Seattle Now We have laws to improve WA's involuntary commitment. They're barely used
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Jun 2, 2025 Jayati Ramakrishnan, a mental health reporter from the Seattle Times, dives into the flaws of Washington's involuntary commitment system. She discusses the surprising agreement among critics about its ineffectiveness and the underutilization of recent reforms. Exploring the role of designated crisis responders, she highlights the challenges they face during assessments. The conversation also addresses civil liberties concerns, the need for improved funding, and the importance of community engagement for future reforms aimed at optimizing mental health support.
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Role of Designated Crisis Responders
- Designated crisis responders (DCRs) are mental health pros who decide on involuntary commitment in Washington.
- They assess individuals briefly, sometimes missing broader context due to limited contact time.
System Access and Recidivism Challenges
- Many needing treatment can't access it due to limited DCR assessment time and scarce hospital beds.
- Patients often cycle through the system without long-term resolution or support after discharge.
Civil Liberties and Alternative Services
- Critics worry forced treatment violates civil liberties and often fails to help patients effectively.
- Upstream services like crisis centers could reduce reliance on involuntary commitment.