Duane Dean Behavioral Health Center

Founded in 1972 by the late M. Duane Dean, a local pharmacist alarmed by the growing number of individuals in Kankakee becoming addicted to heroin, the facility initially operated under the name of Thresholds.In 1975 it received its 501(c)3 status as a not-for-profit organization and in 1997, the name was officially changed to the Duane Dean Behavioral Health Center. The women’s program was initiated in 1998 with a grant from the Joliet Catholic Diocese. Two years later it expanded after receiving a contract form the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. The women’s program moved to its current location at 1015 N. 5th Ave. in Kankakee in 2010.Duane Dean Behavioral Health Center received accreditation in 2000 from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and has since received three-year accreditations for its Women and Children’s Wellness Program, the Opioid Maintenance Therapy Program and the Criminal Justice Program. Achieving CARF accreditation is a substantial accomplishment and requires a commitment to quality improvement and a continued monitoring of services.Duane Dean Behavioral Health uses the Matrix Model, an evidence-based outpatient treatment program with over 20 years of research and development behind it. Staff measure and evaluate the progress of clients electronically through the DARTS, AVATAR and NIATx systems which track billing, scheduling, treatment activities, group attendance and other activities from first contact to discharge. Three areas closely monitored are 1) Access to Treatment 2) Retention and Attendance and 3) Continuity of Services.Duane Dean employs master’s level counselors and social workers who report to the director of clinical services and is governed by a 12-member Board of Directors.