Voluntary Vs Involuntary Treatment

Summary

Voluntary mental treatment allows individuals to choose and leave treatment freely. Involuntary treatment involves admission without consent, often due to safety risks, and requires legal procedures. In New York, police can initiate involuntary treatment if a person poses a danger, under Mental Hygiene Law §9.41. Involuntary admission also requires certification by two physicians as per Mental Hygiene Law §9.27. Emergency admissions are possible if theres an imminent risk, pending evaluation.

Full Conversation

Can the police take someone to the hospital for mental treatment involuntarily
Yes, in New York, the police can take someone to the hospital for involuntary mental treatment under certain conditions, such as if the person poses a risk to themselves or others. This often involves a legal process or evaluation by a mental health professional. Is there a particular situation you're concerned about?
Give me the laws about it
In New York, involuntary mental treatment can occur under specific laws:
- Mental Hygiene Law §*.*: Police officers can take a person to a hospital if they appear to be mentally ill and pose a danger to themselves or others.
- Mental Hygiene Law §*.*: Requires certification by two physicians for involuntary admission.
- Emergency Admission: Immediate admission if a person is an imminent risk, subject to evaluation.
Let me know if you need more details on these laws!