Forensic Multidisciplinary Teams (FMT)
Program Description
FMTs strive to help adults diagnosed with serious mental illness and divert them from Forensic State Mental Health Treatment Facilities (SMHTFs) and other residential forensic programs. FMTs provide community-based services and supports. Many of these individuals are charged with “lesser” felony offenses and do not have a significant history of violent offenses. FMTs are available 24/7.
Program Eligibility
FMTs deliver comprehensive care to adults aged 18 and over who:
- Are determined to be Incompetent to Process or Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity, as defined by Chapter 916, Florida Statutes, on a felony offense; or
- Have a serious and persistent mental illness who are charged with a felony offense and prior to adjudication, are referred to the FMT by duly authorized representative of local law enforcement, local courts, the State Attorney, the Public Defender, or the Managing Entity
Where to find services
There are 14 FMTs providing services to individuals in crisis throughout the state. To find a team that serves your county, visit the Specialty Treatment Team Maps (Link to the Multidisciplinary Treatment Team Maps).
Treatment Team Staff
The FMT model uses a team of individuals to comprehensively address the needs of the participants that includes:
- A Team Leader,
- Psychiatrist or Psychiatric Nurse,
- Case Manager,
- Therapist, and
- Administrative Assistant.
Services Offered
FMTs provide a range of services that are recovery-oriented, strengths-based, and person-centered to improve individual functioning.
A few of the services offered by FMTs are described below:
Crisis Intervention
Crisis intervention is a short-term technique used to address an immediate mental health emergency, stabilize the individual in crisis, and create and implement a safe, appropriate plan for next steps and future treatment.
Assessments
Assessment specifically includes efforts to identify the person’s key medical and psychological needs, competency to consent to treatment, history of mental illness or substance use and indicators of co-occurring conditions, as well as clinically significant neurological deficits, traumatic brain injury, organicity, physical disability, developmental disability, need for assistive devices, and physical or sexual abuse or trauma.
Case Management
The primary case manager, along with the team, coordinates care, advocates on behalf of the participant, and provides access to a variety of services and supports, such as primary health care, basic needs such as housing and transportation, educational and employment services, and legal services.
Medical Services
The Psychiatric Nurse or Psychiatrist shall provide psychiatric evaluation, and medication management, administration, and education on a regular schedule with arrangements for non-scheduled visits during times when the individual has increased stress or is in crisis.
Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Services
The FMT shall address co-occurring needs of individuals through integrated screening and assessment, followed by therapeutic interventions consistent with the individual’s readiness to change their behaviors.
Therapy
Clinicians provide and coordinate individual, group, and family therapy services. The type, frequency and location of therapy provided are based on individual needs and utilize empirically supported techniques for that individual and their symptoms and behaviors.