\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Well walk you through all the ins and outs of the process so the struggling individual in your life can start their journey of healing and recovery. In 21 states, any interested person can initiate the civil commitment process. Thank you. Unfortunately, the latest discussion has unfairly targeted mental illness as the root cause, reviving an inaccurate stigma that mental health advocates have been speaking up against for decades. 2008;10(10):237. IV. The first criterion for commitment is that a person must have (or be suspected of having) a mental illness. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Involuntary commitment can be an effective solution for a mental health crisis or serious substance abuse, but it shouldnt be your go-to option. Other criteria that may be considered include whether you are able to take care of yourself and whether you are in need of treatment for your mental illness. This order allows the patient to be confined for treatment involuntarily for a maximum of five days before discharge. How the civil commitment process works varies from state to state. Tasha Rube is a Licensed Social Worker based in Kansas City, Kansas. PMID:19099031. The definition of mental illness also varies from state to state. What is involuntary commitment? Can You Commit Someone for Long-Term Treatment? This is possible through a single person, an organization or an entity. For involuntary commitments, required documents are Order of Commitment signed by judge and Patient Information Form. One way to help keep people safe is involuntary commitment. However, there is also a risk involved when you do. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. In states with statutes that specifically address outpatient commitment, the length of commitment generally is limited but somewhat longer than for inpatient commitment. Call emergency services if someone is a danger to themselves or others, or file a petition in your state to get the involuntary commitment process started. The court typically gets to choose which facility the person goes to. It is applicable in criminal proceedings. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Mental health practitioners have this power in 31 states. If you are looking for a caring and compassionate rehab for your loved one, addiction treatment is available at The Recovery Village. Admissions may be either voluntary or involuntary. Communicate with your loved one about your concerns and encourage them to seek treatment. 6 Find Substance Abuse Treatment Near You Beyond a reasonable doubt is the most stringent level of proof available. Acute Receiving Service: There are laws that justify this action by taking away the rights of the affected. While in the hospital, a person who is depressed will have the opportunity to meet with a psychiatrist or psychologist, a social worker, and participate in individual and/or group therapy. When a person is committed, they are involuntarily held in a facility or institution that is approved by the state or local government to provide care and treatment for mental illness, intellectual disabilities, or substance-abuse disorders.