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Programs & Services


Addiction and Mental Health - Diversion Services

Adults and youth with a suspected or diagnosed mental disorder who have been charged with a low risk minor offence(s) are diverted from the criminal justice system to appropriate community supports.

This program:

  • links clients to long term local community-based services in order to address mental health, addiction, social, physical, education, life skills, and / or spiritual health needs.
  • provides short-term treatment by utilizing a number of different treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Brief Solution Focused Therapy, and other treatment modalities as available in line with staff education and experience.

Clients who successfully complete their goals within the allotted court adjournment time (three months for adults and four months for youth) will have their charge(s) withdrawn by the crown.

Clients who are unsuccessful in the program will have their charge(s) returned to court. Recommendations may be provided to the crown prosecutors to assist in sentencing provisions in relation to mental health and addiction treatment.

Contact Details

Lethbridge Provincial Building

Location Info
Room 102
Address
200 5 Avenue S
Lethbridge, Alberta
T1J 4L1
Telephone
403-388-6547
Fax
403-394-9421
Hours of Operation
Days of the Week

Monday
8:00 am - 4:15 pm

Tuesday
8:00 am - 4:15 pm

Wednesday
8:00 am - 4:15 pm

Thursday
8:00 am - 4:15 pm

Friday
8:00 am - 4:15 pm

Note

Closed for lunch from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM.

Access
Service Providers May Include
addiction counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, registered nurses (RNs), social workers
Eligibility

Adults and youth living with severe and persistent mental disorders who have been charged with low risk minor offences that require immediate support and referral to mental health services.

All other indididuals are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Referral Needed

All referrals must be signed and approved by a crown prosecutor at court.

Service Access

Call your local Mental Health Diversion Service Site for service access.

Healthcare providers should consult the Alberta Referral Directory for service referral information.


Wait Times

Approximately 1 month from charge(s) being referred.

Service Languages
Interpreter/Translation services
Partners

Partners/affiliations

Justice and Solicitor General (JSG), Municipal Police Services, RCMP

Service Locations
Also Known As
Acronym
PMHDP
Previous
Mental Health Diversion Service
Other
Provincial Mental Health Diversion Program