Mental Health

The purpose of this unit is to provide a basic understanding of these topics related to mental health issues. First, this unit will review forms of mental illnesses and disabilities that can lead to a need for guardianship. The unit includes an overview of mental health issues that you may see as a guardian, including cognitive, mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders. You will also be provided with a review of closed head injuries and developmental disabilities that may be seen either alone or in combination with these other mental disorders. This unit provides a review of the Florida Mental Health Act, also known as the Baker Act, which explains the legal process by which an individual suspected of a mental disorder can be involuntarily examined.

The Unit also covers the Florida Substance Abuse Impairment Act/Marchman Act which authorizes involuntary admission and treatment for substance abuse. Both the Baker Act and the Marchman Act are designed to provide the state’s mentally ill population with treatment in the least restrictive but most effective way for the patient. It is important to note that while not all guardianship cases will involve the invocation of the Baker or Marchman Acts, guardians do need to be aware of their legal implications.