Mental Health Proceedings

This is the process used in a probate court to help a person who may be mentally ill and harmful to self or others and refuses to seek treatment or whose judgment is so imparted that they do understand the need for treatment.

First, watch the person's behavior carefully. If the behavior only occurs when the person has been taking drugs or using alcohol, the problem could be substance abuse, not mental illness.

However, if the behavior is continuous, and if the person threatens or actually harms him/herself or others, or whose judgment is so impaired that they do not understand their need for treatment, you may contact the Probate Court where the person resides or is found.

If you have been unable to get treatment for the person at a clinic or agency with a mental health professional, you may call the Monroe County Probate Court at Phone: 734-240-7353 between 8 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except holidays.

Court staff will verify that you personally observed the behavior and that it happened recently. You will be asked to describe the behavior in detail.

Court staff will also want to know the individual's substance abuse habits. If the problem is determined to be substance abuse related, you will be referred to an agency in your area.

You will also be asked whether every effort has been made to get the person to voluntarily seek help.

Court staff will tell you to come in person to the courthouse - 106 E First Street (2nd floor) to fill out a petition. You will need to describe in writing:

1. What specific symptoms and behaviors the person is displaying.
2. What harmful or threatening behavior to him/herself or others did the person demonstrate that concerns you.

Petitions can be filed between 8 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, except on holidays.

You will be asked to complete a Petition for Mental Health Treatment There is no fee.

Court staff will prepare an Order for Examination \ Transport. You will then be sent to a Probate Judge (in the same building) where your petition will be heard. If the Judge signs the Order to authorize a psychiatric evaluation, you will then return to the probate court office where you will receive all of the completed paperwork to take with you.

The police will take the person to Promedica Monroe Regional.

The hospital will perform a psychiatric evaluation and will decide whether the person needs treatment.

If the person does not require hospitalization or is diagnosed as having a substance abuse problem, the hospital will release the person. Sometimes the hospital will recommend outpatient treatment.

Then the person will be sent to a designated hospital for necessary care.