MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Shelby County’s new mental health court is officially in session.

The court is already working with participants dealing with severe mental illness to get them help instead of jail time.

Judge Gerald Skahan has been holding court since early last month, but Tuesday, state and local leaders celebrated the court’s opening.

So far, there are three people in the program, regularly appearing in court.

“The crimes are usually what can be classified as a nuisance crime or a minor theft or a criminal trespass, and they’re usually a byproduct of the mental illness,” Skahan said.

Mental health court is for people with mental illness who were charged with nonviolent misdemeanor crimes and pleaded guilty.

They might be in the program for a year or more, depending on the person.

Ellen Abbott with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services said the court will “help them get back on their medication, help them get stable, keep them out in the community, get them engaged in mental health services in Shelby County.”

Skahan said he will take on as many cases as he can while still giving each person the right amount of attention.

He expects that could be 30 to 40 people by the end of the year.

“So far, so good,” he said.

Ultimately, the DA’s office decides who meets requirements for mental health court.