#United States #mental health #Pittsburgh #Centurion Health #Allegheny County

Centurion Health Partners with Allegheny County for Mental Health Support

In a groundbreaking initiative, the Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) has introduced the Mobile Competency Restoration and Support Team (MCRST). This program aims to deliver crucial mental health services to individuals deemed unfit to stand trial due to various cognitive impairments, including severe mental illnesses and conditions like dementia.

The MCRST is unique in Pennsylvania as it is the state's first mobile team providing both clinical treatment and psychoeducational support outside of a traditional hospital setting. When an individual is found not competent to stand trial, their legal proceedings are paused until they receive necessary restoration treatment or suitable alternatives are available.

Currently, individuals held at Allegheny County Jail (ACJ) awaiting competency restoration have had only one option: Torrance State Hospital, a facility that has been heavily criticized for its limited capacity. As a result, individuals often spend an excessively long time in jail—2024 saw a median wait of 81 days just to receive treatment, contributing to over 13,000 jail bed days occupied, with nearly half of these individuals charged only with low-level misdemeanors.

Erin Dalton, Director of Allegheny County DHS, emphasizes the need for change, stating, “In spite of a class action settlement nearly a decade ago requiring the state to expand capacity, people still languish in jail waiting for treatment.” The MCRST provides a community-based alternative designed to facilitate quicker restoration, thereby reducing unnecessary incarceration and using taxpayer money more efficiently—all while prioritizing the dignity and care of individuals.

Jointly developed by DHS, the Fifth Judicial District of Pennsylvania, and ACJ, Centurion Health operates the MCRST. With more than 25 years of experience in providing correctional healthcare, Centurion brings together a multidisciplinary team including a psychiatrist, mental health nurse, dual diagnosis therapist, and a certified forensic peer counselor. This approach ensures that all aspects of an individual's needs are met while coordinating the support with the courts and community resources.

Timothy Harlin, CEO of Centurion Health, expressed pride in this new partnership, saying, “We’re committed to delivering compassionate, coordinated care that not only supports individuals through the legal process but also lays the foundation for long-term recovery and stability in the community.” This positive sentiment is echoed by Holly Martin, Deputy Warden of Healthcare Services at ACJ, who appreciates the potential of MCRST to prevent unnecessary incarceration.

Historically, around 125 individuals annually from Allegheny County have been involuntarily committed to Torrance for competency restoration. The introduction of MCRST offers a faster, less restrictive alternative—treating individuals with the respect and care they deserve while expediting the legal process.

Legal Director for the ACLU of Pennsylvania, Witold Walczak, commended the innovative approach, highlighting that promoting community-based treatment is a pressing need. He remarked, “As class counsel for those deemed incompetent to stand trial and waiting too long for treatment, we’re pleased to see new alternatives that decrease detainees.” This reflects the broader movement towards enhancing behavioral health services while recognizing the challenges individuals face within the mental health and criminal justice systems.

The launch of the MCRST underscores Allegheny County's dedication to improving the intersection of mental health care and legal proceedings. By implementing this program, they aim to treat individuals compassionately and effectively, ensuring a better outcome for those navigating the complex challenges of mental illness and the justice system.

About Centurion Health

Centurion Health is a prominent national provider offering medical, dental, behavioral health, and rehabilitative services to individuals incarcerated or involved in the justice system. Their mission extends beyond patient care, focusing on maximizing the potential of those they serve within correctional facilities. Learn more about their visionary work at TeamCenturion.com.