When a psychiatric emergency escalates to a potentially dangerous situation, Pennsylvania law may permit involuntary treatment (commonly known as a “302 mental health” commitment). 

What Is a 302 Mental Health Commitment?

Under Pennsylvania’s Mental Health Procedures Act (MHPA), a 302 refers to an involuntary psychiatric evaluation and up to 120 hours of inpatient treatment for individuals who pose a clear and present danger to themselves or others due to mental illness.

It’s a serious intervention; a last resort used only when voluntary options are unavailable or ineffective.

How to 302 Someone in Philadelphia

Observing Behavior
You must have first-hand knowledge of the individual’s behavior within the last 30 days, demonstrating a clear and present danger because of mental illness, such as suicidal threats, inability to care for oneself, violence toward others, or self‑harm. 

Filing the Petition

A responsible party files a 302 petition with the Philadelphia Crisis Line (PCL). PCL's Mental Health Delegates review the petition. If criteria are satisfied, they issue a 302 warrant, triggering the evaluation process. 

Emergency Evaluations Without a Warrant 

In urgent situations, police officers or physicians who directly observe the dangerous behavior can transport the individual for evaluation without a warrant—completing a formal document afterward.

Who Do You Call to 302 Someone?

Call 988, the Philadelphia Crisis Line (PCL), for 24/7 guidance and to initiate a petition or request Mobile Crisis assistance

If there's imminent danger, calling 911 is appropriate. Request a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)‑trained officer and share relevant background like diagnoses or medications.

What Happens After a 302 Is Initiated?

The individual is taken to an evaluating facility, where a physician assesses and may initiate a 302 commitment for up to 120 hours (around 5 days) if criteria are met.

If further treatment is needed after 120 hours, the hospital can file a 303 petition for up to 20 more days. Additional extensions include 304 (up to 90 days) and 305 (up to 180 days), each requiring court review.

Why It Matters: Protecting Rights and Lives

The 302 involuntary commitment process in Philadelphia is designed with legal safeguards—from first evaluator review to court oversight—ensuring individual liberty is balanced with safety.

Petitioners should be prepared to present detailed, factual accounts and possibly testify in court if the individual contests the process.

The Emotional Toll on Petitioners

Filing a 302 petition is not only a legal and medical process, it can also be emotionally draining for the person making the request. Family members, friends, or caregivers often wrestle with feelings of guilt, fear, and uncertainty, even when they know that involuntary commitment may save a loved one’s life. It’s common to ask yourself “Am I doing the right thing?”

• NAMI Philadelphia: Provides peer support groups and family education programs.
• CIT Officers & Crisis Teams: Trained to handle these situations with compassion and to provide updates along the way.

Knowing that you’re not alone can make this painful decision easier to navigate.

Seeking help early through 988 can make a difference between crisis escalations and de-escalations. The 302 mental health path ensures safety while respecting rights.

For more information, see the DBHIDS Guide to Mental Health Crisis and Civil Commitment Process