Navigating the Involuntary Commitment Process
Background: Arizona, like every other state, has a process through which a person may be involuntarily committed. And…
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Civil Commitment
Guardianships and conservatorships allow court-appointed individuals to make decisions for those unable to do so. They ensure protection with the least restrictive support.
What is civil commitment and why does it matter?
Civil commitment is a legal process through which an individual may be ordered by a court into mental health evaluations and treatment. Arizona has a unique and complex civil commitment process. If families choose to pursue involuntary commitment for a mentally ill loved one, having attorneys and experts on hand can help guide them through the process.
How to Navigate
Untreated mental illness, whether it be depression, psychosis, mania, or another, can have devastating outcomes on the person afflicted with the disorder as well as those closely connected. Suicide, assault, financial ruin, violence, victimization, destruction of families, and isolation are just some of those outcomes. Because insight to the illness is often absent, involuntary commitment may be the only way to avoid these situations.
Arizona has a process through which a person may be involuntarily committed. Although Arizona has a fairly straightforward civil commitment process, navigating through it can be difficult. This is especially so when the person needing to execute the process must also manage the anxiety, confusion, possible danger and heartbreak associated with involuntary commitment.
The firm is dedicated to helping the family manage the crisis and effectively walk through the commitment process. If the family needs help drafting the “petition” paperwork, the firm is there to help. While the loved one is in the process, we help coordinate the care by connecting our network of psychiatric professionals.
You don’t have to navigate this burdensome process alone.
Substance Abuse & Involutary Commitment
Seeking involuntary treatment may coincide with substance abuse issues. While drug use and substance abuse creates unique circumstances for pursuing involuntary commitment, it does not stop an involuntary evaluation from taking place.
Emergency vs. Non-Emergency
Involuntary treatment can be sought on either an emergency or a non-emergency basis. The non-emergency process is followed when there is no immediate danger, but there is a history of behavior that demands psychiatric attention and the person does not want treatment (commonly called PAD).
The emergency process is followed when a person is in immediate danger of hurting themselves or others due to a psychiatric condition and refuses or is unable to decide to receive treatment.
Relevant Blog Posts
Explore our blog posts to learn more about civil commitment, including the legal process, criteria, and what families can expect. These insights can help you navigate complex mental health situations with greater clarity and confidence.
Civil Commitment
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Arizona’s Four Grounds for Involuntary Commitment
Background: Unfortunately, there are times when an individual becomes so ill that dangerous situations are created. Often, those…
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Non-Emergency & Emergency Commitment
Non-Emergency Involuntary Commitment Follow this process when there is no immediate danger, but there is a history of…
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Does Drug Use Preclude the Involuntary Commitment Process?
A Client Example Recently a client came to our office with a very common problem. Her name was…
Schedule a Consultation
Scheduling a consultation with a mental health attorney is the first step toward getting the guidance and support that you and your family needs.
Schedule a Consultation
Scheduling a consultation with a mental health attorney is the first step toward getting the guidance and support that you and your family needs.