The psychiatric hospitalization of an individual against his or her will is a treatment option that is pursued only when all less restrictive treatment options have been exhausted or deemed unsuitable.

Taking away an individual’s personal freedom, even with the good intention of providing mental health treatment, is such a serious step that the Virginia legislature has established strict requirements that must be met before a person can be involuntarily hospitalized.

CSB Emergency Services staff have prepared information for petitioners, family members and concerned others who want to understand the involuntary psychiatric hospitalization process.

• Process for adults
  • Information in English (or get a printable version)
  • Information in Spanish (or get a printable version)
• Process for minors (or get a printable version)
• Guide to Mandatory Outpatient Treatment (MOT)