Therapeutic Court Association of Washington

06/09/2026

05/29/2026

Benton County’s Judge Kathren honored at Columbia Basin Veterans Center “Stand With Us” Gala!

On May 1st, the Benton County Veterans Court team attended the Columbia Basin Veterans Center “Stand With Us” Gala where Judge Kathren was honored with a very special award recognizing his dedication to justice, steadfast leadership of the Veterans Therapeutic Court, and unwavering compassion and support for the rehabilitation of those who have served our nation.

“I am beyond honored by this unexpected award,” says Judge Kathren who has presided over the Veterans Court since it’s inception in 2019. “We tell our participants that all they need to do is show up, do the work, and be honest. That’s all I try to do. I am surrounded by an incredible team and some unbelievably courageous veterans who are the ones doing the real work. I am truly inspired by them every single week in court. Having the honor of serving veterans alongside my team and the outstanding mentors and volunteers from the Columbia Basin Veterans Center has been the absolute highlight in my career. I am humbled by these men and women, their commitment to service to their country, their community, their families and their own recovery. It is an extreme honor to get to work with veterans every week and I thank each and every one of them for their willingness to literally put their lives on the line in service of others. I am proud to know every one of them and extremely grateful to the CBVC for this honor.”

Additionally,

On May 7th, Benton County Therapeutic Courts, Franklin County Therapeutic Court, and Grant County Community Court teams met in Moses Lake for a mini retreat hosted by Grant County Community Court with special guest, Ryan Leaf, who went from the #2 NFL draft in 1998 pick behind Peyton Manning to convicted felon. Leaf, who struggled with mental health and substance use disorders is now an advocate for criminal justice reform and mental health awareness uses his lived experience to help communities address stigma and barriers around mental health and substance abuse, how to eliminate them, and how to generate hope. It was a profound and meaningful discussion.

05/29/2026

Alumni Spotlight: Laurence – Skagit County Community

“…The Community Court process is not for the faint of heart you definitely need to be ready for a life change and I was. It was a lot of hard work but as long as you are willing the people at community court truly care and want you to succeed. … I had been homeless for the last 10 years and when I started this journey, I was totally broken… I live in a New Earth recovery house that I am the assistant manager of… this was all possible because they believed in me.”

– Laurence

05/27/2026

Alumni Spotlight: Melissa Matthews – Thurston County Family Recovery Court Graduate:

From Melissa:

I graduated in February 2026 from the Thurston County Family Recovery Court program. I now have custody of all three of my kiddos, and I’ve been clean and sober since January 2025. I am also a survivor of domestic violence, and I lost my older two kids’ dad to an overdose in 2023. I’ve regained my driver’s license, bought a car, and secured a three‑bedroom, three‑bathroom home for me and my kids. I’m currently in a two‑week training program and will soon be managing my own Subway store. I am also a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to participate in Family Recovery Court. It not only helped me get clean and sober and reunite with my children, but it also taught me how to set achievable goals and build a foundation for long‑term success as a single mom of three.

05/27/2026

Franklin County Therapeutic Court Builds Community Through Annual Scavenger Hunt!

Judge Orosco of Franklin County Therapeutic Court was brainstorming fun ideas for sober activities for our participants and decided on a scavenger hunt! Franklin County Therapeutic Court then partnered with our friends at Benton County Adult Drug Court to host this first annual scavenger hunt for both our courts. Our participants were able to explore the community together, find new resources, win prizes, and make sober connections. Participants had a lot of fun, even presenting ideas they had for next year’s scavenger hunt. At the end of the scavenger hunt we hosted an awards ceremony at a local recovery café where participants were able to share a meal with their peers and Therapeutic Court staff.

05/27/2026

It’s Therapeutic Court Month in Spokane County!

Oliver Waite NonStop Local Digital Producer
May 12, 2026

SPOKANE, Wash. – County officials announced on Tuesday that the Spokane County Courthouse tower will be illuminated with green lights this week in recognition of May being National Treatment Court Month and National Mental Health Awareness Month.

On Wednesday, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., the Therapeutic Court teams for Spokane County Superior Court and District Court as well as the City of Spokane’s Municipal Government Court are collaborating to host an event in the Spokane County Courthouse lobby, focused on supporting the community.

Organizers said attendees will have the opportunity to “learn about Therapeutic Courts, access valuable resources, and more.”

05/26/2026

Alumni Spotlight: Yakima County Drug Court Graduate Natalia Camarillo

On May 5, I proudly graduated from the Yakima County Drug Court this month and became an official alumni member! A moment that truly symbolizes getting my life back and stepping into a brighter future.

I am incredibly proud to be part of the Yakima County Drug Court Alumni and even more honored to help start the alumni association for my community so others in recovery continue to have support, encouragement, and hope.

This journey has changed my life in so many ways, and my next goal is to become a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) counselor so I can help others find recovery, healing, and the same second chance that was given to me.

05/26/2026

Alumni Spotlight: Britta Harrison- Kitsap County Drug Court

Kitsap County’s Alumni Spotlight of the Week is on Britta Harrison. Britta graduated from Kitsap County’s Drug Court in 2020. Since then, she has earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and information technology administrative management. She also completed the Substance Use Disorder Professional Case Manager Certificate Program at Olympic College.

In 2024, Britta began working for the Kitsap County Behavioral Health Court, where she collaborates directly with participants and the team. This year, she has played a key role in organizing the Therapeutic Court Month celebration. Britta shared her personal story with the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners when they declared May as Therapeutic Courts Month. Additionally, she organized a work service party for all the therapeutic courts on May 8th and has been actively involved with the county’s alumni group to plan various events.

Britta has made many positive contributions. She is often seen working with participants helping them meet their basic needs, housing, vocational and just being a peer that gets it. Kitsap County Therapeutic Courts is lucky to have her.

05/26/2026

Alumni Spotlight: Snohomish County Drug (Recovery) Court Graduate Seth Newsome

From Seth:

In 2016, I found myself in treatment, where a recovery group showed up and helped show me a way out of alcoholism and drug addiction. Shortly after leaving treatment, the consequences of my past behaviors during addiction caught up to me—and rightfully so. I was given the opportunity to enter the Snohomish County Drug Court, with the Honorable Judge Wilson presiding.

From the very beginning, the program felt different. The foundation was honesty. Judge Wilson and the program expected accountability, but they also believed participants could move forward toward a changed life. That combination created an environment where real recovery could begin.

I spent one year in the program, doing my best to live my way into a new way of life. The structure, guidance, accountability, and support—combined with my 12‑step fellowship—helped me overcome the mental obsession of addiction. Through action, I learned how to forgive myself for the horrible things I once believed and said about myself, while also learning how to make amends to the people and communities I harmed during my addiction.

Recovery helped me find purpose in service work, helping others, and giving back to the community. Today, I have the privilege of serving the community and supporting others who are seeking recovery, accountability, and a better path forward.

Today, I am also married to my best friend, and I get to be a son, a brother, an uncle, and a father—someone my family can lean on and trust. Recovery gave me the opportunity to rebuild relationships, restore purpose, and live a life rooted in service, honesty, and gratitude.

I am currently a union Business Agent for the 1,300 men and women of Laborers LiUNA Local 292, serving Snohomish, Skagit, Island, San Juan, and Whatcom Counties.

05/26/2026

Grant County celebrates during Therapeutic Court Month!
On Tuesday, May 5, the Board of County Commissioners made a proclamation re Therapeutic Court month!