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Who Can Authorize An Involuntary 72-hour Hold in Arkansas?

March 21, 2025

When someone is experiencing a severe mental health crisis and poses a danger to themselves or others, they may need urgent care—even if they refuse help. Certain professionals can authorize an involuntary 72-hour hold in Arkansas for emergency psychiatric evaluation and treatment.

Call Time Wellness at 479-336-6895 today to begin mental health treatment in Arkansas.

What Is an Involuntary Psychiatric Hold?

An involuntary hold is a legal process that allows mental health professionals and law enforcement to detain a person for up to 72 hours if they are a risk to themselves or others. During this time, doctors assess the person’s mental health and decide if further care is needed.

Who Can Authorize an Involuntary 72-Hour Hold in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, the following people can place someone on an involuntary psychiatric hold under state law:

  • Physicians – If a doctor determines a person is in crisis and refuses voluntary treatment, they can issue a hold.
  • Law Enforcement Officers – Police can detain someone and transport them to a mental health facility if they are acting dangerously due to a mental disorder.
  • Licensed Mental Health Professionals – In some cases, psychiatrists, psychologists, or social workers can recommend a hold.

How Does the 72-Hour Hold Process Work?

Once someone is placed on an involuntary hold, the following steps occur:

  1. Initial Detainment: The individual is taken to a psychiatric hospital or facility for evaluation.
  2. Assessment: Mental health professionals determine whether the person meets the criteria for continued hospitalization.
  3. Treatment: If necessary, emergency treatment is provided.
  4. Legal Review: A judge may extend the hold beyond 72 hours if the person needs ongoing care.

What Happens After 72 Hours?

After the hold, there are a few possible outcomes:

  • The person is released if they are stable.
  • They agree to stay voluntarily for further treatment.
  • A judge orders an extended involuntary commitment if they are still a danger to themselves or others.

Finding Long-Term Mental Healthcare in Arkansas

Oftentimes, after 72 hours, many struggle to get the help they need. Therefore, it’s important to know how to find long-term mental healthcare before the 72-hour hold begins.  That way, you are better prepared to help a loved one or other person in crisis get the long-term care they need.

After all, even if the person is stable after the 72-hold, they are more likely to have another crisis if they don’t get into treatment.

It’s best to transition from the involuntary hold to long-term treatment as quickly as possible. When the person experiences delays in entering a program, they are more likely to change their mind or find excuses not to engage in treatment.

At our treatment center, we offer the following levels of care for people seeking long-term mental healthcare in Arkansas:

  • Inpatient & Residential Treatment: Residential treatment, or inpatient programming, is the first step in long-term mental health treatment. It is best to go from an involuntary stay right to a residential treatment center. These programs offer a comfortable, homelike environment that is distraction-free so that you can get a strong foot-hold in long-term treatment.
  • Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): After residential treatment, it is best to continue in an outpatient setting beginning with a partial hospitalization program (PHP). However, while you live at home or in a supportive housing program, you’ll still be in treatment for a majority of the day (about 6-8 hours) for 5 days each week. This helps you continue your treatment program in a less restrictive environment.
  • Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Many clients continue treatment after PHP in an intensive outpatient program (IOP). IOP programs include sessions lasting 3-4 hours either during the the daytime or the evening, usually 3-4 days per week. This helps you transition back to everyday life while still getting a high level of mental healthcare.
  • Outpatient Program: Outpatient programming involves any level of care where you are no longer living within a residential treatment facility. After completing higher levels of care, like PHP and IOP, you will want to continue with some form of outpatient therapy or ongoing support. This might be in the form of weekly one-on-one therapy, alumni meet-ups, peer support groups, or group therapy.
  • Virtual Treatment: Virtual treatment, also called telehealth, is popular among those who have a difficult time making it to a treatment facility. For example, individuals with mobility issues, a lack of reliable transportation, or those in rural areas who aren’t near our treatment centers.

Seeking Help Before a Crisis

In Arkansas, a 72-hour involuntary hold is authorized for emergencies, but mental health care should not wait until a crisis. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health challenges, seeking support early can prevent hospitalizations and legal interventions.

The following mental health resources can help to find additional support and further information:

Get Help at Time Wellness Arkansas

Mental health struggles can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through them alone. Time Wellness Arkansas provides expert care to help you regain stability and wellness.

Contact us today to take the first step toward healing.