Strophy Foundation Spotlight: Judge Brett Buckley
When we think about those navigating therapeutic courts, we often picture clients and their circle of support—attorneys, caseworkers, family members. But for leaders like Thurston County District Court’s Presiding Judge Brett Buckley, the journey is just as personal and transformative.
Judge Buckley has served as the judge for Thurston County’s Mental Health Court for the past 18 years, building on the foundation laid by Judge Kip Stilz when the program began 20 years ago. He also presides over Veterans Court, the first of its kind in Washington State, which he has led since it launched 16 years ago. His decades of experience have made him a trusted advisor to the Strophy Foundation, offering programming insight and guidance to its founders and board members from the very beginning.
“It’s nice to have a community-based organization that’s not tied to the court system,” says Buckley. “And it has absolutely changed my outlook on the bench. Each participant’s experience is unique, and the Strophy staff are so gentle in guiding us. As a veteran, I understood some of the challenges, but this has been a continuous learning process that’s deepened my understanding.”
Over time, Buckley says he grew increasingly frustrated with how often jail time was used in response to non-compliance—especially in cases involving mental illness. Working closely with Strophy and learning more about behavioral health, he’s seen firsthand that there’s not only a different approach—but a better one.
“We put too many people in jail simply because it’s the default when someone doesn’t comply with orders,” he says. “But treatment courts offer effective, compassionate alternatives. They work—and the outcomes prove it.”
According to Buckley, it costs $135 to $150 per day to incarcerate someone. “By diverting participants into our programs, we’re cutting those costs in half,” he explains. “More importantly, we’re reducing recidivism—our Mental Health and Veterans Courts have rates between 5 to 15%, compared to 55 to 60% in traditional courts. This is a big win for the county.”
But beyond the numbers, therapeutic courts are about people—changing lives one at a time. Judge Buckley recalls one such story: that of participant Thomas Benjamin.
Judge Buckley with John Aldan, a graduate of Veterans Court.
“Thomas was quiet, reserved. He rarely spoke up. But one day, he had an epiphany and shared his story with me—it was incredibly moving.”
Benjamin reflects on how the program—and the people in it—changed his life. “Meeting others going through the same thing gave me confidence. Watching them rebuild their lives made me believe I could too. It opened my eyes—not just in court, but in every part of my life.”
“I’ve made a lot of changes,” he continues. “When I see how I react differently now, even compared to just a few months ago, I realize life feels better than it ever has—and it’s only getting better. I’m grateful to everyone here for creating a space where we can grow, learn, and move forward.”
Without therapeutic court, Benjamin says he would likely be in jail—unable to grow, change, or contribute. Now, he’s looking ahead with purpose. “I want to help others like me, to advocate for people who just need someone to show them there’s a better path.”
To honor these journeys, each veteran graduate receives a handmade quilt, and mental health court graduates are given a hand-carved box—a tangible reminder of their resilience. Like the Drug Court’s Hope Coins, these tokens celebrate milestones that matter.
And in the end, that’s what therapeutic courts—and the Strophy Foundation—are all about: restoring hope, honoring growth, and building a stronger, more compassionate community.