Chehalis Treatment Court celebrates first graduate

The Chehalis Treatment Court (CTC) celebrated its first program graduate last week on Oct. 22, according to a news release from the Chehalis Municipal Court.

Daniel Morton was awarded a graduation certificate by Judge Allen Unzelman, along with a plant that represents sobriety through personal development, resilience and fresh starts.

The CTC program was initiated by the Chehalis Municipal Court in 2024 with the unanimous support of the Chehalis City Council. Its mission is to assist individuals with mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders and help them find recovery as they work to limit their involvement with the justice system — and also stay accountable to that system.

To that end, CTC helps individuals in seeking treatment, rehabilitation and recovery with support and supervision from the Lewis County Mental Health Court Program.

Currently, CTC has eight enrolled participants who are fully engaged in their own individual treatment and recovery plans, according to the release.

With additional referrals to the program coming each month, the program anticipates reaching a capacity of 10 to 15 participants in the near future.