Alachua County – Mental Health Court

249 West University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32602

Gainesville, Florida

352-384-3199

About Alachua County – Mental Health Court

Located in the heart of downtown Gainesville, Florida, the Mental Health Court in Alachua County offers a truly unique approach to addressing substance use and mental health within the criminal justice system. This court-operated program isn’t a traditional drug or alcohol rehab center.

It is a diversion program that helps adults with serious mental illnesses avoid jail time through structured treatment and community-based recovery support. Nestled within the courthouse complex on West University Avenue, Mental Health Court is conveniently located at 249 West University Avenue near Gainesville’s community resources and green spaces like Depot Park.

A Different Kind of Recovery

Unlike typical addiction treatment centers, this court program focuses on long-term healing by addressing the root causes behind certain nonviolent offenses. For many clients, these are mental illnesses and substance use.

If you’re eligible, you’ll work closely with case managers, mental health providers and the court system to follow a personalized treatment plan. This can include outpatient substance abuse counseling, medication management and mental health therapy.

Compliance is key here. Regular court appearances and treatment participation are part of the path forward.

Designed for Complex Needs

This program specifically supports adults in Alachua County who are living with severe and persistent mental illness, including many who face co-occurring substance use disorders. I think what makes this program stand out is its commitment to restorative justice.

Instead of punishing individuals for behaviors linked to untreated mental health or addiction issues, they focus on helping people access treatment, stabilize, and reintegrate into the community. I like that these services include support for housing, life skills and employment, all of which are crucial components of recovery.

Addiction Treatment Programs

Adult Program

Treatment at an adult program in Florida addresses the needs of each individual as they work toward recovery. Programs are designed for men and women ages 18 and up, and include a variety of treatment protocols to match the severity of the addiction, type of substance, and personal situation.

Alcoholism

Each alcohol rehab in Florida offers unique amenities and approaches, but most follow the same general guidelines. Treatment includes detox, rehabilitation, and maintenance. This is a proven approach to provide the greatest results for long-term recovery.

Men's Rehab

Gender-specific addiction treatment gives men who are struggling with substance use disorders a connection point to other men with similar struggles. This common ground can make a huge impact on men’s rehab in Florida.

Rehab For Veterans

Veteran’s rehab in Florida offers programs for alcohol and substance use disorders specifically for Veterans. Treatment focuses on the needs of this population that differ from others, such as combat trauma and adjustments to civilian life.

Opioid Treatment

Opioid rehab in Florida provides the care you need to help you safely and comfortably navigate a path to recovery. Treatment addresses both emotional and physical aspects of addiction, offering individualized tracks and custom programs.

Senior Drug & Alcohol Rehab

If you're over the age of 65, elderly rehab in Florida gives you the opportunity to be in a treatment program with your peers. This tends to be helpful for older adults because they can receive mutual support and acceptance from their peers. These programs are specifically designed for seniors.

Women's Rehab

Often, women who have a substance use disorder also have a co-occurring disorder. Women’s rehab in Florida often addresses both the addiction and mental health disorder with dual diagnosis treatment.

Teen & Adolescent Program

Young adults often develop addiction for different reasons than older individuals. That’s why a young adult program in Florida focuses on the unique pressures, needs, and challenges faced by young adults.

Levels of Care

Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient rehab in Florida focuses on relapse prevention and long-term recovery. It typically includes several counseling sessions per week as well as membership in a support group such as NA or AA. This treatment can last several weeks or several months, based on your ongoing needs.

Dual Diagnosis & Mental Health

If you are struggling with both an addiction and a mental health disorder, treatment for dual diagnosis in Florida is necessary for successful recovery. This multidisciplinary approach treats both substance abuse and co-occurring disorders such as bipolar disorder, eating disorders, depression, or anxiety.

Detox & MAT

While each drug rehab in Florida is unique, most programs begin with detox. This process can last up to seven days. During that time, addictive substances are slowly removed from your system. Medication is often used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.