There are also out-patient facilities with counseling, psychology, and psychiatry services. Psychiatrists often prescribe medication to non-resident patients--perhaps your wife worked in such a facility? The fact that there are disorders that are treatable on an out-patient basis does not preclude the fact that there are institutions that admit patients. The severity of the disorder and the rate of recovery dictate the length of a stay. Also, at least in the state's where I have knowledge, an institution can only hold a patient against their will for 24 hours and then only if the patient is deemed to present a danger to him/herself or others. In order to hold a patient longer, the facility must obtain an Order of Committment from a judge. Before a judge can issue this order he requires a hearing with a panel of experts, the patient, and representatives of the patient.