In Georgia, a 1013 form can initiate emergency involuntary mental health treatment. Oftentimes, the symptoms of a mental health disorder can distort a person’s sense of reality and put them in harm’s way. Or their symptoms could be so severe that they are unable or unwilling to get help—even when their life is in danger.
Mental health disorders are treatable conditions. At North Atlanta Behavioral Health, we offer treatment options for clients after they are discharged from inpatient care. In addition, our programs can help those who need a lower level of care to prevent their symptoms from worsening.
What is a 1013 Form in Georgia?
A 1013 form authorizes an involuntary mental health evaluation. Qualifying mental health providers, such as physicians, psychologists, clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, or clinical nurses specializing in psychiatry or mental health, complete 1013 forms. The 1013 form certifies that a person requires emergency mental health care.
In addition, a 1013 form initiates getting a person transported to an emergency receiving facility (ERF).
When is a 1013 Form Used in Georgia?
A 1013 form is used for emergencies related to a person’s mental health. There must be a risk of imminent harm to themselves or others.
The following are potential reasons a 1013 form is used in Georgia:
- Suicidal risk or attempt
- Threats of violence to others
- Threats of suicide or life-threatening self-harming behaviors
- Physical health and safety is compromised in a life-threatening way
Once a person enters an ERF under a 1013, the facility has 48 hours to determine what happens next.
What Happens After a 1013?
After a 1013 form is completed, the ERF has 48 hours to determine the need for hospitalization, further evaluation, or if the person does not need inpatient care. In some cases, the person could be discharged 48 hours later if they are no longer a danger to themselves or others. In addition, some people recognize that they do need treatment and voluntarily consent.
If a person voluntarily consents to treatment, they can request a discharge from treatment at any time. In other words, there is no mandated length of stay required as long as the person no longer poses a danger to themselves or others. Thus, they still need an evaluation if they voluntarily request to leave treatment to ensure they will be safe.
However, if a person refuses treatment after a 1013, but the facility determines the need for mental health treatment, the facility now has 24 hours to complete a form 1014. The 1014 form certifies that the person needs further evaluation for treatment due to imminent danger if they are discharged.
What is Involuntary Treatment?
Involuntary treatment occurs when a person with a mental illness needs treatment due to a serious situation involving their own health and safety or that of others. Most often, involuntary treatment requires inpatient hospitalization, but it can also be an outpatient facility. Involuntary treatment begins after a person is evaluated for their treatment needs.
Can a Court Order Involuntary Treatment?
Yes, a court can order involuntary treatment. Involuntary treatment can be at an inpatient or outpatient facility.
For inpatient treatment, the person must be an imminent danger to themselves or others. In addition, they could be a health or safety risk to themselves in a way that is life-threatening.
A person could also receive a court order for involuntary outpatient treatment. This means that the person isn’t in imminent danger or posing an immediate risk to others. However, they need treatment to avoid becoming a danger, and they refuse or are unable to attend on their own.
What Happens After Involuntary Mental Health Treatment?
After involuntary mental health treatment, the person could enter treatment on their own. The purpose of a 1013 form in Georgia is to ensure a person is safe and stabilized. But, this is only going to deal with an emergency and will not be a long-term solution.
After being discharged from involuntary treatment, the person needs to find solutions to maintain their mental health. Otherwise, when left untreated, their symptoms will worsen. Oftentimes, this will lead to another involuntary hospitalization or other emergency services.
North Atlanta Behavioral Health (NABH) offers several treatment options and programs that help prevent the types of situations leading to involuntary treatment.
Mental Health Treatment in Atlanta
At NABH, we have the following outpatient mental health programs:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): This is a great way for clients to transition out of inpatient treatment programs. During a PHP, clients get several hours of treatment for six days per week. Clients get a blend of individual treatment and group sessions to help them learn ways to cope with mental health symptoms.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): IOP programs are the next step after PHP. Clients spend about half as much time in IOP as they do in PHP. In addition, IOP programs offer flexibility in scheduling so that clients can return to work, attend school, or take care of family. There are also evening IOP programs for greater flexibility.
Get Help for Your Mental Health Today
When left untreated, mental health symptoms can continue to worsen. A person could become suicidal or threatening to others. Or, they could be in danger because they cannot take care of their own health and safety. A 1013 form in Georgia gets a person into treatment—even when they don’t recognize the danger.
If you or a loved one are struggling with your mental health, don’t wait to get help. Contact North Atlanta Behavioral Health today.