“Coloradans who are in need of involuntary commitment for mental health services must be treated efficiently and with the highest levels of quality, dignity, and respect.” – Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Counsel board position statement 11.0.
*A person is considered to be a danger to them self if they pose any risk of self harm such as recent threats or attempts at suicide or serious bodily harm.
*A person is considered a danger to others if they are threatening or at risk of physically harming another person.
In Colorado, The Involuntary Transportation Hold was created as a first-step-intervention. It should be used to help get an individual in an uncontrolled mental health crisis to a facility with emergency walk-in services.
A facility that accepts people for a Hold must get a written application stating the patient’s situation, known as an M-0.5 Form. Additionally, any essential information from the responding professional must be related. This is to decide if the person needs further mental health help. The patient is required to receive a copy of the Form after the evaluation is complete.
In Colorado, a person can be placed on Hold for up to 72 hours. This excludes weekends and holidays if treatment and evaluation services are not available.
A person must be evaluated as soon as possible after admission into a facility. Additionally, patients must receive proper treatment for the entire duration of their stay. At any time during the Hold, if an evaluator believes the patient no longer needs treatment, they must be released.
At the end of the 72-hour holding period, a professional must evaluate the patient for out-patient treatment. If they find a person’s mental illness is still a danger, they may be recommitted for, at most, three months.
A person who is committed for short-term treatment must be informed of the rehabilitation plan and given a copy of the form. As well as an opportunity to inform their support system of their situation. Support is crucial during this time. It is important for patients to stay in contact with their support system.
If you are in CO and need emergency help for a behavioral health crisis, contact Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-8255
https:/leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/ib_1738_mental_health_holds_2.pdf
https://bha.colorado.gov/behavioral-health/involuntary-mental-health-treatment/resources
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