ODL 392: Ethical Considerations in Emergency Mental Healthcare: Navigating Involuntary Commitment and Crisis Response

5 Credit Hours: Many helping professionals face uncertainty about how to respond in a mental health crisis. States across the US have legal processes that allow for involuntary evaluation or hospitalization when a clinician determines there is a substantial risk of imminent harm to the self or others, or an inability to provide for one’s own safety. This course will provide an overview of how to identify and respond to a mental health emergency, explore common clinical and legal considerations in emergency settings, and highlight the ethical standards that guide decision-making when involuntary measures are necessary.