Jail Diversion Services

When someone is involved or at risk for involvement in the criminal justice system, or court ordered for treatment, jail diversion and competency restoration programs can help them get the services they need to stay in the community and take care of their health.

Court-Ordered Outpatient Mental Health Services

Court-ordered outpatient mental health services are provided to people who are court-ordered to undergo outpatient mental health treatment. The court determines that the person is at low risk of harm to self or others. People are placed by the court on a temporary or extended commitment for mental health services under Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 574 by the court system.

Who Is Eligible for Court-Ordered Outpatient Mental Health services?

People ordered by a non-criminal court to receive outpatient mental health services.

How Do I Get Court-Ordered Outpatient Mental Health services?

A judge may order someone to receive temporary Court-Ordered Outpatient Mental Health services not to exceed 90 days.

Harris County Mental Health Jail Diversion

Mental Health Jail Diversion is a project in Harris County designed to help people with mental health diagnoses get services without going to jail. People get services from a team of professionals that include doctors, nurses and counselors.

What Are the Benefits of MHJDP Services?

  • Reduced effects of mental or physical health symptoms
  • Help with staying in the community
  • Help with legal issues

Who Is Eligible for MHJDP Services?

Adults:

  • Who live in Harris County
  • With mental illness
  • With or without a substance use disorder
  • With history of law violations

How Do I Get MHJDP Services?

For questions about MHJDP services, scheduling appointments, and more, contact The Harris Center Patient Access Line at 713-970-7000 or visit Justice System Services. 

Jail-Based Competency Restoration

JBCR has services focused on training and educating someone charged with crimes but who are found incompetent to stand trial. Professionals work with the person to reduce symptoms of mental illness with medications, nursing and counseling.

What Are the Benefits of JBCR Services?

  • Increased mental health functioning
  • Support with legal issues

Who Is Eligible for JBCR Services?

Adults found incompetent to stand trial who have a court order for competency restoration services.

How Do I Get Referred to JBCR Services?

A court must send you to competency restoration services.

Mental Health Deputy

A mental health deputy is a trained mental health police officer who helps people experiencing a mental health crisis receive proper treatment.

Who Is Eligible for Mental Health Deputy Services?

Any person, regardless of age, experiencing a mental health crisis. The use of a mental health deputy depends on the availability of the service in your area.

How Do I Get Referred to a Mental Health Deputy?

Outpatient Competency Restoration

Outpatient Competency Restoration is an intensive court-ordered program for people who are incompetent to stand trial. The program offers mental health services as an alternative to state hospital or jail-based competency restoration treatment.

What Are the Benefits of Outpatient Competency Restoration Services?

  • Increased mental health functioning
  • Support with legal issues

Who Is Eligible for Outpatient Competency Restoration Services?

Adults found incompetent to stand trial who have a court order for competency restoration services.

How Do I Get Referred to Outpatient Competency Restoration Services?

A court must commit a recipient to outpatient competency restoration services. Contact your local mental health authority or local behavioral health authority to find out about restoration services.