Commonly Used Behavioral Health and Justice Terms

When a court has reason to believe that a defendant is not able to understand the charges against them nor participate in their own defense due to mental health concerns, the court SHALL order the CMHP to consult with the defendant to determine if the community has appropriate resources for restoration present and available. 

If the defendant is charged with specific serious charges, like aggravated murder or high level Measure 11, the court has the discretion not to order the consultation. 

Per rule OAR 309-088-0125 , the CMHP SHALL use the reporting template available at http://www.oregon.gov/oha/OSH/LEGAL/Pages/information-mental-health-providers.aspx

A defendant is considered to be under "370" when they are engaged in services to attempt restoration of their ability to participate in their own defense. Certified Forensic Evaluators (CFE) assess defendants to determine if they are 'able', 'not able', or 'never able' to proceed. In keeping with ORS 161.370, attempts for restoration can occur for the maximum length of the possible sentence or 3 years, whichever is shorter, if the defendant is housed within an institution. If the defendant is within the community, there is not an end of jurisdiction as long as the lack of capacity endures. 

Restoration services cannot currently be provided in jail in Oregon in keeping with the Mink decision (Oregon Advocacy Center v. MINK, March 6, 2003 https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-9th-circuit/1253234.html). Additionally, a person must be moved from jail within 7 days if being found to be unable under 370 (ibid).

Psychiatric hospitals are a place for people in crisis who may need safety monitoring and assessment, as well as therapeutic interventions and medication management.

Acute care is a facility where the patient remains under constant care. It is a branch of secondary health care where a patient receives active, but short-term treatment for a severe illness or injury, an urgent medical condition, or recovery from surgery.

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is a team-based service delivery treatment model that offers customized, community-based services for people living with mental illness and who are at risk of hospitalization. ACT is based on the idea that people receive better care and better outcomes when their treatment care providers work together.

Case managers serve as a liaison for client wellness through advocacy, communication, education, resource referral, and service facilitation.

A licensed and certified psychologist or psychiatrist who performs evaluations to determine if a defendant presents with a qualifying mental disorder and if the defendant is currently able, not able, or never able to aid and assist in the defendant's defense.

The Choice Program assists with case coordination and placement into appropriate levels of care.

Community Crisis beds help to fill the gap in services between independent living and admission to a hospital when a person is experiencing a mental health crisis. They offer residential services, with 24/7 staff and provide a high level of clinical services.

Community mental health program refers to a system of care where the person living with a mental health disorder is able to remain in the community, often in their own home, instead of more restrictive setting. The goal often includes much more support than simply providing outpatient psychiatric treatment.

Community restoration and support services include competency restoration, as well as treatment and trial preparation for individuals who experience symptoms of mental illness while staying in their community.

A coordinated care network of Primary Care Physicians (PCP), addictions treatment counselors, mental health care, and dental care providers who work together in their local communities to serve people who receive health care coverage under the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid).

A dedicated phone number that any member of the community can call when he or she feels they are in crisis. Call takers are specially trained for crisis response and local resources.

Crisis Intervention Teams include specially trained police offers and local mental health staff who work together to divert those experiencing a mental health crisis from hospitals and jails - when appropriate. These teams may also include first responders, dispatchers, college campus security officers, and correctional officers.

CITCOE is a joint effort of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), The Center for Policing Excellence (CPE) and The Oregon Center on Behavioral Health and Justice Integration under Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. (GOBHI). This team's goal is to promote the development of criminal justice behavioral health training programs for specialized police response models, throughout Oregon.

The DSM V is the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical manual of mental disorders. This manual is used by clinicians and researchers to assist with the diagnosis and research of mental disorders. Each diagnostic listing contains detailed information regarding the specific criteria required for a diagnosis and an extensive overview of that particular mental disorder.

EASA is an early intervention team approach treatment program that works with individuals who have experienced a first psychotic break - ages 12 - 25. EASA is funded by the Oregon Health Authority through agreements with Community Mental Health Programs in most Oregon Counties. An interdisciplinary team of providers offer wraparound services with a strong emphasis on education, skill building, natural, and peer supports.

