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ToggleMental health issues can prevent people from living full, healthy lives. The symptoms of a mental health condition can impact every aspect of a person’s life. They can affect a person’s physical health, ability to care for themselves, work, and daily functioning.
People with mental health conditions require comprehensive treatment and support to manage their symptoms. However, many people with severe mental health conditions do not recognize that they need help.
Friends and family members may feel helpless as they watch their loved one struggle without mental health treatment. However, people in Florida have the option of seeking involuntary placement for a loved one. They may use the Baker Act to help someone who has refused voluntary examination and treatment.
This article will explore how to use the Baker Act to help a loved one with mental illness. You will learn:
- What the Baker Act is
- When you should use the Baker Act
- The process of using the Baker Act
- Where to find mental health treatment
If someone you love is struggling with a mental health condition, you are not alone. Mental health treatment and support are available at Agape Behavioral Healthcare. Learn more about the Baker Act or our programs by contacting our intake team today.
What is the Baker Act?
The Florida Mental Health Act (commonly known as the Baker Act) is a law that allows involuntary evaluation and treatment of people with mental illness who refuse to consent to treatment.
The Baker Act’s name comes from Maxine Baker, a legislator who was critical in passing this law. The law allows concerned loved ones to help a loved one who meets the criteria for involuntary assessment and treatment.
The Baker Act is an important law because it helps people with mental illness get the help they need, even when they are unable to make the best choices about their care. Research shows that only about one in three people with mental illness ever get help. The Baker Act is a tool that can help more people get the help they need.
When Should I Use the Baker Act?
Enacting the Baker Act is a significant step. Family members, friends, or other concerned loved ones may hesitate to use it because they are uncertain of when it may be appropriate.
The Baker Act is a critical tool to help people with mental health disorders get necessary treatment. In many cases, the symptoms of a mental illness can make it challenging for people to recognize the need for help. These symptoms may also interfere with a person’s ability to seek treatment or participate in their care.
Family and friends can enact the Baker Act to help a loved one get help. Here are some signs that it is appropriate to begin this process:
- Your loved one is at immediate risk to themselves or others
Your loved one cannot make good decisions about their mental health treatment - The symptoms of their mental illness have become severe and require immediate attention
- Your loved one is in crisis and requires immediate intervention
- Trying to convince them to seek treatment has failed
The criteria for using the Baker Act are strict. In order to be eligible for involuntary commitment, a person must meet the Florida Mental Health Act criteria. The Baker Act criteria include:
- People experiencing delusions or hallucinations
- People who cannot care for themselves because of mental health symptoms
- People who are experiencing severe symptoms of anxiety or depression
- People who are at risk of self-harm or suicide
- People who are at risk to others
If your loved one meets any of these criteria and does not consent to treatment, you may be able to enact the Baker Act for involuntary commitment.
How Does the Baker Act Work?
Concerned family members, law enforcement officers, and mental health professionals may enact the Baker Act. Once the process is initiated, law enforcement will transport the person to a mental health facility for evaluation.
If the person meets the criteria for involuntary treatment, the receiving facility will hold them for up to 72 hours. During this time, mental health professionals will evaluate the person and provide a diagnosis.
After three days, the person may be free to leave the facility, as long as they meet the criteria for release. If they do not meet the criteria, they may remain in the facility for further treatment.
There are several steps you must take to enact the Baker Act. Here is an overview of the process.
- Contact your local emergency mental health services or police department.
- Describe the situation, including all of your loved one’s concerning behaviors. Make it clear why you believe they require immediate help.
- A mental health professional will evaluate your loved one to determine if involuntary commitment is appropriate.
- If your loved one meets the criteria for involuntary commitment, the mental health professional will apply for involuntary assessment and submit it to a mental health treatment facility.
- Law enforcement will transport the person to the mental health facility for evaluation and treatment.
Initiating the Baker Act can be the first step toward a healthier future. Contact the Agape Behavioral Healthcare team to learn more or find support during this process.
Learn More About the Baker Act
If you or someone you love live with a mental health condition, you are not alone. Contact the Agape Behavioral Healthcare specialists to learn about our treatment and support programs. You may also reach out with questions or to schedule an appointment.
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