What is the difference between civil commitment and involuntary commitment?
Civil commitment and involuntary commitment refer to different types of court-ordered mental health treatment. Civil commitment is a court order that someone with a mental illness be placed in a mental health treatment facility for a period of time. This can include prisons, hospitals, or other mental health facilities. Involuntary commitment is a court order that someone with a mental illness be placed in a mental health treatment facility for an extended period. This court order is usually issued when a person is deemed a danger to themselves or someone else due to their mental illness. The difference between civil commitment and involuntary commitment is the duration of the treatment. Civil commitment is for a shorter period of time than involuntary commitment, and usually only includes a period of hospitalization. Involuntary commitment is a longer period of treatment that can last for several years and usually involves a structured treatment program. Civil commitment is often requested by family members or guardians who believe that an individual is in need of mental health care. This type of commitment is typically used when someone is considered a danger to themselves or someone else due to their mental illness, or if they are unable to care for themselves due to their mental illness. Involuntary commitment is more restrictive than civil commitment and is usually requested by mental health professionals or the courts. This type of order is often used when an individual is considered to be a danger to themselves or someone else, when an individual poses a risk of harm to society, or when an individual is unable to provide for their basic needs due to their mental illness. It is also used when an individual is not following the recommendations of their treatment program.
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