Baker Act-Receiving Facilities

The Florida Mental Health Act of 1971, commonly known as the "Baker Act" allows for involuntary examination of an individual if there is evidence that the person has a mental illness or is a harm to self or others as defined in the Baker Act. It can be initiated by judges, law enforcement officials, physicians or mental health professionals. Five BayCare Behavioral Health centers are designated as Baker Act receiving facilities:

  • Morton Plant North Bay Hospital Recovery Center is located in Lutz on a picturesque, tranquil 6.5 acre setting. It is a co-ed facility and the only freestanding psychiatric hospital in Pasco County. We offer acute care services, inpatient psychiatric crisis stabilization as well as medication management, case management and crisis intervention and support.
  • St. Joseph’s Hospital's Behavioral Health Center is the only freestanding inpatient Baker Act-receiving private psychiatric hospital in Hillsborough County. Our new campus in Tampa opened February 2012 and offers a continuum of psychiatric services for children and adults, including indoor recreation facilities to promote holistic recovery.
  • Mease Dunedin Hospital provides specialized inpatient psychiatric care to children, adults and geriatric patients in a stable, secure environment.
  • St. Anthony's Hospital
  • Morton Plant Hospital
  • Winter Haven Hospital

For more information about our Behavioral Health Services please contact our contact center at 866-762-1743 we are available Monday thru Friday 8am to 5pm.

Learn More About Behavioral Health Services in Tampa Bay

BayCare strives to offer exceptional behavioral health services for individuals and physicians in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Lutz, Dunedin, Winter Haven, Plant City, and the surrounding areas. Tell us more about your particular issue so that we can provide you with a response tailored to your needs. Physicians can also refer patients to BayCare in complete confidence.