What is the difference between civil commitment and involuntary commitment?

The difference between civil commitment and involuntary commitment is rooted in the Washington Mental Health Law. Civil commitment is a process in which an individual voluntarily seeks help for a mental health condition from a mental health facility. The patient is usually admitted for a period of time chosen by the patient and the facility. The primary purpose of civil commitment is to provide treatment and support for a patient who is unable to manage the condition on their own. Involuntary commitment, on the other hand, is an involuntary admission to a mental health facility. This process is initiated by a family member, law enforcement official, or other individual who believes that the patient is unable to manage their condition on their own and poses a risk to themselves or others. When involuntarily committed, the patient is re-evaluated and held in the facility until they are discharged or if the court deems them competent to return to their community. In both civil commitment and involuntary commitment, the patient is provided with medical, psychological, and social support. However, the primary distinction between the two is that civil commitment is voluntary, while involuntary commitment is initiated by an outside source.

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What is the difference between civil commitment and involuntary commitment?

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