A mental health facility is a hospital or other place that treats people with mental illnesses. This includes both private and state facilities.

There are three ways to enter a mental health facility as a patient. The three ways are: voluntary, informal, and involuntary.

Voluntary admission

If you have a mental illness, you can ask for admittance to a mental health facility. This is "voluntary admission." If you ask to leave, the facility must discharge you within 5 business days. The facility may want to keep you longer. If so they can file a request in court.

Informal admission

You can ask for informal admission. This is similar to voluntary admission, but you can be discharged quicker.

Involuntary admission

You can be admitted to a mental health facility against your wishes. This is “involuntary admission.” There are two types of involuntary admission. The two types are: by court order and by certification. 

You may have more protections if:

• You are involuntarily admitted,

• You are being treated for mental health or substance abuse, and

• You live in northern Illinois.

People who live in northern Illinois are entitled to appropriate treatment in Wisconsin if the facility would be closer to their home. This option is only available for private facilities. 

Admission by court order

A judge can force you to be admitted to a mental health facility. This is "admission by court order."

Admission by certification

You can be admitted against your wishes even without a court order. This can only occur in an emergency. This is "emergency admission by certification." It is usually for a brief time.