What is the difference between civil commitment and involuntary commitment?

Civil commitment and involuntary commitment are two distinct processes that differ in several ways. Civil commitment is a court-ordered process that requires an individual who is mentally ill to receive treatment in a psychiatric hospital or health facility, whether or not they agree to it. Involuntary commitment, on the other hand, is a legal process that requires a person to be placed in a health facility or hospital against their will in order to receive mental health treatment. In the District of Columbia, the civil commitment process typically begins with a person filing a petition with the court, requesting the court to consider placing the mentally ill person in treatment. The court may then hold a hearing or an in camera review to determine if the person meets certain criteria for civil commitment. This criteria includes determining if the person is a danger to themselves or to others, if the person is incapable of understanding their mental condition, or if the person is unable to provide for their basic needs. Once the court determines the individual meets the criteria, a court order for civil commitment may be issued which requires the person to receive treatment in a mental health facility. Involuntary commitment is initiated by a law enforcement official or mental health evaluator who is concerned the person is a danger to themselves or others. In the District of Columbia, if a law enforcement officer or mental health evaluator determines the person is exhibiting violent or dangerous behavior, they can take the individual into custody and petition the court to hold a hearing to determine if the person is in need of involuntary commitment to a mental health facility. If the court orders involuntary commitment, the individual may be held in a mental health facility against their will until they are declared stable and able to care for themselves. In summary, civil commitment is a court-ordered process that requires an individual to receive treatment, but the person is not held against their will. Involuntary commitment, on the other hand, is a legal process that requires a person to be placed in a mental health facility against their will in order to receive mental health treatment.

Related FAQs

What is the Americans with Disabilities Act?
What is the right to refusal of medication?
What is the role of psychiatrists in mental health law?
What is the right to treatment in the least restrictive environment?
What is the right to a court-appointed attorney?
What is the right to involuntary medication review?
What is the right to have a representative in mental health proceedings?
What are the rights of people with mental illness in the workplace?
What services are available to families of people with mental illness?
What is the right to a guardian ad litem in mental health proceedings?

What is the difference between civil commitment and involuntary commitment?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts