Treatment may include medication, talking with health professionals, and other recovery activities and therapies. Treatment will be recorded in a Treatment and Care Plan which is generally required under the Mental Health Act 2009 (SA).

Can people be treated against their will?

Involuntary treatment can only occur when a medical practitioner or an authorised mental health professional concludes that [s 10(1), s 21(1)]: -

The medical practitioner or authorised mental health professional must also consider, amongst other things, the prospects of the person receiving all treatment of the illness necessary for the protection of the person and others on a voluntary basis or (in considering inpatient treatment orders) on a community treatment order [s 10(2), s 21(2)].

Can children be treated against their will?

The Act applies to children in the same way as to adults. The only difference is that rights and obligations under the Act for those under the age of 16 years are transferred to their parent or guardian [s 4(1)].