Emergency Mental Health Commitments (Mental Warrant)

Any adult may file an application with a magistrate, including a justice court judge, for an emergency mental health commitment.

The application must state:

  1. That the applicant has reason to believe and does believe that the person evidences mental illness;
  2. That the applicant has reason to believe and does believe that the person evidences a substantial risk of serious harm to himself or others;
  3. A specific description of the risk of harm;
  4. That the applicant has reason to believe and does believe that the risk of harm is immiment unless the person is immediately restrained;
  5. That the applicant's beliefs are derived from specific recent behavior, overt acts, attempts or threats;
  6. A detailed description of the specific behavior, acts, attempts or threats; and
  7. A detailed description of the applicant's relationship to the person whose detention is sought

The application may be accompanied by any relevant information.

The application must be personally presented to the magistrate. The magistrate may issue to a peace officer a warrant for the person's immediate apprehension if the magistrate finds reasonable cause to believe that:

  1. The person evidences mental illness;
  2. The person evidences a substantial risk of serious harm to himself or others;
  3. The risk of harm is imminent unless the person is immediately restrained; and
  4. The necessary restraint cannot be accomplished without emergency detention

Person's applying for a EMHC should first contact MHMR of Tarrant County. MHMR provides help to individuals with severe mental illness and other serious emotional disturbances. MHMR can help with diagnosis of an illness, financial assistance, medical care, prescriptions and treatment options. MHMR's Crisis Services provides mental health emergency support for 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 www.mhmrtarrant.org.