Marietta, Georgia. On Thursday, May 25, Judge Ann B. Harris presided over the Cobb County Mental Health Court Graduation where friends, family and members of the community gathered to celebrate the graduates. The graduation was held at the Cobb County Superior Court and recognized two graduates for their successful completion of Mental Health Court (MHC). MHC is a four-phase program that requires an 18–24-month commitment from participants who may receive reduced or dismissed criminal charges upon successful completion of the program.

Thursday’s graduation was an emotional event, with one graduate tearfully recognizing a healed relationship with her mother that occurred because of the positive changes she made as a result of her participation in MHC. The graduate stated, “this isn’t the end, this is the beginning,” meaning that now is when the real work begins.

MHC partners with Highland Rivers Behavioral Health to provide evidence-based, mental health treatment services to participants. In addition to mental health treatment, the Court is comprised of a multi-disciplinary team, dedicated to providing accountability, supervision and, ultimately, a roadmap to success. Along with supervision, participants receive an individualized array services and resources with the goal that they will be thriving members of their community long after their time with MHC is completed. The graduates are encouraged and welcomed to reach out to MHC treatment providers for resources and support in the future, if needed.

For more information about Cobb County Mental Health Court, please contact Melanie Valentine, MHC Coordinator. melanie.valentine@cobbcounty.org