The Arc of Western Wayne County: Serving people with disabilities

The Take Charge Helpline

Involuntary Hospitalization

In order for a person to be involuntarily hospitalized, they must meet the Michigan Mental Health Code's definition of a person requiring treatment.  A person may be seriously mentally ill but not meet the criteria for hospitalization.  The Probate Court, based on statements made by the person initiating the proceedings and by either two physicians or one physician and one clinical psychologist, makes the determination as to whether the individual is a person requiring treatment.  Probate judges vary somewhat in their interpretation of the Code.

The Michigan Mental Health Code defines mental illness as a substantial disorder of thought or mood that significantly impairs judgment, behavior, capacity to recognize reality, or ability to cope with the ordinary demands of life.  Mental illness alone, however, is not sufficient to justify involuntary hospitalization.

Any person, 18 years or older may file a petition or application which asserts that an individual is a person requiring treatment.  This may be a family member, friend, mental health worker, police officer, or any adult who has direct knowledge on which to base their assertion that the person requires treatment.  Since procedures vary from county to county, check with the Wayne County Probate Court or The Detroit Wayne County Community Mental Health Agency for information and assistance.

There are two ways to initiate commitment procedures, by clinical certification through the local Community Mental Health Services Program or by petition directly to the Probate Court.  There is information on both available on the Take Charge Helpline.

For more information, please contact The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Michigan at 800-331-4264, or visit them online at namimi.org.  You can also contact The Detroit Wayne County Community Mental Health Agency at 313-833-2500, or visit them online at www.dwccmha.com.

Phone code: 2205