Behavioral Health Services

In Deschutes County, mental health counseling and other clinical services are offered to youth and families with involvement in the juvenile justice system. Ongoing services are provided for youth in the juvenile detention center in a supportive setting. Clinical services include the following features:

• Individual counseling
• Family consultation
• Medication monitoring
• Service coordination with existing providers
• Education and skill building groups

Court Ordered Evaluations

In an effort to assess underlying substance use and mental health dynamics contributing to youth delinquent behaviors, Deschutes County Juvenile conducts alcohol and other drug assessments and mental health evaluations / screenings ordered by the courts for in-custody and out-of-custody youth.

Evaluations are used to assist in planning interventions for youth involved with the courts to clarify underlying cognitive, mood or behavioral difficulties, and explore each youth's particular skills, strengths and resiliency factors. Completed evaluations are provided to the court with recommendations typically included in probation and release agreements.

Functional Family Therapy

Do you have children between ages 12 and 17 who are experiencing behavior problems at school or home? Are they struggling with alcohol or other drugs? Is there conflict in the family or with peers?

Deschutes County Juvenile offers Functional Family Therapy (FFT) provides services at no charge to help youth and families avoid the juvenile justice system. If you are interested, please see our FFT Brochure for more information and visit the FFT, Inc. website The FFT Provider Referral form is also available for printing.  (Supporting documents below).

Internships

Students currently enrolled in a graduate level program are eligible for a direct service opportunity with a focus on mental health and corrections-related fields. If you are interested in such an opportunity, contact Behavioral Health Services Supervisor Amy Nortrom at (541) 322-7638.