Mental health professionals are natural choices for mediators and ADR professionals due to their advanced training in communication and negotiation.

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) refers to dispute resolution processes and techniques that fall outside of the judicial process. ADR allows certain cases and situations to be handled without burdening the court system, etc. ADR has gained widespread acceptance among both the general public and the legal profession in recent years and some courts now require parties to resort to ADR of some type, usually mediation, before permitting the parties' cases to be tried. The rising popularity of ADR can be explained by the increasing caseload of traditional courts, the fact that ADR usually costs less than litigation, a preference for confidentiality, and the desire of some parties to have greater control over the selection of the individual or individuals who will decide their dispute. ADR can help facilitate a win-win situation which leaves the parties happier with the outcome.

ADR is generally classified into at least three subtypes: negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. At BHC of Texarkana, we have professionals available for negotiation and mediation.

· In negotiation, participation is voluntary and there is no third party who facilitates the resolution process or imposes a resolution. The negotiator acts on behalf of one of the parties.

· In mediation, there is a third party, a mediator, who facilitates the resolution process, helps the parties to identify issues, but does not impose a resolution on the parties.

 

Mediation can be used in any situation where different parties need assistance to come to a solution or agreement: divorce and custody cases, employer/employee relations, neighbors, students, etc. Mediation enables the parties to create their own solutions and to maintain control of the process.

To determine if ADR is appropriate for you, please contact us.

         Alternative Dispute Resolution

Behavioral Health Center

Of Texarkana