Court-Ordered Treatment in Smith County, Texas

Smith County's mental health materials define mental illness to exclude substance abuse, so ask the County Court how it handles chemical dependency applications under Chapter 462.

The county's published materials describe the mental health commitment process. Applications under Chapter 462 for alcohol or drug addiction generally use the same court and filing office, but ask the clerk or the county attorney's office how they handle chemical dependency cases before you file.

How the process works

• Who can file: any adult, or the county or district attorney. Private applicants must attach a physician's certificate.
• Where: the county where the person lives, is found or is already receiving court-ordered or emergency treatment; for most Smith County residents, that's Smith County.
• Hearing: set within 14 days and held by day 30; two physician certificates must be on file.
• Rights: an appointed attorney if the person has none, and a jury unless waived in writing.
• Order: at least 30 and no more than 90 days of treatment at an HHSC-approved facility, or outpatient treatment if the court allows.

Read the full step-by-step filing guide.

Crisis help in Smith County

Smith County is served by Andrews Center Behavioral Healthcare System, the county's local mental health authority. Its 24-hour crisis line is 877-934-2131. Anyone in Texas can also call or text 988. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

Detox and treatment near Smith County

Courts commit people only to approved facilities, and voluntary admission is often faster. Many families line up a program while they prepare an application.

See the court-ordered treatment guide and treatment in Smith County. This page is general information, not legal advice. Local procedures change; confirm with the county before filing.