The Troup County Mental Health Court (MHC) is a specialized program within Troup County Accountability Courts designed to enhance public safety while promoting mental health stability. The program identifies eligible individuals involved in the criminal justice system who are living with serious mental illness and connects them to structured treatment, supervision, and support services as an alternative to incarceration.
Mental Health Court focuses on addressing the underlying causes of criminal behavior by providing individualized treatment plans, case management, and ongoing judicial oversight. Through this approach, participants are better equipped to manage their mental health, improve their quality of life, and successfully reintegrate into the community. As a result, the program reduces recidivism, decreases jail and hospital utilization, and strengthens families and community outcomes.
Program Structure
Mental Health Court is a minimum 18-month program for misdemeanor and felony cases. The program includes:
- Comprehensive mental health assessments and individualized treatment planning
- Mandatory participation in counseling, therapy, and group sessions
- Medication management and compliance monitoring
- Random and frequent drug and alcohol testing (minimum twice per week)
- Regular court appearances (typically twice per month) to review participant progress
- Ongoing supervision, including community-based monitoring and home visits
Participants appear before the Honorable Superior Court Judge Nina Markette Baker, who leads the Mental Health Court and provides direct oversight of participant progress, incentives, and sanctions.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for Mental Health Court, individuals must:
- Reside in Troup County
- Must be at lest 18 years old
- Be charged with a criminal offense in Troup County or be under probation supervision in Troup County
- Have a diagnosed serious and persistent mental illness
- Have criminal charges that are directly related to their mental health condition
Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis by the Mental Health Court Team.
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-1-16 (b)(3), individuals charged with the following offenses are not eligible:
- Murder
- Armed robbery
- Rape
- Aggravated sodomy
- Aggravated sexual battery
- Aggravated child molestation
- Child molestation
Program Cost
There is no cost to participate in the Mental Health Court program. The program works to remove financial barriers to treatment and recovery whenever possible.
How to Apply
To apply for participation in Mental Health Court, please complete the Mental Health Court application and submit the to:
Christopher Ridgeway
📧 cridgeway@troupcountyga.gov
📠 Fax: 706-883-2169
📞 Phone: 706-298-3752