Harris County Mental Health Warrant: How To Get Help for Someone in a Mental Health Crisis

If you need a mental health warrant in Harris County, contact the Mental Health Division of the Harris County Clerk’s Office at Harris County Psychiatric Center, 2800 South MacGregor Way, Houston, TX 77021.

The phone number listed by HCPC is 713-741-6014, and the office is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM, except holidays. If the person is an immediate danger to themselves or others, call 911 first and ask for a Crisis Intervention Team officer if available.

I’m Nick Bryant, author of the No Waitlist Guide to Mental Health Help in Houston, and I’ve connected over 7,000+ clients to things like emergency psychiatric services in Houston. 

If the person is in immediate danger, threatening suicide, threatening to hurt someone, using weapons, setting fires, acting violently, or doing something that could get them or someone else hurt, call 911 now. Tell the dispatcher this is a mental health crisis and ask for a Crisis Intervention Team officer or mental health-trained officer if one is available.

Quick Answer: How To File a Mental Health Warrant in Harris County

To request a mental health warrant in Harris County, contact the Mental Health Division of the Harris County Clerk’s Office, which is located at Harris County Psychiatric Center.

Harris County Psychiatric Center
2800 South MacGregor Way
Houston, TX 77021

Mental Health Warrant / Harris County Clerk Mental Health Division:
713-741-6014

Hours:
Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM, except holidays

Website:
https://hcpc.uth.edu/pages/access/court-ordered-involuntary-services.htm

HCPC states that court-ordered mental health services are handled through the Mental Health Division of the Harris County Clerk’s Office at HCPC, located at 2800 South MacGregor Way. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM, except holidays, and the listed phone number is 713-741-6014.

The Harris County Clerk also says mental health warrant paperwork should be completed using behavior from the last 30 days, but the forms should not be signed until they are presented in person at 2800 S. MacGregor Way, Houston, TX 77021.

If This Is an Emergency, Call 911 First

A mental health warrant can take time. If the crisis is happening right now, call 911 instead of waiting.

Call 911 if the person is:

• Threatening suicide
• Threatening to hurt or kill someone
• Using or carrying a weapon
• Setting fires or threatening to burn something down
• Trying to enter someone else’s home
• Acting violently
• Running into traffic
• Severely confused, paranoid, or psychotic in a dangerous way
• Unable to stay safe
• Putting children, family members, neighbors, or themselves in danger

When you call, say:

“This is a mental health crisis. The person has a history of mental illness. Can you send a Crisis Intervention Team officer or mental health-trained officer if one is available?”

Houston has crisis-trained mental health response resources. Houston’s Crisis Intervention Response Team pairs a Houston CIT officer with a master’s-level licensed clinician from The Harris Center for serious mental health crisis calls.

What Is a Mental Health Warrant?

A mental health warrant is a legal tool used when someone may need emergency psychiatric evaluation but is refusing help.

The purpose is not to punish the person or charge them with a crime. The purpose is to get them safely evaluated when their mental illness may be causing them to become dangerous to themselves or others.

A mental health warrant may be considered when a person’s behavior shows they may need emergency psychiatric care, but they are unwilling to go voluntarily.

When a Mental Health Warrant May Be Appropriate

A mental health warrant may be appropriate if the person is showing dangerous behavior related to mental illness.

Examples may include:

• They threatened to kill themselves.
• They threatened to hurt someone else.
• They are hearing voices telling them to hurt themselves or others.
• They are paranoid and acting in a dangerous way.
• They are trying to enter other people’s homes.
• They are setting fires or threatening to burn property.
• They are not sleeping, not eating, and acting unsafe.
• They stopped treatment and are getting worse.
• They are behaving in a way that could get them hurt by police, neighbors, or others.
• They are unable to care for themselves safely because of their mental health condition.

The key is to focus on specific behavior, especially behavior from the last 30 days. Avoid vague statements like “they are crazy” or “they need help.” Instead, explain exactly what happened.

How To File a Mental Health Warrant in Harris County

To start the process, contact or go to the Mental Health Division of the Harris County Clerk’s Office at Harris County Psychiatric Center.

Address:
Harris County Psychiatric Center
2800 South MacGregor Way
Houston, TX 77021

Phone:
713-741-6014

Hours:
Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM, except holidays

Website:
https://hcpc.uth.edu/pages/access/court-ordered-involuntary-services.htm

The person requesting the warrant will usually need to complete paperwork explaining why they believe the person is a danger to themselves or others. The Harris County Clerk’s Office says the paperwork should include behavior from the last 30 days and should not be signed until presented in person at HCPC.

What Information Should You Write Down Before You Go?

Before calling or going to HCPC, write down the facts. This will make it easier to explain the situation clearly.

Try to gather:

• The person’s full name
• Their date of birth or age
• Their current location
• Their home address
• Their phone number, if known
• Mental health diagnosis, if known
• Medication names, if known
• Whether they stopped taking medication
• Substance use concerns, if any
• Prior psychiatric hospitalizations
• Recent suicide threats or attempts
• Recent threats toward others
• Violent behavior
• Access to weapons
• Police calls or recent arrests
• Names of doctors, clinics, or hospitals involved
• What you personally saw or heard
• Dates and times of recent incidents
• Why you believe the person is a danger to self or others

Be factual. Say what happened, when it happened, and who witnessed it.

