CRITERIA FOR ELIGIBILITY/ADMISSION TO THE MHC

Mental Disorder Criteria

Only those individuals who suffer from a significant mental illness or mental disorder are eligible for the MHC. Examples of significant mental illness includes individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, bipolar disorders, major depression, or other disabling mental illnesses that affect judgment and cause erratic behaviors.

The MHC will accept individuals with dementia, brain injury, or developmental disabilities on a case-by-case basis.

Criminal Case Criteria

Only those individuals whose cases are State-filed District Court cases (e.g., filed by King County Police, Washington State Patrol, Port of Seattle, University of Washington, King County Jail) are eligible for acceptance in the MHC.

The King County Prosecuting Attorneys Office recognizes that there are occasions when it is in the best interest of the community to offer mentally ill felony defendants a sentence that provides mental health treatment and probation, in lieu of lengthy incarceration. In those cases, a “transfer” of a felony matter to Mental Health Court in order to take advantage of the treatment and monitoring options provided by the court may be recommended.

Other Admission Criteria

Individuals must agree to pursue mental health treatment before they can be accepted into the MHC.

Non-King County residents will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

City cases (both City of Seattle and suburban contracting cities)
Cases in which defendants do not have significant mental illnesses or mental disorders.
Cases in which chemical dependency is the primary diagnosis.

Clients may waive their rights to a trial. They may plead guilty to their charges or in some cases, to a deferred sentence. They also must agree to follow court ordered treatment recommendations.

The Mental Health Court judge has the discretion to accept or reject any case referred to the court. Exceptions to the above eligibility criteria are considered on a case-by-case basis.