Mental health crises can affect anyone – sometimes creeping up quietly, sometimes hitting suddenly and overwhelmingly. When feelings of anxiety, depression, despair, or loss of control become so intense that life feels almost unmanageable, admission to a psychiatric hospital can be a necessary and meaningful step. There are fundamentally two types of admission: voluntary admission (i.e., “self-admission”) and involuntary admission, which can be initiated by family members, doctors, police, or emergency services.

If you’re wondering, “Can I admit myself to a psychiatric hospital?” or “When is someone involuntarily admitted?”, you’re not alone. Many people feel uncertain or even anxious about this step. This article provides an overview of how psychiatric admission works in Germany and Austria, the reasons it may be necessary, how long an involuntary admission can last, and the role psychological therapy plays in prevention, support, and recovery.

Voluntary Admission – Admitting Yourself

If you feel that your mental state has deteriorated to the point where you cannot cope on your own, you can voluntarily admit yourself. In Austria and Germany:

• You can admit yourself to a psychiatric hospital.
• You do this by going directly to a psychiatric clinic or the emergency department of a hospital.
• There you state that you wish to admit yourself.

Many people ask, “Can I admit myself to a psychiatric hospital?” or “Can I admit myself?” – the answer is yes. It is your right to seek help.

A voluntary psychiatric admission means you are actively taking the step to receive inpatient treatment for a period of time. This could be a crisis intervention, for example, following a suicide attempt, during severe depression, or acute anxiety. It can also be a preventive measure when you feel: “I should admit myself before things get worse.”

Involuntary Admission – When Others Must Act

Sometimes a person is unable to make a voluntary decision. In acute emergencies, an involuntary psychiatric admission may become necessary.

When Can Someone Be Involuntarily Admitted?

Involuntary admission is initiated when there is a risk of self-harm (e.g., suicidal thoughts, self-injury) or harm to others. The criteria are strict, as involuntary hospitalization is a serious restriction of personal freedom.

• Involuntary admission by family: Parents, spouses, or partners can initiate the process.
• Involuntary admission by relatives: They can contact doctors, social psychiatric services, or, in emergencies, police or ambulance services.
• Can the police involuntarily admit someone? – Yes, in cases of immediate danger. Police and emergency services can take a person to a hospital.

At the hospital, a psychiatrist decides on the involuntary psychiatric admission.

Procedure: How to Carry Out an Involuntary Admission

Family members often ask: “How can I admit someone to a psychiatric hospital?” or “How does an involuntary admission work?”

The usual procedure:

1. Acute situation – A person is at risk of harming themselves or others.
2. Family or bystanders call emergency services or police.
3. Medical evaluation – At the hospital, doctors assess whether an involuntary admission is necessary.
4. Judicial decision – In both Germany and Austria, a court must confirm the hospitalization within 24–48 hours.

How Long Can an Involuntary Admission Last?

A common question is: “Involuntary psychiatric admission – for how long?”

• In Germany, an initial temporary admission can last up to 6 weeks but must be regularly reviewed by the court.
• In Austria, initial hospitalization is usually set for up to 4 weeks, also with court supervision.

The duration always depends on the person’s health condition. The goal is not punishment, but protection and stabilization.

Reasons for Admission

The reasons for psychiatric admission – voluntary or involuntary – are diverse:

• Acute suicidality (e.g., following a suicide attempt)
• Psychotic episodes
• Severe depression or anxiety disorders
• Addiction
• Acute mental health crises
• Risk to others

Why Admission Can Be Helpful

Although the idea of being admitted often provokes fear, inpatient treatment can be extremely beneficial. It offers:

• Protection and safety during an acute crisis.
• 24/7 medical and psychological support.
• Start of sustainable therapy (e.g., psychological therapy, medication, group therapy).
• Relief for family members, who may also need assurance that the person affected is safe and not left alone.

Psychological Therapy – Support, Prevention, and Recovery

Psychological therapy plays a role in all phases:

1. Prevention: Early therapy can help prevent hospitalization. Those who recognize, “I should admit myself”, or seek outpatient support, can avoid escalation.
2. Support during hospitalization: In the psychiatric clinic, you work with psychologists, psychotherapists, and doctors on strategies to understand and manage your crisis.
3. Recovery after discharge: Whether after voluntary or involuntary admission, post-hospital psychotherapy helps process the experience and prevent relapse.

Common Questions About Admission and Involuntary Admission

• Can I admit myself to a psychiatric hospital? – Yes, at any time.
• Can someone else admit a person? – Yes, in cases of acute self- or other-risk, relatives, police, or doctors can initiate it.
• When is someone involuntarily admitted? – In case of risk to self or others.
• How can someone be involuntarily admitted? – Through police, emergency services, or medical assessment.
• When should you admit yourself to a psychiatric hospital? – During an acute crisis, suicidal thoughts, or if you feel unsafe.
• How long does an involuntary admission last? – Varies; typically days to a few weeks depending on severity.

Conclusion

Admission to a psychiatric hospital – voluntary or involuntary – is not a sign of weakness, but a step toward safety and healing. By voluntarily admitting yourself, you take active responsibility for your health. If family or authorities intervene, it is done out of concern for your life and safety.

It is important to remember: inpatient treatment is only one part of the process. Psychological therapy before, during, and after hospitalization is crucial for long-term stability and quality of life.

If you feel: “I should admit myself”, do not hesitate. Help is available – and taking the first step is often the most important.

Do you feel that you or someone close to you could benefit from inpatient care and need advice on this topic? Let’s talk about it in a free initial session!

References:

• Bundesministerium für Gesundheit Deutschland: Psychiatrische Unterbringung – rechtliche Grundlagen
• Justizministerium Österreich: Unterbringungsgesetz (UbG)
• Deutsche Gesellschaft für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Psychosomatik und Nervenheilkunde (DGPPN): Patienteninformationen Zwangsunterbringung
• Österreichische Gesellschaft für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik (ÖGPP): Informationen zur stationären Behandlung