A Guide to the Civil Commitment Process in Mississippi

Before pursuing commitment to a DMH Behavioral Health Program with the chancery clerk’s office, we strongly encourage you to contact your local Community Mental Health Center to learn about services, supports, and alternatives to the commitment process such as Mobile Crisis Response Teams, Crisis Stabilization Beds, and other services available in the community. Call the DMH Helpline at 1-877-210-8513 for more information about services and supports near you.
In Mississippi, individuals are admitted to state behavioral health programs through commitment - a legal process in which a court orders a person to a hospital for treatment or evaluation. The first step toward helping someone receive inpatient behavioral health services begins with a pre-affidavit screening conducted by the local Community Mental Health Center.
Watch this video for a guide to the process. For more information, visit www.dmh.ms.gov/help/civil-commitment/.