Civil Commitment in Washington State

Civil commitment is the legal process of forcing a person to undergo medical and or psychiatric treatment against their will. Such treatment is usually, but not always, for a psychiatric illness such as schizophrenia. Civil commitment proceedings can lead to a person being detained in a mental institution for inpatient treatment; or to less restrictive outpatient treatment where the person is not behind a locked door, but still subject to court-ordered treatment conditions.

Civil commitment proceedings in Washington are governed by Washington’s Involuntary Treatment Act (RCW 71.05). Walla Walla attorney Jeff Burkhart has extensive experience litigating these proceedings — he has handled several hundred ITA matters. 

Civil commitment is a sensitive and challenging area of the law that very few lawyers ever touch. Having experienced civil commitment litigator Jeff Burkhart on your side will make a huge difference. If you, or a family member, are facing the prospect of involuntary treatment, contact Jeff Burkhart today.

The civil commitment process in Washington is essentially:

1. Initial detention up to 72 hours
2. Detention up to 14 days
3. Detention (or less restrictive alternative (LRA)) up to 90 days
4. Detention (or LRA) up to 180 days

Here are the civil commitment topics covered in this section:

• Important liberty interests at stake in civil commitment
• Initial evaluation
• Bases of detention
• Definition of "mental disorder"
• Likelihood of serious harm
• Definition of "gravely disabled"
• Less restrictive alternative (LRA)
• Petitions and standards of proof for
• 14-day detention
• Additional 90-day detention or LRA
• Additional 180-day detention or LRA
• Antipsychotic medications
• Electroconvulsive therapy
• Firearm rights
• Common patient types in civil commitment cases
• Sample court orders
• Washington's state hospitals and other ITA treatment facilities

Walla Walla lawyer Jeff Burkhart is qualified to assist you with your legal rights and responsibilities regarding civil commitment in Washington.  

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