Mental Health
Involuntary Commitments
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you do if you believe someone needs treatment for a mental illness?
Call 911 for emergency assistance if the person is actively suicidal, dangerous, or if it is a medical emergency. If it’s not an emergency, take the person to your local mental health center or mental health hospital if they will go voluntarily. If they refuse help, contact the Probate Judge’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, mental health center, or your attorney on how to initiate an involuntary commitment.
If you need immediate assistance outside of normal business hours, contact Indian Rivers Behavioral Health 24 hour crisis line at 205-391-3131.
What is involuntary commitment?
A procedure whereby a person is involuntarily placed into the custody of the State Department of Mental Health for treatment. For more information on involuntary commitments and the hearing process, please contact the Probate Mental Health Clerk at 205-464-8459. There are strict legal guidelines governing involuntary commitments. Please note that in Alabama, involuntary commitments cannot be used to compel substance abuse treatment.
What is a mental health officer?
A Mental Health Officer (MHO) is a law enforcement officer with special training in crisis intervention. Currently, there are 17 MHOs between Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Tuscaloosa Police Department, Northport Police Department, and the University of Alabama Police Department. Each of these MHOs are authorized under the Probate Court and assist their department and the Probate Court with the growing demand of mental health in our community.
Additional Resources
Documents
Below is a list of common documents from the Probate Department.
Contact Us Today!
- 714 Greensboro Avenue, Room 121 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
- Post Office Box 20067 Tuscaloosa, AL 35402
- Main Line – Probate Court – 205-464-8204
- Main Line – Records and Recording – 205-464-8206
- Main Line – Mental Health Dept. – 205-464-8459
- Main Line – Elections – 205-464-8201
- Email – Probate Judge – probatejudge@tuscco.com
- Email – Probate Court - probatedept@tuscco.com
- Email – Mental Health – mentalhealth@tuscco.com
- Email – Recording Dept. - recordingrequest@tuscco.com
- Email – Records Dept. - copyrequest@tuscco.com