Examples:

• “He said last night that he was going to kill himself.”
• “She walked into traffic yesterday and said she wanted to die.”
• “He threatened to set the house on fire.”
• “She is hearing voices and said the voices told her to hurt someone.”
• “He has been trying to enter neighbors’ homes and has already been given a no-trespass warning.”

Specific details are more helpful than general statements.

Does the Person’s Location Need To Be Known?

Yes. The person’s location matters because law enforcement must know where to find them if the warrant is issued.

If you do not know where the person is, explain that when you call HCPC, The Harris Center, or law enforcement. Ask what options are available if the person’s location is unknown.

What Happens After a Mental Health Warrant Is Issued?

If the warrant is approved, law enforcement may locate the person and transport them for emergency psychiatric evaluation.

HCPC explains that arrangements for court-ordered mental health services are made through the Mental Health Division of the Harris County Clerk’s Office at HCPC.

A warrant does not always mean the person will be hospitalized long-term. It usually starts the evaluation and court process. Medical professionals and the court determine what happens next.

Possible outcomes may include:

• Emergency psychiatric evaluation
• Inpatient psychiatric hospitalization
• Court-ordered outpatient services
• Dismissal if the legal standard is not met
• Referral to another treatment option

Families are often frustrated because they want immediate long-term treatment. But the process must also consider medical necessity, safety, legal rights, and whether the person meets the standard for involuntary care.

What To Say When You Call 911 During a Mental Health Crisis

If you call 911, try to give clear information.

• Tell the dispatcher:
• The person’s name
• The exact location
• Whether they have a weapon
• Whether they made threats
• Whether they are suicidal
• Whether they are threatening others
• Whether children or elderly people are nearby
• Whether they have a mental health diagnosis
• Whether they are using drugs or alcohol
• Whether they stopped medication
• Whether they have been hospitalized before
• Whether they are hearing voices or acting paranoid
• Whether there has been violence before

You can say:

• “This is a mental health crisis.”
• “The person may be scared, paranoid, or confused.”
• “Please send a CIT officer if available.”
• “There are weapons in the home.”
• “The person has threatened suicide.”
• “The person has threatened family members.”
• “The person has set fires or threatened to set a fire.”

The more specific you are, the better the dispatcher can understand the risk.

Mental Health Police and Crisis Response in Houston

Houston Police Department has a Mental Health Division that includes crisis intervention programs and mental health response efforts. HPD lists Crisis Intervention Training as a 40-hour training for officers and also describes mental health case management services for people with repeated mental health-related calls.

Houston also has CIRT, the Crisis Intervention Response Team. CIRT pairs a Houston CIT officer with a licensed clinician from The Harris Center to respond to serious mental health crisis calls.

This does not guarantee a specific officer will be available when you call, but it is still worth asking for a CIT officer or mental health-trained officer when the situation involves mental illness.

What If the Person Is Willing To Get Help?

If the person is willing to go voluntarily, that is usually the best option.

You can call The Harris Center Crisis and Access Line at:

713-970-7000

The Harris Center says its 24/7 Crisis and Access Line is always open with counselors available for mental health support.

You can also consider the NeuroPsychiatric Center, also called NPC.

NeuroPsychiatric Center
1502 Ben Taub Loop
Houston, TX 77030

Phone:
713-970-7000

Website:
https://www.theharriscenter.org/location/neuropsychiatric-center-npc

The Harris Center lists NPC at 1502 Ben Taub Loop and says the location operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

NeuroPsychiatric Center in Houston

The NeuroPsychiatric Center, also called NPC, is one of the main public psychiatric emergency resources in Harris County.

NPC is managed by The Harris Center and is located in the Texas Medical Center area.

Address:
1502 Ben Taub Loop
Houston, TX 77030

Phone:
713-970-7000

Hours:
24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Website:
https://www.theharriscenter.org/location/neuropsychiatric-center-npc

NPC may be an option when someone is in a psychiatric crisis and willing to go for help.

Harris County Psychiatric Center

Harris County Psychiatric Center, also called HCPC, is located at:

2800 South MacGregor Way
Houston, TX 77021

HCPC is also where the Mental Health Division of the Harris County Clerk’s Office handles mental health warrant matters.

Mental health warrant phone:
713-741-6014

HCPC admissions:
713-741-3883

Website:
https://hcpc.uth.edu

HCPC describes itself as a major inpatient psychiatric care provider in Houston that serves adults, adolescents, and children.

Mental Health Warrants for Children in Harris County

If your child or teenager needs psychiatric help, call The Harris Center.

The Harris Center children/adolescent appointment line:
713-970-7070

The Harris Center Crisis and Access Line:
713-970-7000

For children and adolescents seeking psychiatric treatment, HCPC’s public mental health system page says appointments can be requested through The Harris Center by calling 713-970-7070.

If your child is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

What If the Person Refuses Help but Is Not Immediately Dangerous?

This is one of the hardest situations for families.

