ATTIC St. Paul

ATTIC St. Paul (Alternative To Traditional Incarceration of Citizens) is a specialized behavioral health and criminal justice diversion program operated by ATTIC Correctional Services, Inc., serving adults involved in the state or federal justice system in Minnesota's Twin Cities metropolitan area. Located near Allianz Field in St. Paul with additional services in Roseville, ATTIC represents a pioneering approach to reducing incarceration by addressing the root causes of criminal behavior through comprehensive, evidence-based treatment.

The organization operates under a clearly defined mission: to conceive and develop effective interventions that enable individuals to avoid unnecessary levels of incarceration, enhance community safety, and provide settings that facilitate treatment and reduce recidivism. This mission reflects a growing body of research demonstrating that treatment-oriented alternatives to incarceration produce superior outcomes for both individuals and communities compared to traditional punitive approaches alone.

ATTIC's core philosophy recognizes that addressing the underlying causes of criminal behavior requires a comprehensive, evidence-based, trauma-informed approach. Their treatment model is built on the understanding that stability is a prerequisite to successful reintegration, encompassing five critical domains: mental and physical health, stable housing, reliable income, positive support and community involvement, and prosocial thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs. By addressing each of these domains systematically, ATTIC creates the conditions necessary for lasting behavioral change.

The program offers an extensive range of services designed to meet the complex needs of justice-involved individuals. Screening and assessment services determine appropriate alternatives to incarceration based on each client's risk level, clinical needs, and personal circumstances. Individualized case management coordinates the multiple services and supports required for successful community reintegration, while electronic monitoring provides accountability and structure during the transition period.

ATTIC's clinical programming incorporates several evidence-based therapeutic approaches with demonstrated effectiveness in criminal justice populations. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients identify and modify the thought patterns and behavioral cycles that contribute to criminal behavior. Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) — a systematic approach specifically designed for justice-involved populations — guides participants through a structured process of moral reasoning development and behavioral change. Additional therapeutic components include anger management programming, domestic violence prevention education, and substance use treatment.

The substance use treatment component addresses the critical intersection of addiction and criminal behavior that characterizes a significant portion of the justice-involved population. Drug and alcohol testing provides ongoing accountability, while clinical treatment addresses the physiological, psychological, and social dimensions of substance use disorders. DUI/OWI court programs serve individuals whose criminal justice involvement stems specifically from impaired driving, providing the specialized intervention and monitoring required by drug court models.

Individual therapy sessions allow clients to process trauma, develop coping strategies, and work through personal barriers to change in a confidential therapeutic setting. Group therapy leverages the power of peer support and shared experience, creating opportunities for accountability, mutual encouragement, and the development of prosocial relationship skills. Community service arrangements provide structured opportunities for clients to contribute positively to their communities while building work habits and social connections.

ATTIC's 90-day program length reflects the clinical understanding that meaningful behavioral change requires sustained engagement over time. Unlike brief interventions that may achieve short-term compliance without addressing underlying issues, ATTIC's extended program duration allows sufficient time for clients to internalize new thinking patterns, establish stable life circumstances, and build the support networks necessary for long-term success.

The program works collaboratively with courts, probation officers, and other criminal justice stakeholders to coordinate care and ensure that treatment alternatives align with legal requirements and community safety considerations. This collaborative approach has established ATTIC as a trusted partner in Minnesota's criminal justice system, with a track record of reducing recidivism while providing more cost-effective outcomes than traditional incarceration.