What is the difference between a commitment to a hospital and a commitment to a specialized mental health facility?
The difference between a commitment to a hospital and a commitment to a specialized mental health facility in Maryland is that a commitment to a hospital is an involuntary admission that may occur if the courts deem that someone is a danger to themselves or others, or unable to care for themselves. This commitment is usually ordered by the court and overseen by a psychiatrist. A commitment to a specialized mental health facility is a voluntary admission to a facility that provides specialized mental health care. The patient chooses to go to this facility for treatment and may be able to leave when they wish. The facility usually provides services such as treatment, therapeutic activities, and even medication. Both commitments involve staying in a mental health facility until the patient is able to function safely in the community and is no longer deemed a danger to themselves or others. A specialized mental health facility, however, offers the patient more freedom and control over their care, while a commitment to a hospital is more restrictive and has less autonomy.
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