In March 2025, OPD partnered with the Health Care Authority to provide legal representation for individuals facing long-term civil commitment (up to 90 to 180 days) under RCW 71.05. Also known as the “Involuntary Treatment Act” or “ITA” for short, this statute allows for commitment when a mental health professional determines an individual is gravely disabled, posing a danger to themselves or others.
ITA patients represented by OPD under the new program are housed in two new state facilities in King County: UW Medical Center’s Center for Behavioral Health and Learning, and Olympic Heritage Behavioral Health. Currently, four attorney contractors provide legal representation on ITA cases, and we are also developing a social work model to enhance support for these individuals.