In this video, our Cook County mental health attorneys explain how to appeal mental health care decisions in Illinois.If you have been involuntarily committed to a mental health facility, have been denied a request for discharge, have been denied a request for a change in treatment plan or have been subject to other forms of mistreatment by a mental health facility you or your loved ones have the right to file a complaint in Illinois Circuit Court.

In this video, our Cook County mental health attorneys discuss the definitions of restraints and seclusion and how they can be used properly in treatment in the state of Illinois. “Restraining” refers to restricting a recipient’s ability to move a certain part of the body. Seclusion refers to a recipient being placed alone in a room from which he or she has no means of leaving. Seclusion should never be used as a form of punishment; this method can only prevent a patient from harming herself or others. Similar to restraining, seclusion can only be used for a legitimate reason related to the recipient’s care. 

In this video, our Cook County mental health attorneys explain involuntary commitment to a mental health facility in Illinois. Every state has civil commitment laws that establish criteria for determining when involuntary treatment is appropriate for individuals with mental illness who may not or cannot seek treatment voluntarily. The state of Illinois is one of only 17 states that provide access to treatment on the basis of need with a consideration of potential risk or danger. Individuals with mental illness can be admitted to a mental health facility against their wishes. This is called involuntary admission.