Description: This course provides a comprehensive examination of the legal frameworks and clinical procedures governing Forensic Mental Health and CivilCommitment within the State of Utah. Participants will gain an understanding of the continuum of care, beginning with the crisis response system and thestatutory requirements for involuntary hospitalization. Furthermore, the session tracks the forensic trajectory of individuals with mental illness, detailingthe transition from initial arrest through court proceedings, competency evaluations, and subsequent specialized treatment. By bridging the gap betweenlegislative mandate and clinical application, this course equips practitioners with the knowledge necessary to navigate Utah’s complex intersection of lawand behavioral health. Learning Objectives: - Participants will be able to identify and apply the specific legal criteria for civil commitment and crisis intervention as mandated by Utah State Law.
- Attendees will be able to outline the sequential stages of the forensic mental health process, including arrest protocols, competency to stand trial, andcourt-ordered treatment transitions.
- Participants will demonstrate the ability to integrate clinical assessment findings with legal procedural requirementsto ensure compliant and ethical patient care within the forensic system.
Presenter Bios: Jeremy Christensen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, working as an Assistant Superintendent and Forensic Director at Utah State Hospital since January 2020. He was an Assistant Director at the Utah Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, Department of Human Services from 2013-2019 with oversite of mental health programming including crisis care, suicide prevention, homelessness and trauma focused services in the state of Utah. Previously he worked for four years as the Chief Executive Officer of Valley Services, Inc., a social enterprise employing individuals with serious mental illness, substance use disorders and other employment barriers. He served for five years as Executive Director of Alliance House, Inc. a recovery program for adults with serious mental illness. He also worked for Valley Mental Health as a case manager, mental health crisis clinician, therapist and program manager. Jeremy has worked as a faculty member with the University of Phoenix teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in Social Work, Psychology and Sociology since 2004 and as a field faculty working with interns for the University of Utah School of Social Work for ten years. |
