PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Police are still waiting Pennsylvania State Representative Kevin Boyle to turn himself in on an arrest warrant. According to police, the order is for violating a protection from abuse order.
Sources tell CBS Philadelphia that he texted his estranged wife.
Boyles The Fox Chase office remained closed following news of his arrest warrant. If he is arrested, it would be the second time.
In 2021, he was accused of harassing and violating a protective order filed by his estranged wife.
Over the years, he has also openly stated that he sought treatment in mental health facilities.
In a statement, Boyle’s brother, Congressman Brendan Boyle, said their family has been trying to get him back into treatment.
The statement read in part: “…we are frustrated by a system that gives little power to the loved ones of an adult with a serious mental illness.”
It is a system that Dr. Mark Novitsky, a psychiatrist, said it’s difficult to navigate.
“We can provide them with the most direct inpatient assistance through a process called 302 Petition, but even that is complex,” said Dr. Novitsky.
Clinical social workers Annike Sprow and Jessica Drake said it’s difficult to find a balance between doing what’s best for a loved one and forcing a decision on them.
Experts are cautious about commenting because we don’t know Boyle’s specific mental health issues.
“The bottom line is that adults in Pennsylvania can make their own decision about their own mental health care,” Sprow said.
In 2021, approximately 26.5 million of the 57.8 million adults with mental illness received mental health care in the past year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
“There are a lot of crisis centers in the city,” said Dr. Novitsky. “You can go in there. You can call the crisis line to get help and say, ‘Hey, where do I start? How do I handle this?'”
The mental health experts who spoke to CBS Philadelphia said Boyle’s situation could also affect the mental health of his family members.
“Make sure you actually see a mental health professional because it can be a lot to support individuals,” Drake said.
Although experts say mental health treatment can be a difficult and ongoing process, there is hope.
“There is a good prognosis if a person remains with a provider and continues to take appropriate medications,” said Dr. Novitsky.
There is no word yet on whether Boyle will resign.
If you are struggling with your mental health, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or 988. CBS News Philadelphia also has a list of mental health resources.
Marcella Baietto
