Fort Worth Mental Health Diversion Programs
If you or a loved one was arrested in Fort Worth during a mental health crisis, Texas law may allow the case to be diverted into treatment instead of traditional prosecution. Fort Worth cases are generally handled in Tarrant County courts — this guide explains how diversion works there, who qualifies, and what happens after.
Texas law that applies in Fort Worth
Tex. Gov't Code ch. 125 — Mental health court programs.
- Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 16.22
- Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.032
Citations pending attorney review.
How a Fort Worth case moves into diversion
- 1. Arrest & booking. After a Fort Worth arrest, the case is filed with Tarrant County prosecutors. Jail mental health staff may flag a condition at intake.
- 2. Defense request. Your attorney gathers treatment records and asks the court or prosecutor for diversion or mental health court referral.
- 3. Evaluation & plan. A clinician confirms the diagnosis and proposes a treatment plan for the court to review.
- 4. Supervision. You follow the plan with regular check-ins with the Tarrant County court or program staff.
- 5. Dismissal. Successful completion can lead to dismissed charges and possible record sealing.
Who may qualify in Fort Worth
Courts commonly consider a diagnosed condition such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, or major depression; whether it contributed to the alleged offense; whether treatment is likely to help; and public safety. Veterans may also be eligible for veterans treatment court where available. For the full Texas breakdown, see the Texas diversion guide.
Fort Worth diversion FAQs
Does Fort Worth have a mental health diversion program?
Criminal cases from Fort Worth are typically heard in Tarrant County courts, where diversion is governed by Tex. Gov't Code ch. 125 (Mental health court programs) and local court and prosecutor policy. Availability depends on the charge and program capacity — a local defense attorney can confirm current options.
Where are Fort Worth criminal cases heard?
Most Fort Worth arrests are prosecuted in the Tarrant County criminal courts. Some minor offenses may go through municipal court. Mental health court dockets, where available, are usually run at the county level.
Who qualifies for mental health diversion in Fort Worth?
Courts commonly look for a diagnosed mental health condition (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, major depression, and others) that played a role in the offense, a treatment plan likely to help, and no unreasonable public safety risk. Some serious or violent charges may be excluded under Texas law.
Can felony charges in Fort Worth be diverted?
It depends on Texas law and the specific charge. Some Texas programs accept certain felonies; others are limited to misdemeanors. A Fort Worth diversion lawyer can review whether your charge is eligible.
What happens if I complete diversion in Fort Worth?
Successful completion of a Texas diversion program often leads to dismissal of the charges, and may open the door to sealing or expungement of the arrest record.
How do I find a mental health diversion lawyer in Fort Worth?
Look for a criminal defense attorney who regularly practices in Tarrant County courts and has handled diversion or mental health court cases. You can request a match through this site at no cost.