Is being psychotic grounds enough for involuntary hospitalization? What are the general civil involuntary commitment criteria?
Having a mental illness alone is not grounds for involuntary hospitalization.
In the United States, each state government defines the criteria for involuntary hospitalization in its mental health code, and these usually follow the American Psychiatric Association’s Model that requires six criteria to be met:
(1) the patient has a mental illness that
(2) is treatable by hospitalization,
(3) poses a danger to others or self (including severe decompensation),
(4) does not voluntarily consent,
(5) lacks capacity, and
(6) hospitalization is the least restrictive treatment. Involuntary (court-mandated) outpatient treatment is also possible.
