Mental Health Court

Purpose

The Mental Health Court is a part of Bexar County Probate Court No. 1 and handles civil mental health commitments in Bexar County. Judges preside over the Probable Cause and Civil Commitment Hearings to determine if a mentally ill person is an imminent danger to themselves or others, and thus requires hospitalization.

Court Hearings

The Mental Health Court holds Probable Cause hearings Monday and Thursday at 9:30 AM at the San Antonio State Hospital. Commitment hearings are held on Tuesdays at 9:30 AM at the San Antonio State Hospital.

  1. Physical Address
    300 Dolorosa
    (Basement, near Jury Duty)
    San Antonio, TX 78205



  1. Mental Health Court Staff

    Please speak to Kevin or Sandra if you have any questions regarding the civil commitment process.

    Kevin McManus, Mental Health Public Defender

    210-335-0828

    Kevin McManus earned his Juris Doctorate from the City University of New York in 2001, and his B.A in English and Psychology from Queen's University, Belfast in 1993. From 2001 to 2005, Kevin served as a Public Defender for the Legal Aid Society of Brooklyn, Criminal Defense Division. After relocating to San Antonio, Kevin joined the newly established Mental Health Public Defenders Office. In 2008, Mr. McManus became a Mental Health Public Defender for Bexar County. He is admitted to practice in New York, Texas and Federal Court.

    Sandra Casias, Mental Health Public Defender

    210-335-1413

    Sandra Casias is a San Antonio native. She received her Juris Doctorate and B.B.A. in International Business from St. Mary’s University. Upon graduating from law school in 2001, Ms. Casias opened her own private practice. In 2010, she left private practice to join Bexar County as a Mental Health Civil Public Defender.

    Kelvin Tatum, Assistant District Attorney for Mental Health

    210-335-2785