Suicidal thoughts - How long can a hospital keep someone inpatient against their will?

Question

A friend went to a mental health crisis center for medication because she is severely depressed and has suicidal thoughts. They assessed her and are not letting her leave. How long can they legally require her to stay in the hospital? She is located in New York. Any advice or appropriate websites would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Until they are positive that she won't act on her suicidal thoughts. They usually hold you for 3 days.

Answer 2

we have put my mother in law in a mental hospital she had the same thoughts and they only kept her 1 week

Answer 3

Because insurance does not pay for a long stay I doubt that she would stay more than 2 weeks.  Where I live people stay 2 days max.  I am in NM.  A person who is involuntary on admission has a right to an attourney.  That person can help get a person out.

Answer 4

72  Hours...

Answer 5

until they feel she is not a threat to herself or any one else

Answer 6

IF she is a danger to herself or others, and IF she voluntarily commits herself, they can only hold her for 72 hours unless they get a court order.

If she refuses to commit herself, AND she is a danger to herself or others, they will hold her until they get a court order to keep her for as long as the judge deems appropriate.

It's always better to self- commit. Chances are you'll be out in 72 hours.

Answer 7

72 hrs

Answer 8

If she has been deemed to be a danger to herself or others they can hold her.  The amount varies but normally 72 hours.