The Living Well Catalog of groups, classes and seminars is now available at the Hilltop clinic.
FAQ
Will my family, friends or employer ever find out about my treatment?
How can I find out about the treatment of my family member or friend?
Who is eligible for services at Clackamas County Behavioral Health?
What if I know someone who needs services but refuses to ask for them?
What should I do if I know someone who is thinking about suicide?
What is the legal basis for involuntary commitment?
Does the involuntary commitment law apply to all mentally or emotionally disturbed persons?
Is it possible for a person to get help without going through the commitment process?
What are the steps in the civil commitment process?
How long will the commitment last, and where will the committed person receive treatment?
Will my family, friends or employer ever find out about my treatment?
State law protects the confidentiality of treatment information. Usually, other people find out only what you tell them yourself. As a rule, the agency gives out treatment information only with your permission. Disclosure of information without your consent is generally limited to:
Where can I find services if I am not eligible for, or want, services from Clackamas County Behavioral Health?
Clackamas County Behavioral Health can provide information and referral to alternate community resources as available. Call (503) 655-8401.
How can I find out about the treatment of my family member or friend?
Generally, unless you are the parent of a minor child in treatment or a guardian, information is only released with the permission of the client. When asked, most clients permit information to be released to family.
This does not prevent you from giving information about the client to the agency clinician. It also does not prevent a clinician from giving you information about general treatment principles and policies not specific to the client.
Who is eligible for services at Clackamas County Behavioral Health?
Services are generally available to residents of Clackamas County. Eligibility for specific services is based both on a clinical assessment and funding considerations. Assessment, information and referral is available by calling (503) 655-8401.
What if I know someone who needs services, but refuses to ask for them?
Treatment at Clackamas County Behavioral Health is generally done on a voluntary basis. Involuntary treatment may only be provided under a court order (civil commitment or guardianship). Contact CCBHS Involuntary Commitment Program at (503) 655-8401 for further information.
What should I do if I know someone who is thinking about suicide?
The first thing to do is ask them if this is true. Contrary to common belief, you will not "plant" the idea of suicide in the mind of someone who is not already considering it. Generally, the person is relieved that someone is willing to talk about the subject with them.
The second thing to do is to suggest and assist them in seeking professional help. Consultation and evaluation are available on a 24-hour basis via the CCBHS Crisis Line at (503) 655-8401.
The third thing to do, in the event that the person refuses to seek help, is to seek assistance and consultation. If the threat of harm is immediate, call 911. Otherwise, you may call the Crisis Line to seek consultation and information regarding involuntary treatment.
What is the legal basis for involuntary commitment?
The current Oregon law regarding involuntary commitment of mentally ill persons (Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 426) went into effect January 1, 1988. This law is designed to ensure that mental health treatment is provided to the mentally ill person, even when that person will not accept treatment voluntarily. Safeguards to guarantee the rights of the person being committed are built into every step in the process.
Does the involuntary commitment law apply to all mentally or emotionally disturbed persons?
No. This law applies only to people who, because of their mental disorder, are dangerous to themselves or others, or are unable to care for their basic needs and are not receiving the care that is necessary for their health and safety.
Is it possible for a person to get help without going through the commitment process?
Yes. When a person is willing and able, voluntary treatment is always encouraged. A person can seek treatment through Clackamas County Behavioral Health Center (503-655-8401), a private therapist or a private hospital in their community.
What are the steps in the civil commitment process?
There are five major steps in the commitment process:
- Family members, friends or acquaintances who seek commitment of a person living in Clackamas County should contact the Mental Health Commitment Program (Phone 503-655-8401), where they will be interviewed by a staff member.
- If it appears from the interview that a commitment may be necessary, two persons will be asked to sign a petition for commitment at the Mental Health Clinic. The two petitioners can be family members, friends or acquaintances who have recent, first-hand knowledge of the allegedly mentally ill person's behavior.
- A pre-commitment investigation will then be conducted by the Mental Health Commitment staff. The staff person will interview the allegedly mentally ill person at home or in some other familiar setting, if possible. If the person appears to be dangerous to self/others, or unable to care for basic needs because of a mental disorder, a commitment hearing will be recommended. The allegedly mentally ill person will receive a copy of the investigator's report before the hearing. If the person is dangerous and needs immediate attention, she/he may be detained at a hospital on a Warrant of Detention until the commitment hearing.
- The commitment hearing is presided over by a Clackamas County Circuit Court Judge who is advised by two independent examiners (a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other trained mental health professional). The judge and examiners will question the allegedly mentally ill person with the two petitioners and other witnesses present. The allegedly mentally ill person has a right to subpoena and cross-examine witnesses.
- At the end of the hearing, the judge can decide:
- That the person does not meet the legal criteria for commitment and to release the person and dismiss the case.
- That the person meets commitment criteria but to conditionally release the person to the custody of a responsible relative or interested party who is willing to care for the person. The judge may impose specific conditions which must be met by the person in order to stay in the community.
- That the person meets commitment criteria and to involuntarily commit the person for psychiatric treatment.
How long will the commitment last and where will the committed person receive treatment?
The maximum amount of time a person can be committed is 180 days. A committed person will not necessarily have to be kept in a hospital for the length of the commitment. Under the current law, the person is committed to the Oregon State Mental Health Division, rather than to a specific hospital. This allows a variety of treatment resources, such as: Oregon State Hospital, community hospital, Veteran's Hospital, day treatment program, residential care facility, outpatient clinic or private therapist.
