Emergency Mental Health Commitments (Mental Warrant)

Persons applying for a EMHC should first contact MHMR of Tarrant County. Any adult may file an application with MHMR to then refer to a Magistrate, including a Justice Court Judge, for an emergency mental health commitment.

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 visit www.mhmrtarrant.org. Please see below information regarding filing an application with MHMR and appearing before a Magistrate/ Justice Court Judge. 

 

The application must state and  may be accompanied by any relevant information.

  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 imminent 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 must be personally presented to a Magistrate/ Justice Court Judge. If  the magistrate finds reasonable cause (see below) and approves that mental health warrant be issued, it will be issued to a peace officer for the person's immediate apprehension.

  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