Overview
The Mental Health Court (MHC), a specialized part of the Suffolk County District and County Criminal Courts, utilizes a court supervised program for those who have a mental illness and have been arrested in Suffolk County on misdemeanor or felony charges.
MHC combines the resources of the court, law enforcement, transitional case management, substance abuse agencies, and mental health service providers, to provide effective support and intervention to individuals with mental illness.
MHC is comprised of a presiding judge, a Resource Coordinator, case manager, and probation officers, who supervise each participant.
Initially, the District Attorney's Office evaluates each person's criminal history to determine legal eligibility for participation in the program.
Thereafter, the MHC coordinator conducts a preliminary screening to determine eligibility.
The treatment team establishes an appropriate treatment protocol for each participant. Treatment protocols may change as participants progress in the program. Referrals for appropriate treatment are provided. Eligibility for treatment is not denied due to inability to pay.
Contact Information
Suffolk County District Court Judge & Acting County Court Judge
Hon. F. Scott Carrigan
Resource Coordinator
Gina Ciccone, LCSWR
(631)-268-5971
Case Managers
Grace Wagner
(631)-853-5479
Lea Kopelman, LMHC
(631)-208-5973
Jennifer Gutkes, LMHC
(631)-208-5976