What are patients rights in a psych hospital?

I know someone who admitted themselves last Monday and she has asked to leave for a week now and they keep makeing excuses. She is no danger to anyone or suicidial so since she admitted herself what are her rights? She feels trapped.

Again...she is NOT suicidal or has threatened anyone! She was having a bad time with a family member....just going through a lot at the time.

Most insurance companies these days don't admit to the hospital if she was not suicidal (or a danger to others) upon admission. Therefore, the psychiatrist has a duty and a responsibility to her to be sure she is stable before she is released.

There have been people who are depressed and suicidal upon admission to a psych hospital and then decide they want to get out so they can complete suicide. The doctors have to act responsibly and not just trust that she is now saying shes not.

She may feel safe, but they may not see it best for her to leave. They can keep her if they feel she is not good to go. It does not matter if she went in voluntary or not. Also, they may need to watch her for awhile. The hospital has her best interests at heart.

If she was suicidal; or they thought she was, when she admitted herself they will keep her at least 10 days and thereafter as long as they deem fit. If not, and if she isn't "a danger to others" (again, according to the hospital) she should be able to leave at any time.

I believe you can leave AMA ,(against medical advice )

I don't know if there are different laws for different states. I live in Maryland so I know thier law. Any patient can request to be released. The hospital must either release them in 72 hours or prove that they are a danger to themselves or others. That means they actually have to go to court and prove it to a judge. This is true for voluntary and involuntary admissions.

If she willing admitted herself then she must be having some issues, let the doctors diagnose if they have not already which I would think so by now, and be given some meds and then would have to see a therapist on a outpatient basis..