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Crisis Response Guide
If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of mental illness, it is important to access mental health services before the situation becomes a crisis. You can access these services by calling the MHMRA Helpline at 713-970-7000 if you live in Harris County.
If there is NOT AN IMMEDIATE THREAT OF DANGER but someone is acting out due to his/her mental state, and you live in the City of Houston, call the Houston Police Department’s non-emergency number at 713-884-3131 and request that a Crisis Intervention Trained (CIT) officer be dispatched to the location of the incident.
If someone, due to his/her mental state is acting out and there IS AN IMMEDIATE THREAT OF DANGER to that person or someone else, call 911.
An immediate threat of danger can include threats to hurt self or another.
Calling 911
When you call 911, it is important to try to remain calm. You will need to provide important information in order for the emergency to be successfully resolved. Try to speak clearly and calmly; do not shout.
Essential Information
Provide to the 911 Operator:
- Your Details:
- Your name and address.
- Incident Location:
- Where the incident is occurring.
- Person in Crisis:
- Their name.
- Your relationship to them.
- Physical Description:
- A description of the person (e.g., height, build, clothing).
- Mental Health Information:
- Any known mental illness or diagnosis.
- Medications the person takes.
- Whether they have stopped taking their medication.
- Behavior and Risk Factors:
- If the person is acting violently or has a history of violence.
- If there are weapons present (and can you safely remove them).
- Current Situation:
- What the person is doing, saying, or experiencing.
When Police Arrive
Tips for a Safe Interaction:
- Ensure Visibility:
- Turn on all lights in the house (if indoors) to ensure everyone can be clearly seen.
- Keep Hands Free:
- Do not hold anything in your hands when meeting the officer(s).
- Approach Carefully:
- Walk—don’t run—toward the officers.
- Introduce Yourself:
- Calmly identify yourself to the officers.
- Share Helpful Details:
- Offer any information you think might assist them.
- Communicate Clearly:
- Be concise and clear in your responses.
First Responders Guide
The Mental Health Division developed a guide for helping Texas peace officers understand the Texas Health and Safety Code.
This guide provides Texas law enforcement professionals with practical tools and techniques for responding effectively to individuals experiencing serious mental health crises. It covers:
- Key criteria for emergency detention under Texas law.
- Signs and behaviors to identify mental health crises.
- De-escalation techniques to ensure safety and reduce conflict.
- Legal protections and responsibilities for officers.
- Procedures for handling firearms, transportation, and medical clearance.
- Insights into proactive and collaborative programs to prevent recurring crises.
The guide can be downloaded below:
Phone Numbers and Links
| Service | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Houston Police Emergency | 9-1-1 |
| Houston Police Department (non-emergency) | 713-884-3131 |
| HPD Mental Health Division | 832-394-4200 |
| The Harris Center Helpline and Crisis Line | 713-970-7000 |
| Ben Taub Psychiatric Unit | 713-873-2631 |
| Neuropsychiatric Center (NPC) | 713-970-4640 |
| Michael E. Debakey VA Medical Center | 713-791-1414 |
| Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) | 988 or 713-970-7000 Option #1 |
| Bristow/PATH Homeless Unit | 713-970-7413 |
| Crisis Intervention Houston | 832-416-1177 |
| Teen Crisis Hotline (Call) | 713-529-8336 |
| Teen Crisis Hotline (Text) | 281-201-4430 |
| Suicide Hotline | 800-784-2433 |
| Combined Arms – Veteran Services | 888-737-3112 |
| Adult Protective Services | 713-767-2700 |
| Harris County Psychiatric Center (HCPC) | 713-741-5000 |
| Precinct 1 Constables Office at HCPC | 713-741-6012 |
| Star of Hope | 713-748-0700 |
| Salvation Army | 713-752-0677 |
| Houston Service Helpline | 3-1-1 |