Danger to oneself or others

Involuntary placement in a mental health care institution is permitted when you pose a danger to yourself or others, or you can no longer take care of yourself.

In Latvia, psychiatric assistance is voluntary. However, there may be situations where you are brought to a psychiatric institution against your will or you no longer want to stay there. These are the situations when you have a mental disorder and one of the conditions mentioned in the Medical Treatment Law.

Involuntary placement & Human rights

Human rights state that placement in a mental health care institution against your will is a form of detention. It deprives you of physical liberty and can interfere with your private and family life.

You should not be placed in a mental health care institution inappropriately and without very good reason. Therefore, the placement must not be unlawful. It is also important that when placed in a mental health care institution you are treated with respect, receive adequate medical treatment and are held in humane and adequate conditions.

Human Rights Guide

A European platform for human rights education