What is the standard for involuntary commitment?

In California, the standard for involuntary commitment is that a person must be a danger to self or others, or gravely disabled. A person can be considered a danger to self or others if they have severe or persistent mental illness that could cause them to injure themselves or someone else. A person is considered gravely disabled if they are unable to provide for their basic needs and do not understand or appreciate the significance of their current mental and physical state. Generally, the person must also be assessed by two mental health professionals to determine the level of danger they present to self and others. Furthermore, before a person can be involuntarily committed, a court must find that the person either (1) is a danger to self or others; (2) is gravely disabled; or (3) cannot provide for their basic needs due to mental illness and cannot voluntarily accept or access adequate care. In addition, a court-appointed attorney must also be present in the hearing to represent the individual’s best interests. Involuntary commitment is meant to be a last resort as it restricts personal freedoms. It should not be used as a way for family members or friends to control a person’s behaviour as it can have long-term negative effects on a person’s mental health. For this reason, it is important to exhaust all other options before considering involuntary commitment.

Related FAQs

What services are available to families of people with mental illness?
What is the right to involuntary medication review?
What are the best practices for caring for mentally ill people in the community?
What is the difference between a psychiatric hospital and a general hospital?
What is the right to be informed of treatment options?
What is the right to a guardianship or conservatorship?
What is the role of mental health professionals in involuntary commitment proceedings?
What are a person’s rights in a mental health commitment process?
What is mental health law?
What is the role of social workers in mental health law?

What is the standard for involuntary commitment?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts