What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary commitment?

Voluntary and involuntary commitment in the state of Tennessee refer to the ways people with mental health issues can receive treatment. Voluntary commitment is when a person willingly acknowledges having a mental illness and agrees to receive treatment – either from an inpatient hospital setting or through outpatient services. On the other hand, involuntary commitment occurs when a person is deemed to be a threat to themselves or others, or is unable to take care of themselves due to their mental state, and is subsequently ordered by a court to receive treatment. In Tennessee, a court can order involuntary commitment for a period of time ranging from 30 days to 60 days. During this time, the person receiving treatment will not be able to leave the treatment facility until a court determines that the person has been sufficiently treated and is no longer in danger of harm. In most cases, the court will require the person to continue receiving treatment as an outpatient in order to maintain their mental health. The main difference between voluntary and involuntary commitment is that in the case of voluntary commitment, the person is voluntarily acknowledging their illness and seeking treatment, while in the case of involuntary commitment, the person is being forced to receive treatment against their will. Ultimately, both forms of commitment ensure that the person receives the treatment necessary to help them live a healthy and happy life.

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What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary commitment?

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