When considering which of the two listed paths to take the savvy social worker should consider a few things. Those who choose to engage in voluntary psychiatric treatment they will be expected to comply with treatment provided by hospital staff. If they do not then they will be asked to leave, and it will be difficult to get your client back into that same psychiatric ward. If you think your client should be held against their will then you should still ask them to go to the hospital on a voluntary basis. In Washington state an individual cannot be held against their will for psychiatric treatment if they say they are willing to participate in treatment on a voluntary basis. On occasion, a client will tell you they are not interested in voluntary treatment, but then during the interview with the CDMHP they will say they are willing to engage in treatment on a voluntary basis. This poses a real problem because it is very possible your client, who you think should be in the hospital, could change their mind starting the CDMHP referral process all over again.
Whatcom County CDMHP - David Sager (360) 676 - 2205 Crisis Line (800) 584 - 3578
This is the best option for everyone because if your client can recognize they need help then they are further along in their recovery compared to those who need to be hospitalized against their will. They need to understand that this type of treatment is a package deal. If they are in the psychiatric ward of the hospital they must comply with hospital staff wishes while they are there.
In the case of the voluntary inpatient psychiatric treatment three basic criteria must be satisfied before any one can be admitted to the psychiatric ward. You must have a medical doctor certify that your client meets criteria for admission to the hospital in question, the client must be able to pay for their stay at the hospital, and a bed must be available in the psychiatric ward for them the stay at. These would be the general requirements for a direct admission to the hospital.
Contact information provided at the bottom of this page should be used for a direct admission only. A hospital admission through the emergency room will have different requirements.
Below is a list of hospitals that I have called ahead to get you to the department responsible for assisting you as the social worker satisfy these three requirements. When interacting with staff at the hospital understand that the laws regarding voluntary admission to the hospital are very complex and each hospital has their own interpretation of these laws. Because of this each hospital has their own policy regarding voluntary psychiatric treatment. For example, if you were to ask a hospital admissions staff if they have any available beds in their psychiatric ward the answer will most likely be 'it depends.'
Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment is a medical emergency! If you believe your client should be held in the hospital against their will then you should do everything within your power to get them to your local emergency room. Once a referral to a CDMHP has been made the hospital emergency room may hold the person there until they are evaluated by the CDMHP. Information provided below should be used in the event that you are not able to get your client to the emergency room.
In Washington state a medical doctor has no authority to hold a person against their will for psychiatric treatment. Washington state's Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA) of 19-- gives the County Designated Mental Health Professional (CDMHP) the authority to force an individual into psychiatric treatment. Each county in Washington has their own CDMHP office. The Snohomish County CDMHP office may be reached at 1-425-388-7215.
Unless you are and attorney odds are the CDMHP has a better understanding of ITA law then you do. So, it is important to differ to their judgement. When you call you are expected to be prepared to answer a number of very specific questions about your client's demographics, insurance information, and the reason you believe they need to be held against their will quickly. You will also be asked to provide written documentation of the reason why you believe your client should be held against their will immediately. Please read the Involuntary Treatment Info before you make your call. The following are some tips I have while working with this office.
Always keep in mind that when you call the CDMHP you are requesting they come out and evaluate the situation. If they are not able to find your client then your chances of having them detained are significantly less. This presents a challenge because you will often need to leave your client to make the referral call. The patient must have a clear mental health issue and the reasons why you believe they should be detained has to be the direct result of that mental illness.