When is a mental health evaluation or treatment involuntary?

In Washington, involuntary mental health evaluations and treatment can only occur if there is a clear need for it. The professional must have good grounds to believe that without treatment, the person is a danger to themselves or to others. In order to involuntarily hold someone against their will for mental health treatment, a court order must be acquired. This is called an Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA) order. Under the ITA, a person can be held and evaluated or treated against their will if they are likely to cause immediate harm to either themselves or others. There must be evidence that the person is a danger before an ITA order can be granted. In order for an ITA to be considered, two licensed mental health professionals must assess the person and agree that the individual is at risk of harm. If an ITA order is granted, the person will be held for a certain number of days and evaluated to determine if further treatment is necessary. This can be done through medication, therapy, or other mental health services. If a mental health professional believes that further treatment is necessary, they can extend the ITA order. However, if they believe the person is no longer a danger, they must be released. It is important to note that involuntary mental health evaluations and treatments can only be done in the state of Washington if there is clear evidence that the person presents a danger to themselves or to others.

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When is a mental health evaluation or treatment involuntary?

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