Try to be an advocate for the person, if you can. Let the operator know that the individual suffers from mental illness, so the emergency responders can provide appropriate assistance. If you know the person well, you might be able to accompany them to the hospital and provide helpful information to medical professionals while you’re there. Click here for a guide to each state’s emergency hospitalization standards and procedures.
Click here to see what your state’s policies and standards are for filing petitions.
These experts will know all the ins and outs of your state’s laws and can let you know if involuntary commitment is a good idea for the person you’re concerned about (including minors).
Example 1: A friend is threatening to take their own life and has made attempts in the past. Example 2: A relative has violently threatened their housemate and made them fear for their life.
Example 1: A mentally ill relative doesn’t eat consistently and is malnourished as a result. Example 2: A mentally ill neighbor doesn’t remember to wear clothes and walks nude around the neighborhood.
Minors can also be involuntarily committed, but the exact procedures are state-specific. Finding your state’s specific requirements can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack—but we’re here to help. Click here for a comprehensive look at your state’s legal standards for getting someone committed voluntarily. You can also click here for specific information and resources about mental health legislation in your state. Individuals suffering from substance abuse can also be involuntarily committed, but it depends on the state. Currently, 38 states and territories (including Washington D. C. ) allow this. The only states that don’t allow involuntary commitment for substance abuse cases are New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Alabama, Illinois, Wyoming, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Nevada, and Oregon do not. [6] X Research source
Emergency psychiatric evaluation: A person going through a mental health crisis is taken into emergency custody temporarily. The total detainment time is state-specific, but many states cap emergency custody at 3 days/72 hours. An emergency psychiatric evaluation typically segues into inpatient commitment. Inpatient commitment: Depending on specific state laws and procedures, an individual is held at a mental health facility for a set amount of time for treatment. This process involves multiple steps, including an official hearing in court. AOT: This type of treatment lets the person in question be treated in a community-based program rather than an inpatient treatment center. AOT laws and procedures differ by state, but this type of treatment still requires the person to be supervised and cared for closely (even if they aren’t in a facility).
Many states allow emergency holds to last at least 72 hours, while a small handful of states allow for shorter detainment periods.
In some cases, the court might recommend supervised outpatient treatment for a person rather than inpatient care. This is known as “step-up AOT. ” You might be asked to testify in this court hearing if you’ve personally observed the person’s dangerous behavior. [10] X Research source
The court typically gets to choose which facility the person goes to. [11] X Trustworthy Source State of Massachusetts Official website for the State of Massachusetts Go to source
When the court allows it, the individual can later switch to a voluntary, community-based treatment plan.
Psychiatric wings in hospitals: 24/7 in-patient care with psychiatrists and therapists Public psychiatric hospital: A separate hospital that offers both short- and long-term care for people with financial difficulties Partial hospitalization: An option that’s less intense than 24/7 treatment programs Residential care: 24/7 care offered in a residential, non-hospital setting Click here to find mental illness treatment centers in your area, and here to find substance abuse treatment centers.
Who will be treating me at the hospital? How often will I meet with them? Who can visit me when I’m at the hospital, and how long can they visit me for? What is the rooming situation like at your facility? What is a typical daily schedule at your facility?
