MCES Operations and COVID-19 Precautions

Safety Measures

  • Prevention of harm/ destruction of self, others, and/ or property
  • Relief of acute psychiatric symptoms
  • Clinical interventions addressing impulse control, suicidal or homicidal ideation, and psychosis
  • Daily psychoeducational groups on the nature of mental illness, coping skills, and suicide awareness

Services and Programs

  • Our Crisis Center, crisis hot line, inpatient psychiatric unit, crisis residential program (Carol’s Place), and our psychiatric emergency medical service (EMS) facility are fully operational 24/7.
  • We have implemented additional training for all staff on handwashing and hand sanitization.
  • We have increased the frequency of the required cleaning and sanitization of our facilities.
  • We have altered our therapeutic group activities to allow for social distancing.

Montgomery County Commitment Office

  • The MCES Crisis Center is available to assist individuals seeking to file a petition for an involuntary psychiatric evaluation.
  • For your safety and the safety of our patients, we have instituted measures to reduce the need to enter our Crisis area.
  • Prospective petitioners may present a valid photo ID at the front window of the MCES Crisis Center. They will receive the necessary documentation for completion in their vehicle. Completed documentation is returned to our front window for review. Petitioners are contacted by phone if there are questions.
  • Mental Health Delegates remain available 24/7 to review petitions for involuntary psychiatric evaluations and to assist with questions regarding involuntary psychiatric evaluation and treatment.
  • Petitioners are notified by phone when a warrant has been issued, when the warrant is to be served, and the outcome of the evaluation.

Mental Health Court Hearings

All legal proceedings related to an initial involuntary hospitalization or subsequent involuntary treatment are conducted on a remote basis at this time while assuring that patients receive due process. Petitioners provide testimony by phone/video.

Visitation and Patient Communication

To protect the health and safety of our patients, staff and community, in-person visits with patients are suspended temporarily. We will monitor any changes in guidance related to visitation and communicate any updates in visiting limitations.

Our staff work with patients to arrange contacts with family members and other supports by phone and video. We provide patients the ability to have face-time with family members upon request.

In-person contact with patients is limited to providers (i.e., therapists, case managers, recovery coaches, peer specialists) affiliated with specific agencies with which the patient is engaged. Such visit must be scheduled in advance. Provider visitors must complete a COVID screening questionnaire, temperature check, and be masked at all times.


Helpful Links:

CDC COVID Guidelines

PA Department of Human Services COVID Guidelines