Like most states, Pennsylvania permits three types of involuntary, court-ordered treatment: emergency evaluation, extended involuntary treatment and assisted outpatient treatment.Įmergency evaluation (aka “a 302”): This is typically the first step of involuntary treatment. The state’s Mental Health Procedures Act outlines the mental health treatment options allowed in Pennsylvania, including involuntary treatment. What types of involuntary treatment options exist in Pennsylvania? Read more: PA’s controversial mental health law on involuntary treatment stands to get a test run more than 3 years after its passing Now a person can qualify for AOT if there is “clear and convincing evidence that the person would benefit” from it. ![]() ![]() Until last year, a person had to be deemed “a clear and present danger” to themselves or others, and AOT was mainly used as a step-down from involuntary inpatient treatment. In April, Pennsylvania changed the standards required for someone to receive assisted outpatient treatment - a technical term for a kind of involuntary treatment, such as mandated therapy or day programs while living in the community. Related: Mental health system model of ‘forced treatment’ doesn’t work Others say it infringes on a person’s civil rights and can push them away from seeking help in the future. Some argue that involuntary treatment is the only way to guarantee that certain people get the help they need. Involuntary mental health treatment is a highly controversial issue among practitioners, advocates and those who have sought and received treatment. ![]() Editor’s note: Petitions for involuntary commitment for mental health treatment rose by 21% in Allegheny County through 2021.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |