Involuntary Holds in Arizona: What Families Need to Know
When a loved one is in a mental health crisis, it can feel overwhelming. You may be scared, confused, and unsure of what will happen next. In Arizona, one option to keep someone safe during a crisis is an involuntary hold.
An involuntary hold means a person is taken to a hospital or treatment center for evaluation and care, even if they don’t agree to it. Arizona’s law that covers this process is called Title 36.
This guide explains how involuntary holds work in Arizona, the types of holds, how long they last, and what you can do to support your loved one.
When Can Someone Be Placed on an Involuntary Hold?
Arizona law allows involuntary treatment if a person meets one of these criteria:
Danger to self (DTS): The person may seriously harm themselves (for example, attempting suicide).
Danger to others (DTO): The person may seriously harm someone else.
Persistently or acutely disabled (PAD): The person’s mental illness keeps them from functioning in daily life.
Grave disability (GD): The person cannot meet basic physical needs like food, clothing, or shelter, putting them at risk of serious illness or harm.
Who Can Start the Process?
Any responsible individual can apply for a court-ordered evaluation. This includes family members, friends, or healthcare providers.
In an emergency, any person with knowledge can file an emergency-admission application.
Peace officers may take a person into custody for an emergency admission if a crisis screening is not available.
Types of Involuntary Holds in Arizona
Arizona has a step-by-step process for involuntary care.
1. Emergency Admission (about 24 hours)
If someone is in immediate danger, they may be taken to a psychiatric facility for emergency evaluation.
Length: Emergency detention is short — usually up to 24 hours (often described as 23 hours).
What happens: The person is evaluated quickly. They may be released, agree to voluntary treatment, or a petition for a longer evaluation may be filed.
2. Court-Ordered Evaluation (COE) (72 hours)
If more time is needed, a petition for a court-ordered evaluation can be filed.
Length: The evaluation must be completed within 72 hours, not counting weekends or holidays.
What happens: Two doctors (often psychiatrists) and a small team evaluate the person. They decide if the person should be released, treated voluntarily, or recommended for court-ordered treatment.
3. Court-Ordered Treatment (COT)
If the court finds that the person meets criteria, it can order treatment. This may be inpatient, outpatient, or a mix.
Inpatient maximums:
Up to 90 days if the person is a danger to themselves.
Up to 180 days if the person is a danger to others or persistently/acutely disabled.
Up to 365 days if the person is gravely disabled.
Outpatient or combined treatment: May last up to 365 days total.
Renewal: Orders can be reviewed and renewed if needed.
What Families Can Do
It’s difficult to watch a loved one go through this process, but your support matters.
Stay calm and compassionate. Your loved one may feel scared or angry. Remind them you care.
Provide information. Share recent behaviors, medications, and history with hospital staff. This helps guide treatment.
Understand privacy rules. Title 36 cases are confidential. Staff usually need your loved one’s Release of Information (ROI) before sharing details with you. However, you can always provide information to the care team.
Attend hearings. Family members may attend court hearings and sometimes provide input.
Take care of yourself. Supporting someone in crisis is stressful. Reach out for your own support too.
Practical Tips for Navigating the System
Keep records. Write down dates, names, and what happens at each step.
Learn the terms. Knowing words like “COE” (court-ordered evaluation) and “COT” (court-ordered treatment) helps the process feel less confusing.
Ask about aftercare. Before your loved one is discharged, ask about outpatient programs, therapy, or community services.
Stay involved. The more you know, the more you can help with recovery and stability.
Final Thoughts
An involuntary hold is never easy, but it is meant to keep people safe during a mental health crisis. In Arizona, the process begins with a short emergency admission and, if needed, can move through court-ordered evaluation and treatment.
As a family member, your role is vital. By learning how the system works, offering compassion, and staying involved, you can help your loved one through one of the hardest times in their life.
