MENTAL HEALTH HELP | DAVID LAWRENCE CENTER

MENTAL HEALTH HELP | DAVID LAWRENCE CENTER

Mental health help services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the emergency mental health and substance use needs of children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. This service provides a brief voluntary & involuntary evaluation with treatment for individuals experiencing a psychiatric crisis who meet the criteria defined under the Florida Mental Health Act.

Florida’s Baker Act 2013 Face Sheet: David Lawrence Center:

According to the Department of Children and Families, the Baker Act is Chapter 294, Part I, Florida Statutes, also known as the Florida Mental Health Act. The Baker Act provides legal procedures for mental health examination and treatment, including:

  • Voluntary admission
  • Involuntary examination
  • Involuntary inpatient placement
  • Involuntary outpatient placement

The Baker Act regulates:

  • Crisis stabilization units
  • Short-term residential treatment facilities

The Baker Act protects the rights of all individuals examined or treated for mental illness in Florida.

What Is Involuntary Examination and How Is It Conducted?

An involuntary exam is a psychiatric exam conducted without a person’s consent, often referred to as “getting baker acted.” These “involuntary exams” are initiated by the following:

  • 49% Law Enforcement Officers
  • 49% Mental Health Professionals and Physicians
  • 2% Circuit Courts

You must meet the criteria requirements in order to have an involuntary exam conducted:

  • Appears to have a mental illness
  • Presents a danger to self or others
  • Refuses voluntary exam or is unable to understand need for exam

Crisis Stabilization Services: David Lawrence Center:

Adults in a psychiatric crisis may be experiencing:

  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Severe depression and/or anxiety
  • Stress or trauma
  • Hearing voices
  • Bizarre or threatening behavior
  • Drug or alcohol abuse
  • Physical, emotional or sexual abuse
  • Family and interpersonal conflicts
  • Breaks with reality

Mental Health Help at David Lawrence Center:

At David Lawrence Centers, a team of behavioral healthcare professionals trained in risk assessment and crisis intervention evaluations performs the evaluations. David Lawrence Centers is the Baker Act Receiving Facility for Collier County. Get Help Now, Call 239.491.7602, or Contact us, here.

Sep 10, 2014 | Mental Health

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