If the treating psychologist thinks you are a risk, they can recommend further care. If you do not consent to it, they can certify you for short-term care. They can also certify you if you consent, but they think you will not stay for the full treatment. The recommendation for further care has to be filed in court within 48 hours. It also has to be filed and signed by the psychologist who made the decision. The recommendation has to give reasonable grounds to believe that: You are mentally ill, and You are either gravely disabled or a danger to yourself or others. Someone is considered gravely disabled if they cannot care for their basic personal needs. Those daily needs include: Eating, Finding clothes to wear, Living inside, and Getting medical care. These problems have to be a present condition, not a potential one. You can also be gravely disabled if you are unable to make informed decisions about your life without significant supervision. You have to be provided with this recommendation within 24 hours. You can appoint someone to be informed of the certification process. You also have a right to a lawyer at the certification hearing. The certification hearing happens at court. The hearing is required, or else your due process rights can be violated. The psychologist pushing for further treatment has to show that it is necessary. The court can appoint another mental health expert to testify. The judge or jury will only certify you if they think there is clear and convincing evidence that further treatment is needed. Only then can you be certified for up to 3 months against your will.