That is the question. Everyday my main priority is determining to commit somebody or not. Today a person came in who stated, "I have a switch and when it goes off I want to kill myself or others." Of course today the switch was off.
I can not place a 5150 on somebody because I suspect things. The holds have to be based on current level of functioning. Even if somebody for years and years was dangerous, then presented functional to me I can not detain them.
Many healthcare professionals won't ask the big question, "Do you feel like hurting yourself or others", because if so they would risk holding them, possibly risking injury if they got violent. It is not a question of asking the question that is key, it is "How" you ask the question.
For this particular client, I made it a priority to ally with them from the onset. In doing so, it creates a relationship. In working together with clients, we find solutions together. The beauty of being a therapist is asking somebody anything. Though within reason. Abusing the power of our position is a crime. Many therapists have abuse their power causing clients to be in even worse shape. Tragic, but true.
Many want hospitalizations, many don't but will accept it if you handwalk them through it.
Our client today didn't need this and had been able to avoid hospitalization since september. In giving the client medication, we hopefully will delay this even more.
Peace.
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