Mental Health Court

About Our Program

The Mental Health Court program provides an innovative alternative to incarceration for individuals charged with non-violent felonies or misdemeanors, emphasizing accountability and intensive monitoring. In a supportive environment, defendants regularly appear before a judge and receive necessary treatment and counseling. This program features a four-phase structure that includes intensive supervision, mandatory mental health and substance abuse treatment, medication compliance, and drug testing, typically lasting about 13 months, with advancement based on individual progress.

Who is Eligible?

The Mental Health Court program is specifically designed for persistently and seriously mentally ill offenders. The criminal justice system is often ill-equipped to address the needs of those with mental illness, many of whom do not seek treatment or comply with existing treatment plans. They may experience homelessness, have a substance abuse disorder, and engage in minor criminal behavior, resulting in recurring hospitalizations. Those resistant to treatment find themselves increasingly incarcerated.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in the Mental Health Court program, the following criteria must be met:

All participant records are protected by federal and state confidentiality laws, and information cannot be released without written consent. However, a Release of Information is required to allow the court team to discuss your case and progress.

Additional Eligibility Criteria

The defendant must reside in Tulsa County at the time of plea and throughout the program unless otherwise approved by the court.
Non-U.S. citizens must provide documentation of legal immigration status.
Refer to Oklahoma Statute, Title 57, Section 571 for a list of convictions that may exclude defendants from participating. Defendants may be excluded if classified as "violent offenders," which includes those charged with or convicted of violent offenses involving firearms, serious bodily injury, or prior felony convictions for violence.

The Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office determines legal eligibility, reviewing any history of violent crime to assess suitability for the program. Drug trafficking charges and registered sex offenders are also ineligible.

Process & Requirements

Learn more about the admission process, voluntary participation requirements, and program duration here.

Admission

Referrals can be made by attorneys, the district attorney, judges, probation officers, or mental health professionals. Entry into the program requires approval from the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office. After our team completes legal and clinical screenings, a decision regarding acceptance will be made. If accepted, your attorney can continue to represent you during your participation.

Participation

Participation in the program is voluntary. This means that YOU must choose to take part in this program.

Our dedicated team - including the judge, court staff, supervision officers, and treatment counselors - will guide and assist you, but the ultimate responsibility for your success lies with you.

Duration

This program features a four-phase structure that includes intensive supervision, mandatory mental health and substance abuse treatment, medication compliance, and drug testing.

Program duration is typically about 13 months, with opportunities to advance available based on individual progress.

Our Impact

The Mental Health Court program is transforming lives and making positive changes within the community.

Reduction in arrests

Reduction of days spent in inpatient/hospitalization

More than 550 program graduates

Lives Changed

Hear firsthand from those who have experienced the life-changing benefits of our programs.

“Working with Tulsa Alternative Courts for the last 8 years has transformed my career. Getting to serve individuals that might be prison bound is personal to me. The process of helping them change their lives, gain positive coping skills, address their criminal addictive thinking patterns and become productive members of society is truly remarkable . I absolutely work with the most dedicated individuals to promote treatment and healing instead of incarceration. This is a program of transformative care, and I am so grateful to be a small part of it.”