In Washington state, the involuntary commitment system doesn’t work.

That’s something critics who want to make the process easier and critics who want to see it used less can agree on.

So far, reforms from Olympia have been underutilized — if they’ve done anything at all.

We’ll learn more about our involuntary commitment system, flaws and all, with Seattle Times reporter Jayati Ramakrishnan.

We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. 

Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.

In Washington state, the involuntary commitment system doesn&rsquo;t work.
That&rsquo;s something critics who want to make the process easier and critics who want to see it used less can agree on.
So far, reforms from Olympia have been underutilized &mdash; if they&rsquo;ve done anything at all.
We&rsquo;ll learn more about our involuntary commitment system, flaws and all, with Seattle Times reporter Jayati Ramakrishnan.
We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kuow.org/donate/seattlenow">Tap here</a> to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed.&nbsp;
Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at <a href="mailto:seattlenow@kuow.org">seattlenow@kuow.org</a>, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or<a href="https://www.kuow.org/feedback"> leave us feedback online</a>.

Seattle Now is KUOW's flagship daily news podcast. Seattle Now brings you quick headlines, smart analysis, and award-winning local news. New episodes every weekday morning and afternoon. Start and end your day with Seattle Now, from KUOW and the NPR Network.

Seattle Now is KUOW's flagship daily news podcast. Seattle Now brings you quick headlines, smart analysis, and award-winning local news. New episodes every weekday morning and afternoon. Start and end your day with Seattle Now, from KUOW and the NPR Network.

Seattle Now

We learn about WA's involuntary commitment system, were it falls short, and why reforms haven't helped with Seattle Times mental health reporter Jayati Ramakrishnan.

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