Involuntary civil commitment is a civil case area focusing on the commitment of individuals to assisted treatment in the case of mental illness and conditions posing a threat to the individual or others. The selected area focuses on commitment to prevent an individual from suicide attempts. When the person poses a risk to his/her wellbeing, his/her liberty can be taken away until proper treatment occurs; during commitment, the individual receives psychological treatment through the help of a forensic psychology professional. It occurs in an institutional environment with limited risks.
The law defines a situation requiring commitment based on suicide risk as a substantial risk of physical harm to the person himself as depicted by evidence of attempts at, or threats of serious bodily harm or suicide. Chapter 123 thus depicts the suicide tendency as a danger associated with mental illness; this warranties involuntary civil commitment (AODC, 2011).
The forensic psychologist can play several major roles in relation to the involuntary civil commitment case. First and foremost, he/she provides the expert witness testimony that plays a role in determining whether the court of law allows an individual’s commitment; the psychologist does this as a certified Consulting Forensic Examiner. The above role focuses on him/her conducting psychological assessments to determine the possibility of suicide attempt by an individual (Bartol & Bartol, 2011). Through knowledge on clinical psychology, abnormal psychology and techniques for observing and assessing behavior, the psychologist can identify the root of the problem. He/she can then use knowledge and experience on counseling methods and techniques in guiding the individual towards the elimination of suicidal tendencies.
The forensic psychologist plays a vital role in determining whether or not a person undergoes the involuntary civil commitment and helping the individual recover. The psychologist must carry out his/her duties in reference to the legal definitions and statutes governing the process.
Reference
Administrative Office of the District Court (2011). Civil Commitment and Authorization of Medical Treatment for Mental Illness. Standards of Judicial Practice. Commonwealth of Massachusetts District Court Department of the Trial Court. Retrieved October 10, 2014 from http://www.mass.gov/courts/docs/forms/district/mental-health-standards.pdf
Bartol, C. R. and Bartol, A. M. (2011). Introduction to Forensic Psychology: Research and application. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications, Inc. ISBN: 978-1-4129-9175-9
