In Florida, getting someone into a mental health facility typically involves the Baker Act, which allows for involuntary psychiatric evaluation if a person is deemed a danger to themselves or others. In 2023, about 175K Floridians were involuntarily admitted into mental health disorder treatment with two-thirds of admissions conducted under the Baker Act. Here’s how the psychiatric treatment admission process works in the Sunshine State:
Qualifying for Involuntary Mental Health Admission
Under the Florida Mental Health Act (Baker Act), a person can be placed in a psychiatric facility if they:
- Appear to have a mental illness
- Pose a threat to themselves or others due to their mental state
- Are unable to care for themselves
Who Can Initiate a Baker Act?
A person can be taken for evaluation under the Baker Act by:
- Law enforcement officers (e.g., police, sheriff’s deputies)
- Doctors, psychiatrists, or psychologists
- Mental health professionals (e.g., licensed social workers, counselors)
- Judges through an ex parte order
How to Start the Baker Act Process
- Call Law Enforcement: If the person is in immediate danger, you can call 911 and request a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officer trained in mental health crises.
- File a Petition in Court: If there is no immediate emergency, you can file a petition for an ex parte order at your county court. A judge can then issue an order for the person to be taken for evaluation.
- Consult a Mental Health Professional: A doctor or therapist can issue a certificate for evaluation, which law enforcement can then enforce.
What Happens After a Baker Act is Initiated?
If the Baker Act is adjudicated, the person is taken to a designated mental health facility for evaluation (up to 72 hours). After the psychiatric assessment, one of three things will happen:
- They will be released if they don’t meet the criteria for further treatment.
- Voluntarily admitted if they agree to treatment.
- Placed under an involuntary treatment order if a court deems it necessary.
Seeking Voluntary Psychiatric Hospital Admission
Motivating a loved one on your own to seek psychiatric care is your best foot forward. However, when a family member is no longer self-aware, the Florida Mental Health Act is available to assist. Prior to that, seek assistance and support from other loved one’s to help the family member agree to get psychiatric help. Below are some resources to turn to (before a crisis develops).
- Contact Celadon Recovery at 239-266-2141 for an immediate evaluation.
- Call 211 Helpline or go online to Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) to find resources.
- Gain valuable information from National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI)
About Celadon Recovery
Celadon is comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment center located along the shores of the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, Florida. With a full-continuum of care including detox, residential, and outpatient programs, we are committed to quality substance use and co-occurring disorder care. Call us today at 239-266-2141.
