The Mental Health Court (MHC)

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 mental health court coordinator, Division of Community Mental Hygiene clinical staff members, and transitional case managers and probation officers, who supervise each defendant.

Initially, the District Attorney's Office evaluates each defendant's criminal history to determine legal eligibility for participation in the program.

Thereafter, the MHC coordinator conducts a preliminary screening to determine eligibility.

A representative from Division of Community Mental Hygiene evaluates each defendant to determine clinical eligibility for participation.

The treatment team establishes an appropriate treatment protocol for each defendant. Treatment protocols may change as defendants 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. Jennifer A. Henry

Program Coordinator
JeanMarie Massetti, BCD LCSW/R#
(631)208-5777

Program Coordinating Probation Officer
Grace Wagner
(631)-853-5479

Senior Probation Officer
Joseph Nelson
(631)-853-5396

Psychiatric Social Worker
Kerri Kosloff, LCSW
(631)853-4243

Social Worker
Angelyse Abalco,MSW
(631)208-5976

Vocational Councelor
Joanne Pellechi
(631)208-5971