Procedures for
Commitment of the
Mentally Ill or
Chemically Dependent
Person

Greenville County Probate Court
1200 Greenville County Square
301 University Ridge
Greenville, SC 29601
Phone: (864) 467-7170

Debora A. Faulkner
Probate Judge

Edward M. Sauvain
Associate Probate Judge

PROCEDURES FOR COMMITMENT

If the Adult is seen by the Mental Health Center and it is determined that hospitalization is required, the Adult can be transported to a facility. If the Adult refuses to come to the Mental Health Center for an evaluation, then you may bring the necessary document issued to you from the Mental Health Center to the Probate Court and seek an Order of Detention. YOU MUST KNOW THE LOCATION OF THE INDIVIDUAL! Law Enforcement cannot pick up the person without an address. It is also helpful if you know whether the person is in the County or municipality within Greenville County (such as Greer, Greenville, etc.).

Upon finding that the individual needs hospitalization, he or she will be transported to a facility for treatment. The individual will be assigned an attorney by the Probate Court and will have a hearing within 15 days after the Order of Continued Hospitalization to determine whether he or she will need further inpatient treatment or whether the person can be released to outpatient treatment. If so desired, individuals may hire private counsel.

When Involuntary Commitment is not needed on an emergency basis, you must go to the Mental Health Center to complete documents for a JUDICIAL COMMITMENT. This is appropriate for situations where the individual is engaged in a pattern of behavior that will likely cause harm to himself or others. The individual can be brought in by law enforcement if necessary for the evaluation. If the examiners find that involuntary treatment is required, a hearing is scheduled to decide whether or not the individual needs treatment in a hospital or as an outpatient. In either type of commitment, the Court may order inpatient, outpatient, or a combination of treatments.

WHAT IF THE PATIENT IS IN JAIL?
THE PROBATE COURT CANNOT ARRANGE TO HAVE ANYONE EXAMINED WHO IS IN THE CUSTODY OF THE GREENVILLE COUNTY DETENTION CENTER. Applicant or family member should contact the Detention Center at 467-2300 to request that the patient be seen by the medical team on staff at the jail.

AREA HOSPITALS:
Carolina Center for Behavioral Health
2700 E. Phillips Rd.
Greer, SC 29650
Phone: (864) 235-2335

SpringBrook Behavioral Healthcare System
One Havenwood Lane
Travelers Rest, SC 29690
Phone: (864) 834-8013

Marshall I. Pickens Hospital
701 Grove Rd.
Greenville, SC 29605
Phone: (864) 455-8988

Patrick B. Harris Psychiatric Hospital
130 Hwy 252
Anderson, SC 29622
Phone: (864) 231-2600

WHAT ABOUT EMERGENCIES ON EVENINGS, WEEKENDS, & HOLIDAYS?
If you have an emergency situation that occurs outside normal working hours, you need to call CRISISLINE at 271-8888. A person will talk with you and advise you of the procedures in order to get help for the person in need of assistance.

WHAT ABOUT PATIENTS OF PRIVATE PSYCHIATRISTS?
If you know a person, mentally ill, needing EMERGENCY COMMITMENT because of harm to self or others and they are under the care of a private psychiatrist, contact the psychiatrist. If he or she wants to evaluate this person, they will complete the necessary document and send you to the Probate Court. The person will be taken to the private psychiatrist for their examination. Private psychiatrist should call CRISISLINE for assistance.

WHAT IS INVOLUNTARY COMMITMENT?
If you have personal knowledge of an adult or child who suffers from mental illness or chemical dependence (alcohol or drug addiction) who is endangering himself or others and is unwilling to get help, the person may need involuntary commitment at a facility for treatment. Only a mental health professional, i.e. medical doctor, can determine whether or not commitment is necessary.

Crisisline Phone: (864) 271-8888