Mental Health Court Director

Diane Sullivan

In 2023, 32nd Judicial District Circuit Judge Michael Spitzer partnered with Lewis County Mayor Jonah Keltner to apply for and administer one of the first Mental Health Court programs in the state. 

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About the Program

The MHC Program is designed to be a minimum of 12 months, consisting of five (5) phases; each phase having a minimum time to complete. The MHC program incorporates supervision through judicial leadership, oversight, and treatment to support participants through their recovery process. Treatment may consist of residential, inpatient, and outpatient treatment, or a combination of any of the above. These services may be provided through the MHC program and/or community resources. MH Court is a VOLUNTARY program for its participants but requires approval of the prosecutor, defense counsel, Judge Spitzer and the MHC treatment team.

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Program Mission

The mission of the 32nd Judicial District Mental Health Court is to provide individualized treatment programs, linking participants with mental health service providers, and reducing incarceration and recidivism through a combination of mental health treatment
and court supervision.

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​About Director Diane Sullivan

Judge Spitzer appointed Diane Sullivan as Director of the Mental Health Court Program. 

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Some of the key responsibilities of the Mental Health Court Director include general oversight of the treatment court, including meeting attendance and grant reporting; communication with partner agencies; Organization of court events, meetings, and compilation of supporting materials for stakeholders; Annual update of Mental Health Court policies and procedures. 

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About the 32nd Judicial District

The 32nd Judicial District was established in 2022 after the State of Tennessee determined Hickman, Lewis, and Perry Counties were in need of their own Judicial District.