In New York State, a 1013 is a mental health hold that allows for the involuntary transport of an individual to a hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. This hold is also known as an “emergency admission” and is authorized under Section 9.41 of the New York Mental Hygiene Law.
When a 1013 hold is initiated, it is typically done so by a police officer or other designated mental health professional who has been trained to assess whether an individual is experiencing a mental health crisis. This could include behaviors such as suicidal ideation, self-harm, or the potential for harm to others. The person who initiates the hold is known as the “evaluator.”
Once the evaluator determines that an individual meets the criteria for a 1013 hold, they will complete a form and provide it to the police officer or other transport personnel who will transport the individual to the hospital. The individual is typically taken to the nearest hospital emergency department that is equipped to provide psychiatric evaluations and treatment.
Once at the hospital, the individual will undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine whether they require further treatment or hospitalization. If the individual is found to be in need of hospitalization, they may be held involuntarily for up to 72 hours, during which time they will receive treatment and be closely monitored by medical staff.
It is important to note that a 1013 hold is not intended to be used as a punishment or as a means of coercing an individual into treatment. Rather, it is designed to provide individuals with immediate access to mental health care when they are in crisis and may pose a danger to themselves or others.
While the use of a 1013 hold can be a lifesaving measure, it is not without controversy. Some critics argue that involuntary hospitalization can be traumatizing and stigmatizing, and that it can erode the trust between mental health professionals and the communities they serve. Others point to the need for more comprehensive mental health services and community-based interventions that can help individuals before they reach a crisis point.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement toward the use of “crisis intervention teams” (CITs) that include mental health professionals and law enforcement personnel who are specially trained to respond to individuals in crisis. These teams are designed to provide a more compassionate and effective response to individuals in need of mental health care, and to reduce the need for involuntary hospitalization.
In conclusion, a 1013 hold in New York State is a legal mechanism that allows for the involuntary transport of individuals to a hospital for a psychiatric evaluation when they are experiencing a mental health crisis. While this measure can be a lifesaving intervention, it is not without controversy, and there is a growing need for more comprehensive mental health services and community-based interventions to support individuals in crisis.
