Maricopa County has announced that Connections Health Solutions will resume providing court-ordered mental health evaluations and treatment later this summer. This initiative aims to assist individuals who are unable or unwilling to consent to behavioral health services.
Expanded Access to Services
The partnership with Connections Health Solutions will enhance services through on-site court hearings facilitated by secure virtual technology. This approach is expected to improve the speed of treatment and reduce unnecessary delays. Additionally, more beds will be available to accommodate a larger intake of individuals in need of these critical services.
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chair Kate Brophy McGee emphasized the importance of this expansion. She noted that this improvement will lead to faster and more meaningful care for those who require it, positively affecting the community.
Reviving a Vital Program
This collaboration originally began as a pilot program during the COVID-19 pandemic, which included virtual court services. However, the program was discontinued, creating a gap in mental health care for court-ordered evaluations. Recent data has indicated that the multi-faceted program remains essential for serving the community effectively.
Individuals utilizing the virtual courtroom setting will continue to have access to legal representation, ensuring they are supported throughout the process.
Funding and Future Impact
The funding for the resumption of this program is provided by Mercy Care, which partners with the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) to manage behavioral health crisis services in Maricopa County. Mercy Care CEO Tad Gary remarked on the partnership’s potential impact, noting that it will enhance service availability and access to court resources, which have historically contributed to delays in receiving timely services.
Source: Maricopa County
