The best way to get Someone Tested for a mental illness in Pa ?

Does anybody know the best way for someone to get tested for a Mental Ilness In Pa ? Whats the best option ?

 

Doctor
or if urgent; Hospital

 

its called a 302 pa .. you must call the police and make a report. you need 2 people usually..

The following overview is provided for informational purposes only. Please contact the County Mental Health Delegate or an attorney for a specific explanation of this law.
What is the Mental Health Procedures Act?
It is the statute concerning the voluntary and involuntary treatment of seriously mentally ill individuals in Pennsylvania. It applies to all psychiatric hospitalization in the state.
What is meant by a "201?"
Section 201 is that part of the Act relating to voluntary consent for a psychiatric examination and treatment. Anyone 14 years of age or older can consent to inpatient treatment. Admission is based on the determination of a psychiatrist that this level of care is needed.
What is meant by a "302?"
Section 302 is the part of the Act relating to treatment without consent for observed behavior constituting a clear and present danger to the individual and/or others. The behavior must have occurred in the past 30 days. Under Section 302(a) any responsible party can petition for an involuntary evaluation by stating that an individual may be severely mentally disabled.
What condition may result in an involuntary hospitalization?
Being severely mentally disabled and posing a clear a present danger to yourself or to others. This may include actual or attempted substantial self-injury, attempted or inflicted serious bodily harm to another, acting in a manner that indicates that you may not be able to take care of yourself without assistance, or attempting suicide or showing high risk of suicide.
What is a warrant?
Reports that someone is at risk because of mental illness go to the County Mental Health Delegate. If the Delegate determines that the behavior meets the Act's criteria a warrant is issued. This authorizes a representative of the County Mental Health Administrator or the police to take someone for psychiatric examination. No arrest or criminal charges are involved.
Who is the County Mental Health Delegate?
The authority for Section 302 determinations rests with the County Mental Health Administrator. The Administrator can delegate responsibility to individuals who acts on her or his behalf. The Delegates assure fair, correct, and appropriate administration of the procedure for an involuntary admission. In regard to Section 302(a) they assess reports in deciding to issue a warrant.
What is the responsibility of a petitioner?
An individual who files a petition must truthfully describe in writing the behavior that they witnessed in the past 30 days that supports their belief that an individual is a clear and present danger to herself/himself or others. The petitioner may be asked to attend a hearing to testify about the information that they gave about the individual's behavior.
Does filing a petition result in an individual's hospitalization?
The petition may lead to a psychiatric examination if the Delegate feels that one is needed. Hospitalization is decided by the examining psychiatrist based on the requirements of the Act, the information in the petition, and an examination of the individual. Many who receive an examination are helped by counseling or other services without hospitalization.
Can the police or a physician get a psychiatric examination for a mentally ill individual?
Under Section 302(b) police officers or physicians can take an at risk individual to a psychiatric facility without a warrant. This must be based upon personal observation that an individual's behavior indicates that he or she could be severely mentally disabled and pose a clear and present danger to herself/himself. Admission depends a psychiatrist's examination.
What type of hospital may provide involuntary treatment?
The Act authorizes the County Administrator to designate one or more providers of involuntary hospitalization. This may be provided by a psychiatric hospital or a psychiatric unit at a general hospital. MCES, Inc. is the sole designated facility for this service in Montgomery County, PA.
How long may an involuntary hospitalization last?
Section 302 provides for an involuntary admission for a period not to exceed 120 hours. Section 303 provides for an extension of involuntary treatment (inpatient or outpatient) for up to 20 days. The extension is determined on the basis of a hearing with the Mental Health Review Officer, an official of the Court of Common Pleas, who can order extended care.
What if the patient continues to need involuntary care?
Section 304(b) provides for extended treatment of individuals subject to a prior Section 303 ruling. Involuntary treatment (inpatient or outpatient) may be extended for up to 90 days. Section 305 provides for extensions up to 180 days.
What if an individual does not comply with outpatient treatment?
Outpatient treatment such as medication, individual or group counseling, or other therapy may be needed. If an individual does not comply with the mandated treatment (one example is noncompliance with medications), Section 306 of the Act provides that he or she may be mandated to have a hearing to determine the need for treatment in a more restrictive setting.
What is a mental health hearing?
It is a civil (non-criminal) proceeding to determine if additional treatment is needed. Hearings are non-adversarial and usually brief. Participants are guided by an attorney on their roles.
What happens at a mental health hearing?
Petitioners or others testify about the behavior that they have observed. The patient may testify and call witnesses. An attorney known as the County Mental Health Solicitor represents the treatment facility. The psychiatrist reports on the individual's mental illness. The Mental Heath Review Officer decides if continuing treatment is necessary.
Can patients have legal representation at mental health hearings?
The Public Defender's Office provides representation at no cost to patients at mental health hearings. Private attorneys may also provide representation at the patient's expense.
May the patient waive the right to a hearing?
Yes, under the Act the patient has the right to agree to or to stipulate to an extension of their treatment, in which case a hearing is not necessary. Stipulation means that the patient and her/his attorney agree with the facility that a given period of ongoing treatment is acceptable.
What if an inmate of a detention facility or jail experiences a behavioral health crisis?
Individuals incarcerated in county prisons or in detention at municipal jails or holding facilities may also be eligible for an involuntary hospitalization if they meet the criteria of Section 302.

 

ask them if they believe what L. Ron Hubbard says

 

A psyciatrist is the best possible way, gotta find a good though and that can be tough.

 

Yeah, find a docter. But I've gone to shrinks before and I'd say (on the public services level) there is 1 good docter for every 7 quack ass idiots who don't know what the fuck they're talking about.

I've had a good doctor who helped me acheive a lot of personial insight to why I make my choices... and then the charlatons who will diagnoise you with whatever they JUST read about if you say one or two of the key words that they are *looking* to hear.

 

It would depend on exactly what the illness suspected is.

what are the key symptoms?

 

im assuming this is by force..

does this person exhibit psychotic behavior?.. Then your best option is to call the police ..

 

You could try calling the NAMI hotline number from this link http://www.hipforums.com/newforums/showthread.php?t=408548&f=383

They may have a web page too.

 

why?