Treatment

In 2008, Illinois enacted sweeping reform of its civil commitment standards. The old criteria, limiting commitment to people with mental illness posing an imminent danger to themselves or others, were expanded to get help to those who, while not violent or suicidal at the moment, are unable to provide for their own basic physical needs, or are unable to understand their need for treatment and can reasonably be expected to suffer continued deterioration and engage in dangerous conduct in the future.

Here, apparently, is what passes in some quarters for an ethical dilemma:

Everyday people contact us in their quest to navigate the mental health system.

The publicity of Britney Spears’ recent involuntary hospitalization and subsequent release is raising awareness about involuntary treatment laws.