Mighty MERP dives into the real-world intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system in this powerful conversation with Meg McCormick Hoerner and Gretchen Pickering.

From first police contact through case disposition, they unpack how mental health shapes every phase of a criminal case—and why diversion, treatment, and nuanced responses are essential for both rehabilitation and public safety.​

Certified criminal trial attorney and professor Meg McCormick Hoerner shares insights from her years as a prosecutor and defense lawyer, including how perspectives on dual diagnosis, recovery court, and competency have evolved over the last decade.

Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor Gretchen Pickering explains Cape May County’s new prosecutor-led mental health diversion program, funded by a multi-year grant, designed to move eligible defendants away from standard prosecution and into structured treatment instead.​

They break down who qualifies for mental health diversion, how eligibility is defined, the role of victims and public safety, and why these programs are not a “free pass” but a different path to accountability and reduced recidivism.

The episode also explores CIT and ARRIVE-style initiatives, the practical challenges of funding and implementation, and what all of this means for defense attorneys, prosecutors, judges, and communities trying to respond more humanely and effectively to mental health-driven behavior.​

👉 For the full episode description, guest bios, and the complete transcript, visit:
https://mightymerp.com/mental-health-courts