentry plan to include a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP).

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5248 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.