Forensic Services
Linn County’s Forensic Mental Health Services support adults with lived experiences of trauma, mental health challenges, and involvement in the legal system.
Services aim to promote safety, respect, dignity, choice, empowerment, and collaboration while reducing re-traumatization and enhancing recovery. Staff are committed to understanding the impact of past and system-related trauma on individuals’ well-being and behavior, and to offering support that is non-judgmental, culturally responsive, and strength-based.
Some forensic services are court-ordered, while others are voluntary or referral-based. Service delivery is guided by legal requirements, clinical judgment, and individual circumstances.
Forensic Service Areas
Jail In-Reach Service
Jail In-Reach services are provided in a respectful, person-centered manner. These services focus on engagement, assessment, and coordination of care for individuals while in custody, or recently out of custody, with attention to safety, individual needs, and connection to appropriate community-based supports when possible.
Mental Health Specialty Courts
Linn County Mental Health Specialty Courts support eligible individuals with identified mental health needs who are involved in the criminal court system. These courts offer an alternative, problem-solving approach that emphasizes connection to appropriate mental health services, accountability, and coordination between the court and behavioral health providers. Outcomes may include reduced legal consequences when program requirements are successfully met. Participation requirements and outcomes vary by court and individual case.
Participating Courts:
- Albany Municipal Court – Judge Reid
- Sweet Home Municipal Court – Judge Blake
- Lebanon Municipal Court – Judge Waite
- Lebanon Justice Court – Judge Meyer
- Linn County Circuit Mental Health Court – Judge McHill
Yellow Line Project
The Yellow Line Project provides an early response to individuals with mental health problems who have become involved with law enforcement.
Comprehensive Mental Health Treatment
Linn County Mental Health provides short-term, comprehensive mental health services for individuals involved in the legal system. Services are designed to support engagement, coordination of care, and connection to appropriate resources, while recognizing the complexities of court involvement and individual circumstances. Forensic services are typically time-limited and focused on specific legal or court-related needs, with coordination and referral to ongoing outpatient services when appropriate, such as:
- Therapy
- Case Management
- Skills development and support
- Medication support
- Required court-related coordination and reporting
Available Services and Supports
- Care coordination
- Jail In-Reach services
- Clinical consultation
- Outreach and education
- Referrals for ongoing treatment and community supports
- Jail diversion services
- Community restoration services for Aid and Assist clients
- Aid and Assist services are provided in accordance with court orders and state requirements and focus on competency restoration and community stabilization.
- Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB) screening and monitoring
- Mobile community response, as appropriate
- Services often involve coordination with courts, jails, hospitals, and State facilities to support continuity of care and safe transitions across systems.
How may we help you?
Visit one of our mental health offices.
Look up a staff member.