The referral can be initiated by anyone who has first hand knowledge of the person and the presenting Problem. Health Professional A county designated mental health professional is a person who has an advanced degree in a mental health related field, experience working in the field and who has been designated by the county as having the authority to authorize 72-hour detentions. Detentions usually take place at Snohomish county Evaluation and Treatment Facility in Mukilteo or at Stevens Hospital in Edmonds. The ITA provides strong guarantees of individual rights. A person is not presumed incompetent as a result of being involuntarily hospitalized.
Strict confidentiality is maintained in all proceedings.
Evaluation A psychiatrist will evaluate the patient within 24 hours of the detention. Within 72 hours the court evaluators in preparation for the court hearing will complete additional evaluations. Court Evaluator Court evaluators, usually a psychologist, and a County Designated Mental Health Professional will make independent assessments to determine if the patient meets the criteria for commitment as the result of a mental disorder. The public defender has the right to cross-examine all witnesses. Family members may be contacted to provide testimony at the Probable Cause Hearing.