An involuntary commitment is a procedure whereby a mentally ill person is involuntarily placed in the custody of the Alabama Department of Mental Health for treatment.                                

To have a person committed to the custody of the State Department of Mental Health, a petition must be filed in the county where the patient is located.

For assistance with the process to have a person committed in Madison County contact Tammy Leeth, Director of Mental Health Programs(256)-532-3329 (office), (256)426-8560 (cell), or by email at tleeth@madisoncountyal.gov

• The Probate Judge will issue a Court Order to the Sheriff to serve the patient with a Court Order for Hearing and Notice of Petition
• A Guardian ad Litem will be appointed by the Court to ensure that the patients’ rights are protected.
• A Final Order of Involuntary Commitment/Order of Denial will be entered at time of Final Hearing
• An Order of Involuntary Commitment can be appealed.  A Request for Appeal/Trial De Novo must be filed within five (5) days after the patient has received notice of the petition.

Filing fee:  $35.00.  Indigent filing available when assistance is needed.