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1. What is a mental health treatment court?

The Denton County Mental Health Treatment Court is divided into three phases. Participants must successfully complete each phase to the satisfaction of the Treatment Team before moving into the next phase. Progression through the program will depend upon the participant’s performance and success of their treatment. The ultimate goal of Mental Health Treatment Court is to give participants the foundation they need to maintain their recovery and reintegrate into their families and communities.

2. How do I apply to the program?

Complete the Mental Health Treatment Court Application Booklet (PDF) and return it to the defense attorney, prosecutor, or referring agency contacts the MHTC Prosecutor Matt Wiebe, at 940-349-2188 to seek admission.

3. What are some of the criteria for admittance into the Denton County Mental Health Treatment Court?

Current offense must be related to significant, documented mental illness. Misdemeanors and non-violent, low level felony offenses will be considered. Some prior criminal history is acceptable. However, offenders with violent or injurious felony history, significant assaultive history or drug distribution history will not be considered. All criminal history is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. All applicants will undergo psychiatric evaluation.

4. What happens in mental health treatment court?

Participants will attend court every other Thursday at 8:30 am in County Criminal Court Number 5. Each participant will develop and follow and individualized treatment plan. Treatment, counseling and other assistance services are provided by outside agencies. Participants are referred to these agencies throughout the program as needed. Successful participants advance through phases reflecting their treatment progress, stability and growth. 

A supervision officer will monitor each participant in the program, working closely with the participant to monitor and assist in their progress. Milestones and positive achievements are rewarded, setbacks and non-compliance result in sanctions or removal from program. Participants who successfully completed each phase and graduate from the program will have their case dismissed and will be eligible for an agreed expunction.