Laws are in place to allow it now in many states. The decisions are usually made after a seventy two hour evaluation. Most involuntary commitments never go past 90 days if they are probated into the custody of a mhc facility.The laws state that a person must be a danger to himself and to others. The preponderance of evidence must be on the individuals requesting institutionalization. This isn’t the 1950’s anymore, we know lots more about mental health now than we ever did. Usually the only thing that is done now a days is therapy and making sure the medicine prescribed is taken and in the proper doses.
And THAT is a crying shame!