(July 13, 2015) Use of assisted outpatient treatment is expanding in Virginia, according to a new study by the University of Virginia (“Civil psychiatric commitments rose in Virginia in possible ‘Deeds effect,’” the Washington Post, July 2).
The researchers speculate that use of civil commitment is on the rise as a result of efforts to improve Virginia’s mental health system following the tragic encounter between Senator Creigh Deeds and his son, Gus , that left the younger Deeds dead.
“This might be what we call the ‘Deeds effect,’” said Richard Bonnie, director of the Institute of Law, Psychiatry and Public Policy at the university.
Nearly two years ago, Gus was released from an emergency hold at a Virginia hospital - reportedly because no psychiatric beds were available during the short time period allowed for an emergency psychiatric evaluation. Still in the middle of a psychiatric crisis, the young man stabbed his father in the head and torso before fatally shooting himself.
In the wake of the tragedy, Senator Deeds called for and introduced major mental health reforms in Virginia, including extending the length of time a person in crisis can be held for emergency evaluation.
In the legislative session following the tragedy, and in recognition of major gaps in the mental health system, Virginia legislators voted in support of reforms that would allow better reporting requirements to track individuals on assisted outpatient treatment orders, among other important reforms.
We applaud Virginia for expanding their use of assisted outpatient treatment and ensuring a better continuity of care for residents with severe mental illness.
Read the Treatment Advocacy Center report "Mental Health Commitment Laws: A Survey of the States" to learn more.
(Photo: Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post)
To comment, visit our Facebook page.
Visit our blog archive to read all our recent posts.
