Department of Health Services

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Overview​
Behavioral Health Services (BHS) Court & Justice-Involved (JI) programs integrate mental health and legal perspectives to address the complex intersection of mental illness and the criminal justice system by balancing public safety with individual well-being for those affected by mental illness. Sacramento County BHS provides a continuum of services to JI individuals struggling with mental illness, which includes, but is not limited to, assessment, treatment, crisis intervention, and court-based solutions in collaboration with justice partners within the community.​​

​Programs and Services

Mobile Crisis Support Team (MCST)​
The MCST is a collaboration between BHS and Law Enforcement to respond together to emergency calls for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.

The MCST teams include a police officer or Sheriff's Deputy trained in Crisis Intervention Training; a Sacramento County BHS licensed Senior Mental Health Counselor; and a Sacramento County Contracted Peer Specialist.

Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT)​
The AOT program, also known as "Laura's Law" permits the use of the courts and behavioral health systems, including substance use prevention and treatment, to address the needs of individuals who have been unable to or have not been, engaged with community mental health treatment programs without intensive engagement and support options.

This program is for individuals with a history of severe and chronic mental health concerns, a history of repeated hospitalizations and/or incarcerations related to untreated or undertreated mental illness, and/or a history of violent behaviors to self or others. The AOT Law is codified in the Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5346.

Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Court​​​​
The CARE Court is an innovative civil court process designed to address the needs of individuals diagnosed with mental health and substance use disorders. Through this program, an eligible petitioner can petition the civil court to connect affected individuals to voluntary treatment for up to 24 months via a CARE Agreement or Plan.

Participants in the CARE Court program receive comprehensive support to enhance their recovery and overall well-being. This support may encompass various services, including counseling, medication, housing options, social services, and other resources.

California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Justice-Involved (JI) Initiative​​

CalAIM JI is part of California's comprehensive initiative to enhance physical and behavioral health care for the JI population. It creates a new pathway to bridge community-based care for JI Medi-Cal members by offering targeted pre-release services and linkage to post-release services. This approach aims to establish a plan for engaged community-based care prior to​ release, improving health and behavioral health outcomes.

​Collaborative Courts & Jail Diversion Treatment and Resource Center (JDTRC)​
​The BHS Court Assessment Team collaborates with Sacramento County justice partners to provide mental health and substance use evaluations for individuals being considered for mental health diversion and establish connections to mental health and substance use treatment providers.

The BHS Court Assessment Team sited at JDTRC also conducts counseling groups and walk-in assessments onsite. 

​Adult Day Reporting Center (ADRC)​
​BHS Intake Team and ADRC Assessment Team collaborate with the Sacramento County Probation Department (Probation) to provide onsite assessments and linkage to adults involved in the Sacramento County justice system.​​