Spokane Mental Health Crisis Evaluation & Commitment
If someone in Spokane, Washington is experiencing a mental health crisis that may endanger themself or others, you can request an evaluation. This article explains who may request a crisis evaluation, which agencies respond, the role of law enforcement and designated crisis responders, and the basic steps to start an involuntary commitment review. It highlights official procedures, what to expect during evaluation, how decisions are made, and practical next steps to apply, appeal, or seek community supports.
Who can request a crisis evaluation
In Spokane the primary responders to a mental health crisis are law enforcement and designated crisis responders; family members, health providers, or concerned third parties may ask for an evaluation to be initiated by contacting police or mobile crisis teams.[2]
How an evaluation is initiated
- Contact 911 for immediate danger or the Spokane Police non-emergency line for urgent but non-life-threatening crises.
- Ask to speak to a crisis intervention officer or a mobile crisis team when calling city emergency services.
- Provide clear, recent information about behaviors, threats, medical history, and current location to help responders assess risk.
Penalties & Enforcement
Involuntary commitment in Washington is governed by state law; penalties in the context of civil commitment are not monetary fines but civil orders and detention for evaluation and treatment under the applicable state statute.[1] Specific fine amounts for failing to follow orders related to a civil commitment are not specified on the cited page.
- Enforcer: law enforcement officers and designated crisis responders who implement evaluation holds and transport people for assessment.[2]
- Sanctions: civil detention for evaluation, court-ordered involuntary treatment or commitment when criteria are met; monetary fines are not the standard sanction for commitment decisions (not specified on the cited page).
- Inspection / complaint pathway: complaints about response or procedures may be directed to the City of Spokane Police internal affairs or the county behavioral health authority (contact details in Resources).
- Appeals / review: court review and legal representation are available; specific time limits for appeal are governed by the controlling statute or court rules and are not specified on the cited page.
- Defences / discretion: responders and the court apply statutory criteria and professional discretion; emergency medical or safety exceptions may apply.
Applications & Forms
No single city form for initiating an involuntary commitment is published on the city page; initiating an evaluation typically begins by contacting police or a mobile crisis team. Specific statewide forms or court petitions are governed by state statute and are not specified on the cited city pages.[1]
Practical action steps
- If immediate danger: call 911 and request a mental health crisis response.
- For non-emergencies: contact Spokane Police non-emergency or the local mobile crisis line to request evaluation.
- Provide written or verbal documentation of recent behavior, threats, and medical history to responders.
- If detained for evaluation, ask about legal representation and how to contact a lawyer; follow court directions for appeals or hearings.
FAQ
- Who can ask for a mental health crisis evaluation?
- Family members, health-care providers, or other concerned parties can request an evaluation by contacting police or mobile crisis teams; designated crisis responders and law enforcement make evaluation decisions.[2]
- Will someone be arrested for a crisis evaluation?
- No. A crisis evaluation is a civil health-care response, not a criminal charge; law enforcement may detain someone only under the statutory criteria for evaluation and safety.[1]
- How long can someone be held for evaluation?
- Time limits for detention and evaluation are set by state law and applicable court rules; specific durations are not specified on the cited city page and should be confirmed with the cited statute or county behavioral health authority.[1]
How-To
- Call 911 if there is immediate risk, and tell dispatch this is a mental health crisis.
- For non-emergencies, contact Spokane Police non-emergency or the local mobile crisis team and request an evaluation.
- Provide detailed, factual information about recent behavior, threats, medical conditions, medications, and witnesses.
- Follow the instructions of responders; if a hold is initiated, ask for the legal basis, expected next steps, and how to contact counsel or a patient advocate.
- If a court hearing is scheduled, meet deadlines for filings and attend with legal representation or request a court-appointed lawyer if eligible.
Key Takeaways
- Mental health crisis evaluations in Spokane are initiated through police or designated crisis teams and are governed by state law.
- If someone is an immediate danger, call 911—do not wait to seek help.
- Ask responders for the legal basis for any detention and how to access legal counsel and appeals.
Help and Support / Resources
- Spokane Police Department - Crisis Intervention
- City of Spokane Municipal Code
- Washington DSHS - Eastern State Hospital