You may be wondering what you might do.
You may not even be sure if hospitalization is really necessary.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
Hispanolistic / Getty Images
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Unfortunately,mental illnessoften makes a person unable to think clearly about their situation.
Who Can Be Involuntarily Committed?
These are all terms for involuntary commitment that vary by state.
Three main types of involuntary commitment exist: emergency detention, observational institutionalization, and extended commitment.
Sometimes, the police initiate them, although any adult could request emergency detention.
And most require that an observational institutionalization receives the approval of the courts.
A typical length for extended commitment is up to six months.
Can a Patient Be Forced to Receive Treatment?
Patients in immediate danger may be given medications on an emergency basis.
For example, a sedative might be administered to prevent the person from harming themselves.
Still, they could not be forced to take an antidepressant, as this is considered to be treatment.
Treatment Advocacy Center.Grading the states: An analysis of the involuntary psychiatric treatment laws in 2020.
2014;16(3).
doi:10.4088/PCC.13f01613
Testa M, West SG.Civil commitment in the United States.Psychiatry (Edgmont).
2010;7(10):30-40.
Jacobson JL, Jacobson AM, eds.Psychiatric Secrets,2nd ed.
Hanley & Belfus; 2001.
