Mental Health Diversion
What is Mental Health Diversion?
For a broad overview of mental health diversion in Canada, please see the general Mental Health Diversion FAQ. For location-specific information on mental health diversion in Calgary, please read on.
Since 2004, the Provincial Mental Health Diversion Program (PMHDP) has been available in Calgary and has quickly spread to Edmonton and most major centers throughout Alberta.
PMHDP is the result of a partnership between Alberta Health Services and the Justice and Solicitor General of Alberta, providing an alternative to the formal criminal justice system for those who have come into conflict with the law mainly as a result of a mental health disorder.
Below is an example of a Calgary mental health diversion form from Alberta Health Services:
Who is Eligible for Mental Health Diversion?
Generally speaking, PMHDP is available for those charged with less serious offences when there is a reasonable belief that the individual is suffering from a mental health disorder.
For more information on the types of offences that may be eligible for consideration, please see the general Mental Health Diversion FAQ.
What’s Next?
If you have been charged with a criminal offence and think you may be eligible for the PMHDP, please contact us.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, if you retain us, are eligible, and successfully complete the PMHDP, your charges will be withdrawn.
If you are ineligible for the PMHDP, our experienced criminal defence lawyers will explore all other avenues, including other diversion programs.