PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Police are still waiting. Pennsylvania Congressman Kevin Boyle Surrender in accordance with the arrest warrant. Police said the warrant was for violation of an abuse prevention order.
Sources told CBS Philadelphia that he texted his estranged wife.
Mr. Boyle's Fox Chase's offices remained closed following news of the arrest warrant. If he is arrested, it will be the second time.
In 2021, he was charged with harassment in violation of a protective order filed by his estranged wife.
Over the years, he has also publicly revealed that he seeks treatment in a mental health facility.
Boyle's brother, Congressman Brendan Boyle, said in a statement that the family is working to get Boyle back into treatment.
“We are frustrated by a system that provides little power to the loved ones of adults with serious mental health conditions,” the statement reads in part.
Psychiatrist Dr. Mark Nowitzki said it's a difficult system to navigate.
“You can get the most immediate inpatient help through a process called a 302 petition, but even that is complicated,” Dr. Nowitzki said.
Clinical social workers Anike Sprow and Jessica Drake said it's difficult to balance doing what's best for loved ones and imposing decisions on them.
Experts are cautious about commenting because they don't know the specifics of Boyle's mental health issues.
“Ultimately, it comes down to the fact that adults in Pennsylvania can make their own decisions about their own mental health treatment,” Sprow said.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2021, about 26.5 million of the 57.8 million adults with some form of mental illness received mental health services in the past year.
“There are a lot of crisis centers in the city,” Dr. Nowitzki said. “You can go in there. You can call the crisis line and ask for help and say, 'Where do I start? What do I do?'”
Mental health experts who spoke to CBS Philadelphia said Boyle's situation could also impact the mental health of his family.
“It's hard to support individuals, so make sure you actually see a mental health professional as well,” Drake says.
Experts said mental health treatment can be a difficult and ongoing process, but there is hope.
“The prognosis is good if the individual sticks to their health care provider and continues to take the appropriate medications,” Dr. Nowitzki said.
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.
