Key Takeaways
- Arizona’s involuntary process is governed by A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 5, often just called “Title 36.”
- An emergency admission for evaluation generally cannot exceed 24 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) unless a court-ordered evaluation petition is filed.
- Arizona uses four criteria: danger to self, danger to others, persistent or acute disability (PAD), or grave disability.
- A relative, friend, peace officer, or other responsible person can file the application.
- The PAD standard lets the state intervene before a crisis becomes life-threatening when severe mental illness goes untreated.
How Arizona’s Process Works
Arizona doesn’t use a nickname like “5150.” Its system, under Title 36, Chapter 5, moves from an application and emergency admission for evaluation toward a possible court-ordered evaluation and then court-ordered treatment. People sometimes refer to the whole framework simply as “Title 36.”
What Are the Criteria?
Arizona is unusual in using four criteria. As a result of a mental disorder, a person may be a:
- Danger to self;
- Danger to others;
- Person with a persistent or acute disability (PAD) — a severe mental-disorder impairment that, untreated, has a substantial probability of causing serious harm; or
- Gravely disabled — unable to provide for basic personal needs.
The person must also be unable or unwilling to accept voluntary evaluation.
Who Can Initiate It?
A written application for emergency admission can be filed by a person with knowledge of the facts — that can be a relative or friend, a peace officer, the admitting officer, or another responsible person. Telephonic applications generally must be made by or in the presence of a peace officer, except by a licensed health professional already involved in the person’s care at a licensed facility.
How Long Can Someone Be Held?
A person taken in for emergency admission generally may not be detained longer than 24 hours — excluding weekends and holidays — unless a petition for court-ordered evaluation is filed. That petition allows a more thorough evaluation to determine whether court-ordered treatment is needed.
What Happens After the Evaluation?
If the evaluation shows continued treatment is needed, the agency can petition for court-ordered treatment. A judge decides after a hearing, with the person represented by counsel. Court-ordered treatment can combine inpatient and outpatient care and is time-limited and reviewed by the court.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can you be held on a psychiatric hold in Arizona?
An emergency admission for evaluation generally can’t exceed 24 hours, excluding weekends and holidays, unless a petition for court-ordered evaluation is filed.
What is a Title 36 in Arizona?
“Title 36” refers to the Arizona statutes (Title 36, Chapter 5) governing involuntary mental health evaluation and treatment, from emergency admission through court-ordered care.
What is persistent or acute disability (PAD)?
An Arizona-specific criterion: a severe impairment from a mental disorder that, if untreated, has a substantial probability of causing serious mental, emotional, or physical harm — allowing intervention before a full crisis.
Who can petition for a psychiatric evaluation in Arizona?
A relative, friend, peace officer, admitting officer, or other responsible person with knowledge of the facts can file a written application for emergency admission.
What are the criteria for an involuntary hold in Arizona?
Due to a mental disorder: danger to self, danger to others, persistent or acute disability (PAD), or grave disability — plus being unable or unwilling to accept voluntary evaluation.
This article is for general education and is not legal or medical advice; laws change and details vary by county and facility. Related: Involuntary hold by state · California 5150. Sources: Ariz. Rev. Stat. Title 36, Ch. 5 (§§36-524, 36-527, 36-540)