Elkhorn Treatment Center

Our screening committee reviews offender information and decides whether the offender is appropriate for our facility. Our committee includes staff members, a P&P Officer, local law enforcement, and citizens that live or work in the area. This collaboration allows for multiple stakeholders to voice their opinions about how best to meet the needs of potential residents.

This question is posed often. We had a study of our program conducted in 2017 which indicated that 83% of our residents successfully graduated ETC since inception of the program in 2007. Of that group, 78% also successfully completed a Pre-Release program in Montana. That population of successful completers was found to be substantially less likely to present in a correctional program later when compared with those who did not complete. A more recent review of data indicates that 83.5% of our graduates remain out of the system for 3+ years which is much higher than the national standard. Additionally, we conduct pre and post testing at ETC which indicates a significant reduction in rates of depression and anxiety while noting substantial gains in self-esteem. Current and up to date information as of 6/22/21 indicates substantial drops in mental health struggles during the prior 30 days, as well as data that indicates reductions in personal irresponsibility and justification for criminal behavior.

ETC has a daily schedule that includes expectations of chores, meals, self-help, church services as well as scheduled programming. Keep in mind that ETC does not provide cookie cutter treatment in which everyone completes the same offerings. Our services are directed toward resident needs based upon individual screenings and assessment. While each resident is responsible for attending their classes and completing daily coursework there is a community wide expectation of positive participation. Being a treatment community allows the residents more room to create the structure they need to meet their individual and collective goals. Click here for our current daily schedule.

The program is nine months in length. A few residents come to us for a period of 90 days based upon a hearing officer’s decision to offer treatment. All referrals are made through the Department of Corrections.

Absolutely. We offer skype or zoom contact weekly for our residents and their family members. Additionally, after a lengthy period of suspending visitation due to the COVID-19 epidemic, we are again offering family visits on Saturday afternoon’s from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Residents are required to mail a visitation packet to family members they would like to have visit. This packet needs to be completed and returned. Once the packet is received it will be reviewed for approval. If a visitor is on supervision with the Department of Corrections that individual’s probation officer will need to approve the contact. Once approved, visitors will need to call ETC at (406) 447-5300 to be included on the list for visitation. Be aware that currently we are only allowing 10 people in our visitation area which includes both visitors and residents alike.

*Fearful and Avoided Questions (the other kind of FAQ’s)

Nine months is a long time. We have found that longer lengths of care are often needed to positively impact treatment outcomes. Those who come to ETC often have a long history of chronic substance use which has escalated over many years and is not properly cared for in a period of weeks. Former residents state that the very thing that scared them initially (the program length) was what they needed to change their lives to be fulfilling and successful.

Our Administrator gets asked this occasionally. The answer is no.

“When I was in jail, I heard from someone who once attended ETC say you need to rat out other residents to graduate from ETC.”
Our Administrator has heard many things about Elkhorn that are not true. This is one example. We expect healthy and prosocial behaviors among our resident population. This may at times mean identifying and addressing negative behavior of others in the facility in a respectful and appropriate manner. This is built into the program to foster accountability and healthy boundary setting.

We utilize a phasing system that includes additional privileges offered as residents progress. Phase 3 residents often reside in a room individually when bed space allows. The majority of our rooms are double occupancy.

To start with, when coming to ETC you do not need to bring anything with you. We have clothing, toiletry and bathroom supplies for our residents. That being said you are allowed to have pictures of loved ones, a Bible, approved jewelry, etc. Click here for the current approved possessions list.

Yes, we have a list of items that are available from the prison commissary. Be aware that we do not allow everything in our facility that is available on commissary. Assigned case managers provide information to our residents regarding what they can or cannot obtain.

Residents are allowed to receive money from family (up to $50 monthly) for commissary or other personal expenses (i.e. restitution, child support, cost to obtain birth certificate to obtain a license, etc.). Residents earn a weekly allowance which increases as they phase up. Case managers work with residents on budgeting while at the facility. Financial independence and literacy are integral skills that each resident can leave with if they choose.

The Elkhorn Treatment Center is not an easy program to complete. During a recent assessment of our program, it was noted that 83% of our residents have successfully graduated since the facility opened in 2007. We do not want to operate a program that does not push residents toward future success, which means the program is challenging. Keep in mind that ways of thinking, choices, and poor behavior have led residents to Elkhorn, changing these patterns is not simple or easy. Our staff genuinely wants to see residents complete the program, avoid future criminal activity, and manage their own physical and behavioral health issues moving forward. The treatment team is here to support each resident, to encourage their growth, and to impart the necessary skills to achieve their short- and long-term life goals.

Absolutely! Many people referred to Elkhorn have already started making personal changes. That said, the biggest factor that will assist in success is to come in with an open mind and a willingness to make personal changes. Residents often come to Elkhorn at different points on the readiness to change continuum. Having the recognition that past ways of thinking, poor choices, unmanaged or poorly managed mental health issues, and chronic substance use has led to placement at Elkhorn. The more willing a person is to look inward and make positive changes, the more likely they will achieve success in multiple areas. Trust takes time, changing a lifetime of habits takes even more time, and our staff at ETC are ready to meet each resident where they are. Our goal is to walk and work alongside our residents toward graduation and better life outcomes.

Click here for a copy of our weekly schedule. There is a standard schedule including meals, chores, and sleeping that comprises the daily routine for residents. Having structure and predictability provides residents with continuity of care. As a resident starts their courses and classes the incremental changes foster flexibility and accountability skills.

Our resident handbook is an ever-changing document, but you can access the most current version here.