If the person is not in immediate danger, but you are worried they are getting worse, you can:

• Call The Harris Center Crisis Line at 713-970-7000.
• Call HCPC Mental Health Division at 713-741-6014.
• Ask whether the behavior may qualify for a mental health warrant.
• Write down specific incidents from the last 30 days.
• Contact the person’s psychiatrist, clinic, or treatment provider if known.
• Remove weapons if it can be done safely and legally.
• Create a safety plan for yourself and others in the home.
• Call 911 if the situation becomes dangerous.

A person refusing medication or acting strangely may not be enough by itself. The concern becomes more urgent when they are a danger to themselves, a danger to others, or unable to function safely.

What If Drugs or Alcohol Are Involved?

Mental illness and substance use can overlap. If the person is intoxicated, using drugs, withdrawing, psychotic, suicidal, or violent, tell 911, The Harris Center, or HCPC.

Do not hide substance use. It can affect where the person is taken and what type of care they need.

If there is immediate danger, call 911.

What If You Are Afraid the Person Will Be Arrested?

This is a real concern.

When you call 911, clearly explain that this is a mental health crisis and ask for a CIT officer if available. Houston’s CIRT program is designed for serious mental health crisis calls and pairs a crisis-trained officer with a licensed clinician.

Still, safety comes first. If the person is armed, violent, making threats, or actively endangering others, law enforcement may have to respond.

About My Experience With Mental Health Crisis Resources

I am Nick Bryant, and I am not an attorney, doctor, or judge. My background is in Houston community health, mental health crisis work, and service navigation.

I previously worked as a Mobile Crisis Outreach Counselor, where I worked with people in crisis and coordinated with psychiatrists, law enforcement, and treatment teams. I have also worked in Houston community health for more than 13 years and helped connect over 7,000 residents to healthcare, behavioral health services, housing resources, government benefits, and other local support programs.

This guide is based on that service navigation experience. For legal, medical, or emergency questions, contact HCPC, The Harris Center, 911, or a qualified professional.

What If You Are the Person in Crisis?

If you are the person struggling and you are afraid you might hurt yourself or someone else, get help now.

You can:

• Call or text 988
• Call The Harris Center Crisis Line at 713-970-7000
• Go to the NeuroPsychiatric Center
• Go to the nearest emergency room
• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger

You do not have to wait until things get worse.

Helpful Phone Numbers

The Harris Center Crisis and Access Line:
713-970-7000

The Harris Center children/adolescent appointment line:
713-970-7070

Harris County Psychiatric Center Mental Health Division / Warrant Information:
713-741-6014

Harris County Psychiatric Center Admissions:
713-741-3883

NeuroPsychiatric Center:
713-970-7000

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:
Call or text 988

Emergency:
911

What To Do Before You Go to HCPC

Before going to HCPC to request a warrant, call first if possible.

Ask:

• Are mental health warrant applications being accepted today?
• What time should I arrive?
• What documents should I bring?
• Do I need the person’s current location?
• Do I need the person’s address?
• Should I print forms first?
• Should I sign the forms before arriving?
• What happens after I apply?
• What if the person is missing?
• What if weapons are involved?
• What if the person is a child?

The Harris County Clerk says mental health warrant paperwork should not be signed until you are in the presence of a clerk at HCPC.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Do not wait on a warrant if someone is in immediate danger. Call 911.
• Do not use vague language like “acting crazy.” Give specific facts.
• Do not hide information about weapons, threats, violence, or substance use.
• Do not assume a warrant guarantees long-term hospitalization.
• Do not go to the wrong location without calling first.
• Do not ignore your own safety.
• Do not argue with someone who is paranoid, psychotic, intoxicated, or escalating.
• Do not promise the person they will not be hospitalized if you do not know that.
• Do not assume police know the mental health history unless you tell the dispatcher.

What If You Are a Case Manager, Social Worker, or Healthcare Worker?

If you are helping a client or family member understand the mental health warrant process, help them organize the facts.

Ask:

• What happened?
• When did it happen?
• Who witnessed it?
• Was there a threat?
• Was there a weapon?
• Was there a suicide attempt or plan?
• Was there violence?
• Is the person refusing treatment?
• Where is the person right now?
• Has the person been hospitalized before?
• Are children, elderly people, or vulnerable people at risk?

Good documentation can help the family explain the situation more clearly to HCPC, The Harris Center, law enforcement, or a judge.

Conclusion

To file a mental health warrant in Harris County, contact the Mental Health Division of the Harris County Clerk’s Office at Harris County Psychiatric Center. The current number listed by HCPC is 713-741-6014, and the office is located at 2800 South MacGregor Way, Houston, TX 77021. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM, except holidays.

If the person is in immediate danger, call 911 and ask for a Crisis Intervention Team officer or mental health-trained officer if available. If the person is willing to get help, call The Harris Center Crisis and Access Line at 713-970-7000 or consider the NeuroPsychiatric Center at 1502 Ben Taub Loop.

Mental health crises are scary, especially when someone refuses help. The best thing you can do is act early, explain the facts clearly, protect your own safety, and contact the right crisis resource based on how urgent the situation is.

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