Mental Health Court Could Help Relieve Ross County Jail Issues

Mental health issues and the Ross County Jail do not go well together, but that’s how it appears to be any more (on top of drug issues).

But Dr. Pat Friel, retired from mental health and substance abuse counseling, is trying to help with that. She spoke with the Ross County Commissioners on Monday to help coordinate a “mental health court” – plus a tie-in with the proposed mental health acute crisis center proposed by ADAMH for Chillicothe’s East Main Street. (Learn more on the arguments for and against the proposed location, which Friel is not involved with.)

Friel says the mental health court would be separate from the current drug court, but similar to it and based on experience that Hamilton County has had. She says it would help relieve pressure on jail space, with little extra local funding. Ross County Sheriff George Lavender was part of the discussion with the commissioners, and sounded supportive.

Getting a system set up is dependant on the supreme court, and Friel says that may take six to 12 months.

She says if you need help now, that dialing 211 is a good resource – and that there are many other agencies agencies to call. NAMI in the former Kitchen Collection building on East Water Street near Mulberry is also a good resource.

And, Friel is also available for pastoral counseling. Hear her in her own words in the below interview video.

She also mentioned that she was part of a local mental health forum of various agencies in Ross County that was interrupted by COVID…and that she intends to help get that going again.