Crisis & Legal Rights
Know your rights and what to do when a mental health emergency arises.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
— Psalm 46:1 (NKJV)
Immediate Crisis Resources
| Resource | Contact | Who It Serves |
|---|---|---|
| 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | Call or text 988 | Anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress (24/7, free, confidential) |
| Crisis Text Line | Text HOME to 741741 | Anyone in crisis who prefers texting (24/7) |
| 911 | Call 911 | Immediate danger to life |
| Veterans Crisis Line | Call 988, press 1; or text 838255 | Veterans and service members |
| Disaster Distress Helpline | 1-800-985-5990 | Emotional distress related to disasters |
| NAMI Helpline | 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) | Information, referrals, and support |
| SAMHSA National Helpline | 1-800-662-HELP (4357) | Treatment referrals (24/7, free, confidential) |
Working with Law Enforcement During a Mental Health Crisis
Involuntary Commitment: Process & Legal Rights
Involuntary civil commitment is a state-regulated legal process that allows temporary detention and psychiatric treatment without consent when specific criteria are met. It is governed by state law.
General Criteria (vary by state)
An individual may be involuntarily committed if they are:
- • A danger to themselves — suicidal ideation, self-harm, inability to care for self
- • A danger to others — threatening or violent behavior
- • Gravely disabled — unable to provide for basic needs: food, clothing, shelter
The Typical Process
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Petition / Initiation | A family member, law enforcement officer, or mental health professional files a petition or initiates an emergency hold. |
| 2. Emergency Hold | The individual is transported to a facility for emergency evaluation. Duration varies by state (commonly 72 hours). |
| 3. Clinical Evaluation | A psychiatrist or qualified professional evaluates whether commitment criteria are met. |
| 4. Court Hearing | If extended treatment is needed, a court hearing is scheduled. The individual has the right to legal representation. |
| 5. Decision | The judge determines whether to extend commitment or release the individual, possibly with outpatient conditions. |
Patient Rights During Involuntary Commitment
| Right | Description |
|---|---|
| Due Process | A court hearing must be held; commitment cannot be indefinite without judicial review |
| Legal Counsel | Entitled to a court-appointed attorney if they cannot afford one |
| Right to Contest | Can challenge the commitment through legal proceedings |
| Patients' Rights Advocate | Many states mandate an independent advocate |
| Refuse Certain Treatments | May refuse psychosurgery, ECT, and in some cases certain medications |
| Communication | Right to make phone calls, receive visitors, and send/receive mail |
| HIPAA Protections | Medical information remains confidential |
Alternatives to Involuntary Commitment
Involuntary Outpatient Commitment
Court-ordered treatment while remaining in the community.
Mental Health Courts
Specialized courts that divert individuals into supervised treatment.
Mobile Crisis Teams
Non-police behavioral health teams that respond to crises.
Crisis Stabilization Units
Short-term (~9 days) facilities for crisis stabilization.