WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU BELIEVE SOMEONE NEEDS TREATMENT FOR A MENTAL ILLNESS?

Call 911 for emergency assistance if the person is actively suicidal, dangerous, or if it is a medical emergency. If it’s not an emergency, take the person to your local mental health center or mental health hospital if they will go voluntarily. If they refuse help, contact the Probate Judge’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, mental health center, or your attorney on how to initiate an involuntary commitment.

If you need immediate assistance outside of normal business hours, contact Indian Rivers Behavioral Health 24 hour crisis line at 205-391-3131. 

WHAT IS AN INVOLUNTARY COMMITMENT?

A procedure whereby a person is involuntarily placed in the custody of the State Department of Mental Health for treatment. For more information on involuntary commitments and the hearing process, click here. There are strict legal guidelines governing involuntary commitments. Please note that in Alabama, involuntary commitments cannot be used to compel substance abuse treatment. 

For questions, contact the Probate Mental Health Clerk at 205-464-8459. 

MENTAL HEALTH OFFICERS

A community mental health officer (MHO) is a law enforcement officer with special training in crisis intervention. Currently, there are five MHOs between Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Tuscaloosa Police Department, Northport Police Department, and the University of Alabama Police Department. Each of these MHOs are authorized under the Probate Court and assist their department and the Probate Court with the growing demand of mental health in our community. 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

North Harbor Pavilion 

Indian Rivers Behavioral Health

Alabama Department of Mental Health