Involuntary Mental Health Holds in Connecticut: A Guide for Families
When someone you love is experiencing a mental health crisis, it can feel scary and overwhelming. You may hear terms like “emergency certificate” or “civil commitment” and wonder what they mean.
In Connecticut, state law allows certain professionals to place someone in a psychiatric facility without their consent when there is serious concern for their safety or the safety of others. This process is called an involuntary hold.
While the idea may sound frightening, the goal of an involuntary hold is not punishment. It is to provide safety, stabilization, and access to treatment. This guide explains the different types of holds in Connecticut, what families can expect, and how you can support your loved one through the process.
What Is an Involuntary Hold in Connecticut?
An involuntary hold allows a person to be transported to and treated in a psychiatric facility, even if they do not agree.
A person may be placed on a hold if they are:
A danger to themselves (such as active suicidal behavior or plans)
A danger to others (such as violent threats or actions)
Gravely disabled (unable to care for basic needs due to mental illness)
These criteria are defined in Connecticut General Statutes (CGS §17a-495).
Step-by-Step: What Families Can Expect
Crisis Point
A loved one may be suicidal, threatening others, or unable to care for themselves.
You or someone else calls 911, a crisis line, or seeks help at a hospital.
Emergency Certificate (Physician’s Emergency Certificate, or PEC)
A physician who has examined the person within the past three days may issue a PEC.
This authorizes admission to a psychiatric facility for up to 15 days.
If the hospital files a Probate Court petition before the 15th day, the PEC can continue up to 15 more days or until the court hearing is completed, whichever comes first.
Other certificates: Under §17a-503, a psychologist or specially authorized LCSW, APRN, LPC, or LMFT working in DMHAS-approved programs may issue a certificate to transport or detain a person for hospital examination. If criteria are met, a physician can then issue the full 15-day PEC.
Hospital Evaluation
A psychiatrist must examine the patient within 48 hours of admission (36 hours in chronic disease hospitals).
If the psychiatrist does not find that the criteria are met, the patient must be discharged.
Emergency-Period Hearing (on request)
If the patient or their representative requests a hearing in writing, the Probate Court must hold a hearing within 72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) during the PEC.
Court Petition for Involuntary Commitment
If more time is needed after the PEC, the hospital may petition the Probate Court.
A hearing must be scheduled within 10 business days of filing.
Probate Court Hearing
Your loved one has the right to notice, to be present, to have a lawyer (appointed if needed), and to present evidence.
The judge must decide whether the person has a psychiatric disability and meets the criteria for commitment (danger to self/others or gravely disabled).
Possible Outcomes
Release: If your loved one no longer meets criteria.
Voluntary treatment: If they agree to stay for care.
Court-ordered civil commitment: The judge may order inpatient treatment for up to six months, renewable if necessary.
Types of Holds and Commitments in Connecticut
Physician’s Emergency Certificate (PEC, up to 15 Days)
Purpose: Immediate evaluation and stabilization during a crisis.
Duration: Up to 15 days; may continue up to 15 more days if a court petition is filed before the first 15 days expire.
Who Can Issue: Physicians (after an exam within the past three days).
What Happens: Patient admitted to hospital, psychiatrist must examine within 48 hours.
Certificates for Transport/Examination (§17a-503)
Purpose: To bring a person to a hospital for examination.
Who Can Issue: Psychologists, or specially authorized LCSWs, APRNs, LPCs, or LMFTs (within DMHAS-approved programs).
What Happens: Person is taken to a hospital, where a physician may issue a PEC if criteria are met.
Court-Ordered Civil Commitment
Purpose: If continued care is necessary after the PEC.
Process: Hospital petitions the Probate Court. Hearing within 10 business days.
Duration: Initial order up to 6 months; hospital can request renewal.
Rights: Patient has counsel, can present evidence, and the court must find “clear and convincing” evidence.
Outpatient Commitment
Connecticut does not have court-ordered outpatient commitment (assisted outpatient treatment, or AOT).
Post-discharge care is typically voluntary and coordinated in the hospital’s discharge plan.
Patient Rights in Connecticut
Even under an involuntary hold, patients in Connecticut retain important rights:
To receive written notice of why they are being held
To contact a lawyer and have legal representation
To attend and speak at court hearings
To present witnesses and evidence
To request a Probate Court hearing within 72 hours during the PEC
To refuse certain treatments unless there is an emergency or court order
To humane care in the least restrictive environment
How Families Can Support a Loved One
Offer Reassurance
Let your loved one know you care.
Remind them this is about safety and recovery, not punishment.
Stay Involved
Ask hospital staff about timelines and next steps.
Keep notes of who you speak with and what was said.
Provide Useful Information
Share history, symptoms, medications, or recent concerns.
Even if staff cannot share details with you, they can use what you provide.
Ask About Visits
Policies vary, so ask whether visits, phone calls, or personal items are allowed.
Plan Ahead
Talk with staff about discharge planning.
Explore outpatient therapy, support groups, or medication management options.
Take Care of Yourself
Caring for someone in crisis is exhausting. Reach out to friends, family, or support groups for help.
Common Questions Families Ask
How long can someone be held without a court order in Connecticut?
Up to 15 days under a Physician’s Emergency Certificate. If the hospital files a court petition before day 15, the PEC can continue for up to another 15 days until the Probate Court completes the hearing.
Can a psychologist place someone on a 15-day hold?
No. Psychologists (and certain other clinicians) can issue a certificate for transport or examination, but only physicians can issue the 15-day PEC.
What happens after 15 days?
The hospital must either discharge the person, switch them to voluntary status, or petition the Probate Court for civil commitment.
Can my loved one request a hearing during the 15-day PEC?
Yes. If they or their representative make a written request, the Probate Court must hold a hearing within 72 hours (excluding weekends/holidays).
Will this go on my loved one’s criminal record?
No. Civil commitment is a medical and legal process, not a criminal conviction.
Who pays for the hospital stay?
Insurance is usually billed if available. If uninsured, state programs may cover emergency psychiatric care.
Can the commitment be extended beyond six months?
Yes. The hospital may request renewal from the Probate Court if the person still meets criteria.
Final Thoughts
Having a loved one placed on an involuntary hold in Connecticut can be one of the most stressful experiences for a family. You may feel confused, scared, or powerless.
Remember:
An involuntary hold is not punishment—it is a step toward safety and stabilization.
Your loved one still has rights and dignity.
You can play an important role by staying calm, informed, and supportive.
With the right information and resources, you can help your loved one move from crisis toward recovery.
