Legal and ethical issues related to psychiatric emergencies
The differences between emergency hospitalization for evaluation/psychiatric hold, inpatient commitment, and outpatient commitment vary depending on the state. In California, emergency hospitalization for evaluation/psychiatric hold typically occurs if a person is believed to be a danger to themselves or others; this allows mental health professionals to assess them and determine if further treatment or intervention is needed. If deemed necessary by the professionals, an individual may then be committed as an inpatient which requires court-ordered admission into a licensed psychiatric facility for up to 72 hours of observation and care.
Outpatient commitment is also available in California but only with specific criteria being met; this includes having a past history of refusing voluntary treatment that has resulted in significant deterioration of their condition or demonstrated behavior indicating they are unable to live safely outside of a supervised setting without support from others. In these situations individuals can receive court-ordered treatment as outpatients for up to one year under certain conditions such as adhering to prescribed medications and attending regularly scheduled counseling sessions.