Can a psychologist have a patient committed?

marti8

Maybe if they feel someone is a danger to themselves or others? Just wondering. Thanks.

sam34

short answer: no.

for someone to be 'committed' three things need to happen

someone needs to apply for it. this is usually a family member but could be the guards or someone else. if you are seeing a psychologist and they are part of the team at the psychiatric unit then they cannot make this application. if they are not attached to the hospital they could apply.

then a gp has to see the person and at this stage they may or may not agree that the person needs signing-in. if they don't agree, it goes no further. if they agree, they sign their form. what they are signing is a recommendation for psychiatric assessment. there is no guarantee at this stage that the person will be kept in hospital, that decision rests with the consultant psychiatrist.

so after the gp signs their bit the person is seen by a consultant psychiatrist who will keep them in if required and indicated.

so, no, on their own a psychologist cannot commit someone. however they could apply in some circumstances or in others they could advise someone else to apply.

hope this helps.

marti8

Thanks for that, was just wondering.