Resources

The primary goal of groups like alcoholics, narcotics and overeaters anonymous is for those on their recovery journey to find a community of like-minded individuals who understand their struggles and to learn from their experiences.

AA, NA and OA meetings are available every day, both in person and virtually.

Find AA meetings near you.

Find NA meetings near you.

View OA meetings in Central Florida.

For more resources, visit Find a Provider.

The Florida Mental Health Act, commonly referred to as the Baker Act, focuses on crisis services for individuals with mental illness, much like an emergency department is for individuals experiencing a medical emergency. An individual may be taken to a receiving facility for involuntary examination under the Baker Act if:

There is reason to believe he/she has a mental illness and due to the mental illness, the individual has refused or is unable to determine if examination is necessary; and either: Without care or treatment, the individual is unlikely to care for themselves which can result in substantial harm to their well-being, and it is not evident that harm can be avoided through familial intervention or other services; or it is likely, based on recent behavior, that without treatment, the individual will pose a serious threat to themselves or others.

At the receiving facility, a psychiatrist will evaluate the individual within 24 hours after medical clearance. The facility may decide the person is safe to return home, discuss with the person their option to sign into the facility for further treatment voluntarily or petition the local court system to treat the person on an involuntary basis. The facility has 72 hours after medical clearance to file this petition. A hearing is held at the facility to determine the length of stay and/or allow the person to ask the magistrate to order a discharge from the facility. The magistrate makes this determination and the facility carries out appropriate stabilization treatment with the person until the psychiatrist determines he/she is safe to be discharged.

The Marchman Act provides a way for a person struggling with substance abuse to be involuntarily committed to a treatment facility for evaluation and treatment. This process is initiated at the Polk County Courthouse at 255 N. Broadway Ave. in Bartow, FL, 33830, at the behavioral health counter.

Family or friends of a person who seems to be a danger to themselves or others to mental illness or substance use can make a request of the court system for the person to be ordered to be evaluated by appropriate professionals. This process is initiated at the Polk County Courthouse at 255 N. Broadway Ave. in Bartow, FL, 33830, at the behavioral health counter. You will be given a form to complete with the information you are aware of to assist the court in making a decision.

No. Many treatment centers have options to help those with no insurance access treatment. Please refer to each specific program/treatment center for options.

If the child or disabled adult needs immediate care, call 911. You may also take them to the nearest emergency room. If outpatient care (not hospital care) is needed, the individual’s case manager should be able to obtain the proper services. In most cases, if the dependency system is not involved, the child’s parent will have to consent to treatment. In the case of a disabled adult, the legal guardian (if they have one) will consent to treatment. If the disabled adult has no guardian, they are legally capable of consenting to their own treatment.

Peace River Center’s Club Success provides “a supportive environment where adults with serious, persistent mental illness can rebuild their self-respect, dignity and abilities.”

Overeaters Anonymous (OA) provides support for people who struggle with compulsive eating.

The UF IFAS/Extension Services in Polk Family and Consumer Sciences program offers nutrition and healthy living information, resources and classes. If you would like to view scheduled classes on topics such ways to manage diabetes, eat healthy on a budget and make a spending plan to save money, visit In the Community or contact Family and Consumer Sciences at (863) 519-1072 upcoming classes.

United Way’s 211 will connect you with social services information in Polk County including shelter and housing options.

Other resources:

Housing Authority of Bartow

City of Davenport – State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program

Lake Wales Housing Authority

Lakeland Housing Authority

Mulberry Housing Authority

Polk County Housing and Neighborhood Development

Winter Haven Housing Authority

Lack of health insurance should not prevent you from seeking behavioral health care. If you are a Polk County resident with little or no income, the Polk HealthCare Plan may be a solution. The Polk HealthCare Plan is not insurance, and members do not need a referral to see a behavioral health care provider.

We Care of Central Florida’s Project Ride to Health program increases access to health care in Polk County by providing residents with no-cost transportation to their health care appointments. If you have health insurance, your insurance provider may also transportation to health care appointments.