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 please contact (256) 532-3329 or email commitment@madisoncountyal.gov.

Alternative contact information are as follows:
Director of Mental Health Programs – (256) 426-8560
Manager of Mental Health Programs – (256) 924-8144             

Process

• 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.