Involuntary Treatment Act Services

Legal assessment of grave disability and/or danger to self or others due to a mental health or substance use disorder for possible involuntary admission to a behavioral health facility.

What is the Involuntary Treatment Act services program?

Designated Crisis Responders (DCRs) provide legal assessment of grave disability and/or danger to self or others due to a mental health or substance use disorder for possible involuntary admission to a behavioral health facility, under the authority of RCW 71.05. Upon determining that an individual meets the legal criteria, DCRs may detain an individual to an available psychiatric bed for up to 120 hours.


Who does the Involuntary Treatment Act services program serve?

The Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA) program serves individuals in a behavioral health crisis who may be a danger to themselves or others or experiencing grave disability and are unable to engage in safety planning and crisis stabilization on a voluntary basis. DCRs are members of the larger Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) who respond to individuals in crisis.


Approach to care

As a component of the evaluation, it must be determined that other, less restrictive options for stabilization of the crisis have been ruled out or deemed inappropriate. Additionally, it is expected that the investigation includes attempts to interview other significant professional and natural supports as well as reviewing the client’s behavioral health history to ascertain a more complete picture of their current needs.


Goal of Involuntary Treatment Act services

The goal of the ITA program is to maintain safety for the individual and the community while respecting individual rights. Whenever possible, less restrictive alternatives are considered prior to an involuntary hospitalization.

Services

Services in this program include the following, based on client need:

  • Evaluation for Involuntary Hospitalization

Access

To access this service, call the VOA Care Crisis Response Services ‘the Care Crisis Line’ at 1-800-584-3578 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year to speak with a mental health professional who will assess the situation and make appropriate referrals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a form to fill out if a member of my household has become a danger to themselves or others?

Yes. The form is called a Declaration of Witness (DCLR) and is available by clicking here. It is also on our client forms page. Use this form as directed by DCR staff. If you’re in an emergency and not sure where to start, call 988.

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