The applicant (person who is filing for commitment) requests and completes an application for a court order from the Harris County Probate Court 3 at HCPC.

MHMRA staff at HCPC will screen the applicant once a hospital bed is available. Those in most need will receive treatment first. (Bed availability may take longer for those seeking chemical dependency services).

The person is apprehended by a Harris County Deputy Constable and brought to HCPC. (The whereabouts of the proposed patient must be known in order for apprehension to occur).

The HCPC physician must provide a medical certificate within 24 hours of the patient’s admission in order for the court to determine whether to issue an order of protective custody (OPC).

Within 72 hours of the issuance of the OPC, a hearing is held in which the judge determines whether or not to hold the person until the actual hearing. The applicant does not have to be present at this hearing.

The final hearing must occur within 2 weeks of detention. During the hearing, the court determines the appropriate treatment based on testimony provided by the applicant (usually a family member or a friend), medical experts, and the patient. The applicant must be present for this hearing.