History
Hamilton County Mental Health Court was created in 2015 and became a part of Hamilton County Government General Services Division in 2017.
Hamilton County Mental Health Court receives a grant from the State of Tennessee, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS). On June 6th, 2024, this court program became the first Mental Health Court to be certified in the State of Tennessee. Whereby, no person in the United States or in Tennessee, shall on the basis of race, color or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal and/or Tennessee state funding assistance (Civil Rights Act of 1964; T.C.A. 4-21-904).
HCMHC Structure
Mental Health Court is led by Program Coordinator Matthew Naylor. Participants in HCMHC are judicially supervised in either Criminal Court or General Session Court. Criminal Court, run by Judge Boyd M. Patterson, participants are in HCMHC for two years. General Sessions Court, run by Judge Lila Statom, participants are in HCMHC for 11 months and 29 days.
HCMHC connects its participants to community resources for mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment (when indicated), medication management providers, housing, workforce development support etc.
Our participants work through 5 phases while in our program. With the completion of each phase they develop necessary life skills and resources to live a justice free life. Our court uses a sanction/incentive matrix to help hold participants accountable to our rigorous guidelines while also celebrating their successes.
Under the supervision of HCMHC staff and community partners participants are surrounded by supports and services. This support reduces recidivism while promoting public safety therefore decreasing the cost to Hamilton County.
View the HCMHC Application Process Diagram
