Washington LawHelp

General Info (6)+

• Involuntary Commitment in Washington State

  The laws governing involuntary commitment in Washington State are lengthy and complex. Understanding the law requires 1) knowing a few basic definitions and 2) learning the legal process by which someone can be committed. This first article describes the process by which an individual can initially be taken into custody by the state and involuntarily committed. Read More

  By:

  Citizen's Commission on Human Rights

• Mental Health and Substance Abuse for Youth

  Questions and answers about access to treatment and involuntary and voluntary inpatient treatment for youth. Read More

  By:

  Columbia Legal Services

• Mental Health Resource Manual

  This manual is a source for information about mental health services for seniors in Washington state, providing website links for research. Publication #5942EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

• Social Security and Health Care Benefits for the Incarcerated

  This fact sheet describes (i) income support through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs, and (ii) health coverage under Medicaid and Medicare, which together can enable someone with mental illness to transition successfully from jail or prison to community life. Read More

  By:

  Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law

• Video - Public Mental Healthcare for Washington Youth

  This video introduces viewers to the kinds of public mental healthcare available in Washington for eligible youth under age 21. It explains the basics of eligibility and where to access the healthcare. It also explains some of the rights that youth have within the program, such as the right to participation in decisions about treatment, the right to privacy and the right to appeal adverse actions. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• When can a minor access health care without parental consent?

  Washington State’s general age of majority for health care is 18 (RCW 26.28.010). However, a minor can receive some services without parental consent. This resources lists some of those. #5934EN Read More

  By:

  Columbia Legal Services

Videos (1)+

• Video - Public Mental Healthcare for Washington Youth

  This video introduces viewers to the kinds of public mental healthcare available in Washington for eligible youth under age 21. It explains the basics of eligibility and where to access the healthcare. It also explains some of the rights that youth have within the program, such as the right to participation in decisions about treatment, the right to privacy and the right to appeal adverse actions. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español