Topic: eating-disorders

Question: Can a therapist have a client admitted to an eating disorder treatment center if the client does not want to go?

Answer (from Eric Ström, JD, MA, LMHCAttorney & Licensed Mental Health Counselor):
Typically, a therapist cannot force a client to receive any treatment they do not want.  In the end, it is the clients who get to decide what type of treatment they want.If a therapist believes that their client is in imminent danger of harm however, the therapist might have an obligation to take actions to protect their client.  In such a case, the therapist would need to discuss the options with the client, and come up with a plan to best protect the client.In a situiaon like this, it would probably be a good idea to talk to the therapist about the possilbe positvies and negatives of the treatmetn center.  A good therpist will be happy to have that conversation with you and allow you to make the final decisions about your own treatment.

Answer (from Ian Palombo#ThoughtMediator & #LifeUntangler):
Short answer: No.Long answer: There are few instances where a therapist can break confidentiality and have a client involuntarily admitted to a treatment center. The therapist would have to believe the client is a danger to themselves or others or gravely disabled, at which point they would place a mental health hold. The client would be much more likely to end up at a residential treatment center for suicidal ideation than an eating disorder treatment center. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder an outpatient therapist can help. If the client is not appropriate for an outpatient level of care the therapist would recommend a more intensive treatment level. Read more at denvermhc.com

Answer (from Sherry Katz, LCSWCouples and Family Therapist, LCSW):
The answer varies depending on what State you are in, whether the eating disorder treatment center is part of a larger psychiatric facility, and the diagnosis which the therapist states describes your psychological and emotional condition leading to the decision to admit.Also keep in mind that all practitioners have license to judge whether or not a person fits a category of psychological problem.This is adds another variable to the answer of your question.Basically, there are many variables and not one definite answer to your question.