Massachusetts Petition For Commitment Pursuant To G.L.C. 123 18(a) is a legal document used to initiate a court process for the involuntary commitment of an individual to a psychiatric hospital. Pursuant to the General Laws of Massachusetts, Chapter 123, Section 18(a), a petition for commitment can be filled out by a family member, relative, or friend of the individual, or by a representative from the Department of Mental Health, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. There are two types of petitions for commitment: an emergency petition and a regular petition. An emergency petition is used when the individual is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others. A regular petition is used for individuals who are not in imminent danger but who are believed to be unable to care for themselves, a danger to themselves or others, or gravely disabled. Both types of petitions require the court to review the individual’s medical recordsandas any other relevant information, such as police records. The court will also interview the individual, as well as any witnesses, before deciding whether to grant the petition. The commitment can last up to six months, at which point the individual may be re-evaluated and the commitment extended or ended.