Have You Ever Spent 72 Hours Behind Locked Doors?

Note: Trigger alert for those who may themselves have been hospitalized. A question that strikes fear in the hearts of many who could not conceive of a mental health crisis and an all too real experience for numerous people in the United States. Involuntary commitment is defined as: “a legal process through which an individual who is deemed by a qualified agent to have symptoms of severe mental disorder is court-ordered into treatment in a psychiatric hospital (inpatient) or in the community (outpatient).” In Florida, it is referred to as the Baker Act, so named for Representative Maxine Baker who was dedicated to the wellbeing of those with psychiatric conditions. California’s code is known as 5150 and Pennsylvania calls it a 302 Commitment. What it comes down to is that if a person is a danger to themself or another, the code is invoked. A petitioner, who could be a friend or family member, a police officer or medical professional files paperwork to assist with acquiring treatment for someone they perceive falling into that category. Having worked for more than a dozen years as a licensed social worker in inpatient acute care psychiatric hospitals, I have witnessed my share of involuntary hospital stays. I have attended countless 302, 303 and 304 hearings and have solidly supported some and questioned the necessity of others. Entry into the hospital may commence with a 72 hour stay that can enable a treatment team to evaluate the person to determine if they are t...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Inspiration & Hope Motivation and Inspiration Peer Support Technology Hospitalization Inpatient Care Involuntary commitment Mental Health Mental Illness Psychiatric Hospital simulation Stigma virtual reality Source Type: blogs