How to commit crazy son?

Question

A woman I know lives alone with her adult son. Son is crazy.

Both are poor. Son cannot work or care for self, also is becoming dangerous. She wants to commit him. But HOW? Lives in NY state.

Answer 1

Many states have a 72 hour hold, where they can hold and evaluate someone's mental condition, without their permission. The general criteria is they have to be a danger to themselves or others. The trick is getting them there in the first place.

Her local County Dept. of Health should have a mental health division, which can give her the local resources available. Some counties have mobile mental health units that can go to a person’s home, and do an evaluation of them. They can transport them directly to a mental health facility, if necessary.

Is there a family doctor she could call to help get him committed?

If not, she should call the police, when her son behaves dangerously towards her, himself or others.  The police can transport him to a psychiatric facility, if they think it’s necessary.  He could also be arrested and go to jail - that’s the chance you take if the police are called.  I’d try to avoid using the police, unless absolutely necessary.  If someone’s in danger, what choice does she have?

I hope she is able to use local mental health resources and get her son the help he needs.  It’s such a heartbreaking situation she is in.

Answer 2

She can call local mental health department and seek advice on programs in the county and what would be necessary to have her son placed in one.  If he is unable to work or care for himself, he may qualify.  

Calling 911 if he is a threat to himself or others gets a 72 hour hold with potential for longer if the doctors believe that he is not safe to release.  Regardless, it is a temporary solution to what sounds like a longer term problem.

Answer 3

302 call 911 and tell them he is harmful to hisself and others and you want him 302ed

Answer 4

If this man is a danger to self or others, he can be involuntarily committed.  It is known as a 51-50. They can put him on a 72 hour hold and receive a psychiatric evaluation for further information. Call the police.