Understanding the 72 Hour Mental Health Hold in Georgia: A Guide for Families and Friends
Mental health is a critical aspect of overall health, but it’s often overlooked or misunderstood. Unfortunately, when someone experiences a severe mental health crisis, friends and family may find themselves at a loss as to how to help. One of the challenges in treating mental health crises is making sure that the individual in crisis doesn’t harm themselves or others.
That’s where the 72-hour mental health hold comes into play. In this article, we’ll explore what the 72-hour mental health hold is, how it works, and what families and friends need to know.
What Is a 72-Hour Mental Health Hold?
In Georgia, a 72-hour mental health hold, also called an involuntary hold or an emergency hold, is a legal way to detain someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis. The goal is to assess the individual’s condition and ensure they receive the necessary medical treatment in a secure environment.
The hold lasts for 72 hours, during which the medical staff assesses the patient, provides treatment, and determines if the individual needs further inpatient care or can be safely released.
Who Can Request a 72-Hour Mental Health Hold?
Requests for a 72-hour mental health hold can come from various sources, including:
- Law enforcement officers who encounter an individual in a mental health crisis during their duty
- Clinical social workers or mental health professionals who have assessed an individual and determined they pose a danger to themselves or others
- Family members, friends, or other concerned individuals who believe the individual is in crisis
- Court-appointed evaluators tasked with assessing the individual’s mental health in specific legal proceedings, such as divorce or child custody cases
However, it’s important to note that the request for a 72-hour mental health hold must meet specific criteria. The individual must present a danger to themselves or others, be unable to make sound decisions about their treatment due to their mental state, and be unwilling to seek necessary treatment voluntarily.
What Should Families and Friends Do if They Think Their Loved One Needs a 72-Hour Mental Health Hold?
Families and friends should seek help from emergency responders or trained mental health professionals. If the individual poses an imminent danger to themselves or others, call 911 immediately.
If the situation is less urgent, contact the Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) at 1-800-715-4225. The GCAL provides confidential crisis intervention and access to mental health services for anyone in Georgia. They can also connect individuals to the appropriate resources and help determine if a 72-hour mental health hold is necessary.
Families and friends should also consider creating a crisis plan with their loved one, including contact information for a mental health professional, a crisis hotline, and emergency responders. This plan can help prevent crises and ensure that everyone involved knows what to do in case of an emergency.
Key Takeaways
A 72-hour mental health hold is an emergency measure that allows medical staff to assess and provide treatment to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Requests for the hold can come from different sources, but they must meet specific criteria. Families and friends can seek help from emergency responders or trained mental health professionals and should consider creating a crisis plan with their loved one.
Mental health crises can be challenging, but knowing the resources available and taking proactive steps can help prevent harm and ensure individuals receive appropriate care.