Forensic psychiatry is a branch of psychiatry that is related to criminology. It serves as an interface between law and psychiatry and involves knowledge of mental health diagnosis and behaviors. A forensic psychiatrist provides services in the continuum of social services and care- i.e. determination of competency to stand trial; assessments

Forensic psychology is at the intersection of psychology and the justice system. It involves an understanding of fundamental legal principals, particularly in regards to a person's ability to stand trial, child custody and visitation guidelines, and/or discrimination in the work place.

LEAD is a police led diversion program designed to connect people with substance use disorders and/or mental health needs to local providers.

Local Public Safety Coordinating Councils can be vitally important resources for local governments as they seek to fulfill their mandates to assure public safety and the fair treatment of all community members, while staying within a reduced budget. The councils provide a forum for identifying issues and helping to find solutions. Per ORS 423.560, " the council shall include, but need not be limited to: 

(1) Police Chief; 

(2) Sheriff; 

(3) Prosecuting Attorney; 

(4) State court Judge; 

(5) A public defender or Defense Attorney; 

(6) Community Corrections Director; 

(7) County Commissioner; 

(8) Juvenile Department Director; 

(9) Health Director; 

(10) Mental Health Director; 

(11) Crime Victim Advocate; 

(12) Community Member; 

(13) City Councilor or Mayor; 

(14) City Manager or other city representative; 

(14) Oregon State Police representative; and 

(15) Oregon Youth Authority representative

Mental Health First Aid is an 8 hour educational course designed to provide lay-people with the basics for assisting a person who is experiencing a mental health crisis. The course helps to identify signs and symptoms of mental illness and provide support until a higher level of care - if appropriate -can be provided. Often compared to First Aid, in that it is not designed to diagnose or treat, only to provide measures to keep a person safe in the moment, and encourage appropriate help, when needed.

Mobile Crisis Clinicians respond to where the person who is in crisis is located at the time of crisis. They may accompany law enforcement officers, or respond separately.

Oregon Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) is a nine-member volunteer commission in the U.S. state of Oregon. It was established in 1995, and charged with providing a "centralized and impartial forum for statewide policy development and planning" in order to "improve the efficiency and effectiveness of state and local criminal justice systems." The members are appointed by the Governor of Oregon and approved by the Oregon State Senate.

The OHA is a government agency in the state of Oregon. It's mission is to help people and communities achieve optimum physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being through partnerships, prevention, and access to quality affordable health care.

OPP represent the next step in Oregon's commitment to increase and improve community services for adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses (SPMI) and to assure ADA compliance for adults living with SPMI living in and receiving publicly funded services in Oregon.

The Psychiatric Security Review Board's mission is to protect the public by working with partnering agencies to ensure persons under its jurisdiction receive the necessary services and support to reduce the risk of future dangerous behavior using recognized principles of risk assessment, victims' interests, and person-centered care.

Peer delivered services involve recovery mentors and peer support specialists who have personal lived experience with mental health and addiction challenges. They offer an array of services and share supportive personal relationships with people addressing behavioral health challenges.

A Peer Support Specialist is a person providing peer delivered services to an individual or family member with similar life experience, under the supervision of a qualified Clinical Supervisor

Emergency Department Information Exchange (EDIE) expands real-time notifications to medical groups, CCO's, health plans, care managers, and social workers with the goal of reducing medically unnecessary admissions, system expenses, and closing the communication gap across treatment providers for better patient outcomes. Funding provided by Health Plans, Hospitals, and OHA.

A private residential treatment facility that is licensed by the Department of Health to provide services on a 24 hour-7 day a week basis by trained treatment staff. Limit is 6 to 16 patients.

A private residential treatment home that is licensed by the Department of Health to provide services on a 24 hour- 7 day a week bases by trained treatment staff. Limit is up to 5 patients.

