It’s hard to watch someone you love struggle with a mental disorder, especially when they won’t seek help.
But in some cases, a psychiatric hospital may truly be the safest place for them to get medical treatment and stabilize. Getting the help they need may mean admitting them to a treatment facility yourself.
Learn how to get someone admitted to a mental hospital — from recognizing warning signs to referrals, court orders, and state laws — all in the name of helping your loved one.
Can You Get Someone Admitted into a Mental Hospital?
Yes, you can get someone into a mental health facility, although the process is different in each state.
In Florida, the Baker Act lets certain people start involuntary hospitalization. A mental health professional, police officer, or doctor can ask for emergency admission. The person being admitted must be a danger to themselves or others.
The involuntary commitment process for mental health treatment usually starts with a mental health crisis check. If someone is in an unsafe situation, or can’t take care of their basic needs because of severe mental illness, help may be needed.
Family members often feel stuck when a loved one won’t get help, but these mental health services try to keep patients safe while respecting their rights.
What Are the Criteria for Admission to a Mental Rehab Facility?
Admission criteria to mental rehab depend on the facility, but most follow similar guidelines. These include:
- A diagnosed mental illness
- Risk of harm to self or others
- Inability to meet basic needs
- No safer treatment options available
While the exact process may vary, most facilities start off with an evaluation. This helps decide if inpatient treatment is the right level of care for each unique situation.
What to Know About Involuntary Commitment for Mental Health Treatment
Involuntary commitment happens when someone needs help but refuses mental health treatment. In this case, someone else can admit them in the interest of personal or public safety.
For these situations — if the person poses a danger or can’t meet their basic needs — a mental health professional, doctor, or police officer can start the admissions process. In Florida, this is done under the Baker Act.
The process usually involves three steps:
- Evaluation
- Inpatient treatment
- Outpatient support after discharge
You can also file a court petition if you’re concerned about a loved one’s safety. In a crisis, emergency responders may take them to a psychiatric facility for assessment.
Laws vary by state, but the goal is the same: to provide care when someone can’t seek it on their own.
Involuntary Commitment Laws for Mental Health Care
In Florida, the Baker Act is a law that outlines how someone with a mental illness can be placed in a psychiatric facility without their consent.
The process starts with an emergency hold. A mental health professional, doctor, or police officer must believe the person poses a danger or is gravely disabled. This can lead to an involuntary admission for up to 72 hours.
If further inpatient care is needed, the facility must petition the court. A court hearing is then scheduled within five working days. The judge may order continued mental health treatment if the person meets legal and medical criteria.
The person being admitted will be represented by a public defender, and testimony from behavioral health experts is required. Civil commitment can last up to six months, depending on the mental health condition and treatment plan.
Signs Your Loved One Needs Mental Health Treatment
It’s not always easy to know when someone needs inpatient care, especially if they won’t ask for help. But some signs point to a serious mental health crisis.
Inpatient treatment is often needed for people with severe symptoms that can’t be managed safely at home.
Serious mental health conditions and signs they may need help include:
- Schizophrenia: The person may suffer hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, or behavior that poses a safety risk.
- Bipolar disorder: This is accompanied by extreme mood swings, risky behavior, or psychosis during manic or depressive episodes.
- Major depression: Your loved one may experience suicidal thoughts, withdrawal from daily life, or an inability to function.
- Drug-induced psychosis: Paranoia, hallucinations, or aggressive behavior linked to substance abuse are signs that a person may need intervention.
- Dementia with psychiatric symptoms: The person may experience severe confusion, aggression, or delusions that endanger the person or others
If your loved one shows any of these signs, it may be time to consider a mental health facility that can provide the right treatment program.
What to Do if Your Loved One Refuses Mental Help
Mental health treatment often works best when it’s chosen, not forced. But some people can’t see that they need help, especially during a mental health crisis. They may resist therapy, stop taking medication, or deny they have a mental health condition.
But your support still counts. You can help by staying present, being patient, offering to explore treatment options, and letting them know they’re not alone.
If your loved one is a danger to themselves or others, or can’t meet their basic needs, involuntary hospitalization may be necessary.
The steps to involuntary admission often include:
- Recognize the signs.
- Contact a professional, such as a social worker, doctor, or law enforcement.
- Request an evaluation.
- File a petition.
- Follow up, and stay involved through inpatient care and outpatient treatment planning.
Find Compassionate & Comprehensive Mental Health Care
At Mark Behavioral Health, we understand how hard it is to get someone help in a mental health crisis. Our team offers 24/7 care, therapy, and psychiatric support in a safe, welcoming setting.
If someone you love needs help, reach out today. We’re here to support you every step of the way.