What is the difference between a commitment to a hospital and a commitment to a specialized mental health facility?

Commitment to a hospital and commitment to a specialized mental health facility are both processes of involuntary commitment in Virginia. The involuntary commitment process is regulated by the Code of Virginia, which includes specific laws and regulations for the legal process of involuntarily committing someone to a mental health treatment facility. Commitment to a hospital is when a person is involuntarily admitted to a hospital for a period of 30 days for mental health reasons. This is only allowed when the person is deemed to be an imminent threat to themselves or others. Within the 30 days, the hospital must hold a hearing to determine whether the person should be involuntarily committed to a specialized mental health facility. Commitment to a specialized mental health facility is a longer process. A person can be ordered to receive continued care and treatment in a specialized facility for up to 180 days following the initial commitment hearing. The court typically has to approve this extended commitment order and the person must continue to meet the criteria for involuntary commitment in order for the extended commitment order to be valid. Both commitment to a hospital and commitment to a specialized mental health facility involve involuntary commitment and are regulated by the Code of Virginia. However, hospital commitment is for a period of 30 days and specialized mental health facility commitment can be for up to 180 days, with court approval.

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What is the difference between a commitment to a hospital and a commitment to a specialized mental health facility?

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