Emergency Mental Health Commitments (Mental Warrant)

An EMHW allows authorities to detain a person who appears to be mentally ill and poses a substantial and immediate risk of harm to themselves or others, or who is experiencing severe mental deterioration and cannot meet basic needs.

The warrant permits:

• Emergency apprehension by law enforcement
• Transport to an appropriate facility for evaluation
• A psychiatric assessment to determine whether further treatment or hospitalization is needed

Emergency Mental Health Warrant (EMHW) – Hearing Request Process

• Schedule an Appointment: To request a hearing, call 817‑884‑1395 to schedule an appointment. You will be asked to provide:
  • Your full name
  • Your email address
  • A reliable phone number

• Prepare for a Zoom Hearing: All EMHW hearings are conducted via Zoom. Before your hearing:
  • Download the Zoom application on your phone or computer
  • Ensure you know how to join a Zoom meeting

• Complete the Required Form: After receiving your hearing date and time:
  • Complete the EMHW form using Adobe Fill and Sign (Click Here to Access the Application)
  • The completed form will automatically be emailed to the court
  • This step MUST be completed on the same day you receive your appointment information to keep your scheduled date and time

• Attend Your Hearing: On the day of your hearing:
  • Log into Zoom 15 minutes before your scheduled time
  • Be prepared to explain the reasons for your request

• Provide Your Observations : During the hearing, you will need to describe—based on your personal knowledge—what you have observed:
  • Within the last 72 hours, and Specifically within the last 24 hours
  • Your description should explain behaviors or conditions showing that the individual:
    • Is an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others, or
    • Is experiencing substantial mental or physical deterioration preventing them from meeting basic needs (food, clothing, health, or safety), and
    • Is unable to make a rational, informed decision about whether to accept treatment

• If the Warrant is Granted: If the judge grants the Emergency Mental Health Warrant, the Sheriff’s Department will contact you with further instructions regarding the next steps.

MHMR provides help to individuals with severe mental illness and other serious emotional disturbances. MHMR can help with the diagnosis of an illness, financial assistance, medical care, prescriptions, and treatment options. MHMR's Crisis Services provides mental health emergency support 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year, and is the first point of contact to begin eligibility assessment. Call 817-335-3022 or 1-800-866-2465.

For more information, contact MHMR at 817-569-4300 or click here to visit the MHMR website.