If the individual is in immediate danger or is endangering others, call 911 or the local police department. When calling the Houston Police Department, request a crisis intervention team, or CIT, so officers trained to recognize and communicate with the mentally ill can be sent to help. The police will assess the situation and may, but are not required to, bring the person to a hospital for psychiatric intervention. If the law enforcement officer elects to transport the person to a hospital, the police will file a request for an Emergency Detention Order so that the person may be kept involuntarily in the hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. For treatment of psychiatric problems, the social worker will make referrals to a mental health facility.
Treatment is also available at the emergency center of any hospital that has a psychiatric unit.
Those with insurance should contact their insurance company to determine which hospitals are designated on their care plan. HMO or Medicare may be accepted. If the hospital only provides psychiatric services, Medicaid-HMO may be accepted for adults. Medicaid and Medicaid-HMO may be accepted for children. It is recommended that families determine which hospitals cover treatment costs under the insurance plan of their ill relative in order to make the selection of a hospital prior to a crisis.