Behavioral Health Programs
DMH administers and operates state behavioral health programs, a mental health community living program, and a specialized behavioral health program for youth. These programs serve designated counties or service areas and offer community living and/or community services.
The behavioral health programs provide inpatient services for people (adults and children) with serious mental illness (SMI) and substance use disorders. The services available vary according to location, but types of services include acute psychiatric care, continued treatment services, nursing home services, alcohol and drug addiction treatment services, adolescent services, and forensic services.
Nursing home services are located on the grounds of Mississippi State Hospital and East Mississippi State Hospital. East Mississippi State Hospital provides male substance use disorder treatment while Mississippi State Hospital provides substance use disorder treatment for females. In addition to the inpatient services mentioned, East Mississippi State Hospital provides transitional, community-based care.
Mississippi State Hospital
James G. “Bo” Chastain is the Director of Mississippi State Hospital. Mississippi State Hospital is a behavioral health program operated by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health. Located in Whitfield, MS, in Rankin County, the hospital provides acute psychiatric services, continued treatment services, forensic services, and child and adolescent psychiatric services. The hospital also operates a substance use disorder unit for alcohol and drug addiction treatment services.
Admissions to Mississippi State Hospital are handled through the court commitment process. The first step toward helping someone receive the hospital’s services begins with someone filing an affidavit at their local Chancery Clerk office.
Specialized Treatment Facility
Shannon Bush is the Director of Specialized Treatment Facility. STF is a residential psychiatric treatment facility that offers 24-hour care for Mississippi adolescents experiencing significant emotional and behavioral difficulties. It serves those who need constant therapeutic support but are not in an acute phase of illness that requires the services of a psychiatric hospital.
Admission may be voluntary upon application by a legal guardian; through involuntary commitment by a youth, chancery, family or tribal court; or upon transfer from another Mississippi Department of Mental Health program. Adolescents eligible for admission must be at least 12 years old and have not yet reached their 18th birthday. STF is located in Gulfport, MS.
East Mississippi State Hospital
Dr. Charles Carlisle is the Director of East Mississippi State Hospital. East Mississippi State Hospital is a behavioral health program operated by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health. Located in Meridian, MS, in Lauderdale County, the hospital provides acute psychiatric services and operates a substance use disorder unit for alcohol and drug addiction treatment services.
Admissions to East Mississippi State Hospital are handled through the court commitment process. The first step toward helping someone receive the hospital’s services begins with someone filing an affidavit at their local Chancery Clerk office.
EMSH also provides a community living program that includes a short-term group home and supported housing services designed to assist individuals with serious mental illness in making the transition to independent living in the community.
North Mississippi State Hospital
Dr. Paul Callens is the Director of North Mississippi State Hospital. North Mississippi State Hospital is a behavioral health program operated by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health. Located in Tupelo, MS, in Lee County, the hospital provides acute psychiatric services.
Admissions to North Mississippi State Hospital are handled through the court commitment process. The first step toward helping someone receive the hospital’s services begins with someone filing an affidavit at their local Chancery Clerk office.
South Mississippi State Hospital
Sabrina Young is the Director of South Mississippi State Hospital. South Mississippi State Hospital is a behavioral health program operated by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health. Located in Purvis, MS, in Lamar County, the hospital provides acute psychiatric services.
Admissions to South Mississippi State Hospital are handled through the court commitment process. The first step toward helping someone receive the hospital’s services begins with someone filing an affidavit at their local Chancery Clerk office.