A commitment happens when someone completes a written application to the courts, mental hygiene commissioner, or mental health center that you are addicted to a controlled substance, and/or you are a danger to yourself or others. The application may be submitted through a mental health crisis center, the circuit court, a magistrate court, or a hospital. A mental hygiene commissioner will review the application and decide if it is valid. If it is decided the application is valid, an order to the sheriff’s department will be placed and you will be picked up and taken to a safe place. The safe place may be a hospital, a mental health crisis center, courthouse, or jail. You will have an evaluation with a mental health professional and if probable cause (a danger to yourself or others) is found a hearing will be held.

At the hearing, the applicants(s), you, and your attorney (if you did not waive the right to an attorney), the mental hygiene commissioner, or judge must be present. You have the right to tell your side of the story and present any evidence or witnesses of your own. If the court decides you are a danger to yourself or others, you will be admitted to a mental health facility.

Law enforcement will drive you to the hospital and generally you will be cuffed and shackled.

West Virginia Code Section 27-5-4 provides more information about the process and how decisions are made.

Yes, under West Virginia rules, the rights are outlined in 64 CSR 59.

The cuffs and shackles are removed, and law enforcement releases you into the custody of the hospital. You will meet with professional staff members from different departments to sign papers and provide information. You will be stripped searched and examined for contraband and health issues. Your photograph will be taken for hospital records. Photographs of any injuries will also be made. A mental health care provider will complete a psychiatric evaluation.

You will be given clean hospital clothing which generally consists of clean undergarments, a sweatshirt, sweatpants, and sandals. Your personal belongings will be searched and inventoried. Your clothing will be sent for cleaning. Your jewelry, money, identification, and items normally held in a wallet will be sent to the trustee’s office for safe keeping. Any electronic items will be stored inside the hospital in security lockers. Medication will be given to the nurse clinical social worker. Other items may be stored in totes in a storage area.

You will then be escorted to a unit and assigned a room. Almost always, you will have a roommate.

You will get situated in your room and meet with health care professionals who will inform you of unit rules, your rights, and answer your questions. Within 72 hours, you will meet with your treatment team (made up of different professionals from doctors to nurses to recreational therapist) to assess your needs and put together a plan for your recovery.

You will be assessed by two doctors and/or a nurse practitioner to determine if you may make your own medical decisions. If the answer is no, you will be assigned a health care surrogate. The health care surrogate is chosen from your next-of-kin if appropriate. If there is no one you know who can make medical decisions for you, you will be assigned someone who works for DHHR (Department of Health and Human Resources).

If you already have a medical power of attorney or guardian, that person will make your medical decisions.

You may keep 7 pairs of ankle socks, 10 pairs of underwear, 3 bras which are hospital issued, 5 pairs of pants, 5 tee shirts, 1 sweatshirt, 5 undershirts, 3 pairs of pajamas, 1 pair of shoes without strings, 1 pair of slippers and 1 pair of shower shoes. If you do not have your own clothes, the hospital will provide you two sets of clothes.

Should you have a situation that calls for you to wear something nicer than sweatpants and sweatshirts, and you don’t have money to pay for them, you can request your treatment team access the clothes from the Friends’ Auxiliary.

You will be able to have and use hygiene products and makeup, but they will be stored in a locked area and given to you by hospital staff as needed. All other items will have to be approved by your treatment team and the safety committee. You will not be allowed to keep belts, shoes with laces, clothing with metal, or any other items considered to be contraband.

Most bedrooms have space to keep a minimum amount of clothing, and personal items such as books. Hygiene products are stored in a secure location.

You will be expected to obey the rules, treat staff members and other patients with respect, comply with your treatment, which includes taking any prescribed medications, and attending therapeutic and recreational groups.

Yes, there are patient phones available on every unit.

Yes, you may arrange times for family and friend visits with your treatment team. Minors, (people under the age of 18-years-old), are allowed to visit under certain circumstances. You may also refuse to see any visitors.

A certified nutritionist will review your height, weight, medications, and other factors, and will prescribe a nutrition plan based on your individual needs.

Yes, you will have to sign a schedule for a specific time.

Yes, MP3 players are provided to patients loaded with pre-approved music. They may be checked out and listened to throughout the day when you are not assigned to therapy groups.

Yes, snacks are served on the units twice daily. You will be given a healthy snack, or you may purchase a snack which has been approved by the nutritionist from the canteen.

Yes, unit staff members may provide paper for you, and you may check out safety pens from the nurses’ station. Stamps may be purchased from the canteen.

No, however, any incoming mail or packages are opened in front of a staff member to check for contraband. If you receive food items or contraband, those items will be returned to the sender.

Yes. You may use your own supplies, or the hospital may provide them.

You will be allowed to go outside for at least one hour a day. You may walk or jog. If available, you may have access to basketball and cornhole. Inside the multipurpose room, you may have access to volleyball, basketball, pool, and game stations.

Yes, if they don’t violate the contraband policy. Safety toothbrushes, hairbrushes, and combs, are provided by the hospital.

Yes, your makeup will be stored in a secure place and a staff member will watch you as you use it.

Yes, you may shave but your razor or beard trimmer will be stored in a secure place and a staff member will watch you as you use it.

Yes, you may schedule an appointment with the stylist to have your hair cut or styled.

Yes, dependent upon your specific treatment plan.

No, sexual relations are not allowed due to reasons of ability or inability to consent, health concerns, and focus on recovery.

Yes. It is dependent on the needs of the facility, your individual treatment, and the number of available beds.

The hospital may arrange transportation to take you, a friend or family member may be allowed to pick you up, or you may be transported to the authorities by law enforcement. All arrangements will be made by your treatment team.