New Study Questions Forced Mental Health Treatment Law

A new study about a New York law that forces some people with serious mental illness to get treatment has found troubling results. The law, called Kendra's Law, lets courts order people into treatment if they are seen as a danger to themselves or others. Researchers found that people who chose treatment on their own were less likely to be arrested and spent less time in the hospital. The study raises big questions about whether forcing people into treatment is really the best way to help them.

The study was done by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Social Work and the Human Services Research Institute. One of the study's authors, Nev Jones, said the results were 'quite disturbing.' Many people who were ordered into treatment said they actually wanted help and just didn't know about other options that were available to them. That finding goes against what New York State has said — that the law is mainly for people who refuse to accept services.

The results put New York Governor Kathy Hochul in a difficult spot. Last year, she pushed state lawmakers to expand the law and make it easier for courts to order people into treatment. She called it part of her plan to keep the public safe. But the new study suggests that expanding the law may not be the right move.

A spokesperson for the state's Office of Mental Health, Justin Mason, said the program is still doing what it was meant to do. He said it helps reduce hospitalizations and improves safety in communities. Mason added that the state will keep reviewing the study's findings to make sure the program continues to work well.

State lawmakers asked for this study in 2022 when they agreed to keep Kendra's Law going for five more years. They made the study a requirement before they would extend the law. The law will expire on June 30, 2027, unless lawmakers vote to extend it again. The Office of Mental Health posted the researchers' 400-page report on its website this week, but placed it where most people were unlikely to find it.

The researchers said that offering more voluntary services — and making sure people know about them — could lead to similar good results without the downsides of court-ordered treatment. They also recommended that the state share detailed data about the court process and create an independent group to look into complaints about the program. These recommendations could shape how New York changes the law before it runs out in 2027.