Durham County

Referral Process

How do I get into the Mental Health Court Diversion Program?

Referrals are accepted from Judges, District Attorneys, Public Defenders, Private Attorneys, Durham County Detention Center, Jail Mental Health, Pre-trial Services, Police, family and/or self-made with a signed release of information. Although referrals come from several almost anyone, it is the ultimate decision of the assigned attorney and their client if it is submitted to the Durham County Mental Health Court Coordinator.

What Happens Once a Referral is Made

When the referral is made by the attorney, the Mental Health Court Diversion Program Team will screen the case to decide if the case is legally and clinically eligible. If the case is viewed as appropriate, the assigned attorney will be contacted by the prosecutor. With the advice of the assigned attorney, the individual will decide if he/she wants to participate in the program.

Click the following link to submit a referral: Referral Form

Once the individual has been accepted into the Durham County Mental Health Court Diversion Program an intake appointment will be scheduled by the Mental Health Court Coordinator to complete a Comprehensive Clinical Assessment. Also, during the intake process the program rules and client handbook will be reviewed with the individual. MHC Client Handbook