If someone you love struggles with mental health issues and has recently been arrested, the worry can feel unbearable. You might be asking: Are they safe? Will they get the help they need? What can I do right now? These are valid concerns, and at eBail, we’re here to guide you through it.
Mental illness is not a crime—but sometimes, people in crisis end up in the jail system instead of a treatment center. Understanding how mental health holds, jail booking, and programs like Crossroads work can help you stay calm and take the right steps.
What Happens When Someone Is Arrested During a Mental Health Crisis?
In Clark County, it’s not uncommon for police to be called when someone is experiencing a psychiatric episode or behaving erratically in public. Depending on the situation, they may be:
Taken to jail (most commonly the Clark County Detention Center, or CCDC)
Placed on a 72-hour mental health hold (Legal 2000)
Or both
If they’re booked into jail, the intake process includes questions about medical and mental health conditions. It’s important to know that correctional officers are not monsters—they are trained to ask about medications, past diagnoses, and potential risks. If your loved one mentions a mental health condition or current medications, they may be flagged for special housing, closer monitoring, or medical accommodations, depending on availability.
What Is a Legal 2000 Hold?
Also called an L2K, this is a 72-hour involuntary mental health hold under Nevada law (NRS 433A.160). It allows hospitals or facilities to evaluate whether someone poses a danger to themselves or others due to a psychiatric condition. During this time, a psychiatrist will determine if continued treatment or hospitalization is necessary.
Individuals may be taken to facilities like:
Rawson-Neal Psychiatric Hospital
Desert Willow (for younger individuals)
Seven Hills Behavioral Health Center
Crossroads Mental Health Facility
If your loved one was placed on an L2K, they cannot be bailed out until the hold is lifted or they are transferred back to jail.
Jail vs. Hospital — What’s the Difference?
Sometimes, law enforcement will transport a person directly to a hospital if they believe mental health is the main issue. Other times, they’ll be booked into jail first, then evaluated and possibly transferred to a mental health facility.
If your loved one is in jail, they may still receive mental health services, though the process can be slow. Mental health court programs and treatment-based sentencing options are available in Clark County, but they typically require legal representation and court approval.
Can I Still Bail Them Out?
If charges have been filed, you may be able to post bail once your loved one is cleared from any holds. However, if they’re under psychiatric observation, you’ll have to wait for medical clearance before bail can move forward.
When bail becomes an option, we’re here to help you move quickly and respectfully. We understand this isn’t just about posting money—it’s about getting your loved one back to safety and stability.
Call us at (702) 462-9200 to discuss the details of your situation. We never judge. We’re here to help.
What About Mental Health Court or Crossroads?
Clark County has several diversion programs, including:
Mental Health Court, which focuses on treatment rather than jail time
Crossroads, a program that provides structured inpatient mental health treatment as an alternative to incarceration
These programs are not automatic. A criminal defense attorney can request them based on your loved one’s medical history, past hospitalizations, or a current diagnosis. Documentation can help.
What You Can Do Right Now
Try to stay calm and gather any medical documentation that could help.
Call the jail to confirm where your loved one is located and if there are any holds.
Contact a criminal defense attorney—many offer free consultations.
Reach out to eBail for guidance on how and when bail may be posted.
We Understand. We’re Here.
We know how painful it is to watch someone you love go through a mental health crisis—especially behind bars. But you don’t have to navigate this alone.
At eBail, we provide more than just bail services. We provide compassion, respect, and straight answers during your family’s most difficult moments.
Call us 24/7 at (702) 462-9200. We’ll help you figure out your options—and your next steps—with dignity and understanding.
