Massachusetts Petition For Commitment Pursuant To G.L.C. 123 16(b) is a legal document that is filed in court to request an involuntary commitment of a person to a mental health facility. This petition is often used when an individual is deemed to be a danger to themselves or others. There are two types of petitions that are used in this situation: an emergency petition and a non-emergency petition. An emergency petition is used for an individual who is in immediate need of mental health treatment and is in danger of imminent harm to themselves or others. This type of petition is usually initiated by a police officer, family member, or mental health professional. A non-emergency petition is used for an individual who has an ongoing mental health issue and has been deemed to be a danger to themselves or others. This type of petition is typically initiated by a family member, mental health professional, or guardian. Both emergency and non-emergency petitions require the petitioner to provide evidence of the person’s mental health status, along with the petitioner’s opinion on the individual’s need for mental health treatment. The court will then review the evidence and make a determination whether an involuntary commitment is necessary.