The reality is that in many communities, it is impossible to get mental health services unless you have been arrested,” Fitzpatrick said. Even if treatment is available, patients often are too sick to believe they need treatment. And unless a patient presents an imminent threat, many states prohibit involuntary treatment. “Unfortunately, we live in a society that says as long as you are not a danger to yourself or someone else you can be as psychotic as you want to be,” Taylor said.