Intercept 0 - Can include preventative services from birth to the point of crisis. SIM mapping usually focus on crisis lines and care.

Intercept 1 -Law Enforcement and/or emergency services

Intercept 2 - Post arrest: Initial Detention/Initial Hearings

Intercept 3 - Post Initial Hearings: Jail/Prison, Courts, Forensic Evaluations & Forensic Commitments

Intercept 4 -Re-entry from Jails, State Prisons, & Forensic Hospitalization

Intercept 5 - Community Corrections & Community Support

A 24-hour supervised highly-structured environment with focus on prevention, skill building, health, and safety. Staff members are trained on de-escalation and intervention techniques. Facilities are secured for the safety of the patient and the staff.

Sequential Intercept Model is an approach used to decriminalize people with serious mental health disorders. It is used to effectively plan for diversion, treatment, case management, and re-entry of people with co-occurring disorders who are involved in the criminal justice system

Severe and persistent mental illness is the most serious and debilitating form of mental illness, causing long lasting, disabling disturbances in thinking, feeling, and relating. Individuals with SPMI may exhibit behaviors that bring them to the attention of law enforcement and concerned community members. Through early intervention, medication therapy and education, individuals have a greater chance of recovery then what was historically believed.

Short-term crisis stabilization beds are located in a state licensed crisis respite facility for the purpose of providing individuals with 24/7 supervision, consistent with the individual's treatment goals, clinical needs, and the individuals informed choice.

Sobering facilities provide a safe, supportive environment for services related to individuals who are alcohol dependent, and who may have a secondary problem such as drug addiction or mental health disorder. The service population is typically made up of people with low income, who are homeless and have no insurance.

Stepping Up is an initiative sponsored by the National Association of Counties, the Council of State Governments-Justice Center, and the American Psychiatric Association aimed at reducing the number of people with serious mental illness who become incarcerated in local jails who come to the attention of law enforcement primarily due to their symptomology. The initiative involves a county level commitment from the county commissioners.

Sub-Acute treatment offers brief and intensive on-site psychiatric services to help stabilize an individual after a significant emotional or behavioral incident, with the goal of returning the individual to the community. This is a secure unit.

Supported employment services work closely with mental health treatment services - (i.e. EASA) and other intense treatment options. Employment specialists receive referrals from within their mental health agencies. Supported employment services assist individuals to obtain and maintain integrated employment. This service is funded under the Oregon Health Plan.

Supported housing is a combination of housing and services intended as a cost-effective way to help people live more stable and productive lives. Supported housing is believed to work well for those individuals who face the most complex housing challenges - individuals facing homelessness due to low income and other persistent issues ; substance use disorder (SUD); severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI); intellectual/developmental disabilities; mobility or sensory impairments. Supported housing programs often include social services, such as job skills, life skills, A&D treatment and mental health treatment, as well as Case Management. This program is funded through community services and the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).

Telehealth has a great potential to expand access and to improve the quality of healthcare for rural community members. It can help to reduce the burden of the patients needing health care by allowing them to receive services in their own community, reduce the need to travel long distances, improve monitoring, and improve the timeliness of communication with care providers.

The United States Department of Justice (USDOJ), also known as the Justice Department, is a federal executive department of the U.S. government, responsible for the enforcement of the law and administration of justice in the United States, equivalent to the justice or interior ministries of other countries.

Trauma-informed care is an educational program to help enlighten community members, including but not limited to teachers, first responders, and law enforcement officers of the impact that trauma, even trauma that happened years ago, can have on a person's ability to act, follow instructions, or process information in the present.

Treatment Courts (also called Specialty Courts) are problem-solving courts that provide court-supervised probation and mandated treatment. The use of treatment courts has increased significantly in the last few years throughout the country.

An outpatient behavioral health clinic with dedicated hours that allow individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis the option of being seen without first needing to make an appointment. Many do not require insurance verification at the time of the crisis appointment.