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The Washington County Commissioners approved a contract for Mental Health Court treatment services or other integrated services on Monday morning.

The contract from the Washington County District Court was between the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Washington County District Health Court and the Washington County Commissioners.

Chariman Mitch Antle said this is something new in the discussions that have occurred over the last several weeks. He said there are three alternative sentencing programs within the Washington County District Court system. Currently there is Community Sentencing and a Drug Court.

Antle said District Judge Linda Thomas would like to see the Mental Health Court added. He said the contract outlines who may need the services instead of sending them to District Court.

According to Antle, those who need to be within the Mental Health Court would probably have to display mental health symptoms before an incident occurs where they are being questioned. Then they would be admitted to the system.

Antle explained the contract would break down $36,666 for the last 6-months of the 2019 Fiscal Year.

A Mental Health Court Coordinator employed at Grand Lake Mental Health will be paid for with the funds through the Washington County District Court. Antle said part of the services would then be covered by Grand Lake Mental Health.

The contract also lists specific services for a specific set of people who fall within the mental health arena.