Professional
Formal
IVT
Involuntary Hold
Legal detention of a person for psychiatric evaluation when they pose danger to self or others.
Full Definition
An involuntary hold allows mental health professionals or law enforcement to detain someone against their will for psychiatric evaluation, typically for 72 hours initially. Also called a psychiatric hold or 5150 (in California). The process requires specific legal criteria including imminent danger, grave disability, or inability to care for oneself. Documentation must be precise regarding timing, criteria met, and legal procedures followed.
Usage
Usage note: Lowercase unless part of proper name; distinguish from voluntary admission.
In Context
- "The patient was placed on an involuntary hold after expressing suicidal ideation with specific plan and intent." — Emergency department documentation
- "Legal criteria for the involuntary hold were thoroughly documented in the clinical record." — Legal compliance review
Also known as
psychiatric hold
5150
involuntary commitment
Contrasted with
voluntary admission
Don't confuse with
voluntary hold
conservatorship
guardianship