When someone in Spokane Valley is in a mental health or substance-use crisis, it can be frightening for them and the people around them. In some cases, the person may not be able to make safe decisions for themselves. Families may wonder what to do or how to help when someone refuses treatment. This is where Ricky’s Law can play an important role.

Ricky’s Law is a Washington State law that allows certain people in crisis to be placed into involuntary treatment when they are a danger to themselves or others. Many people search for ricky’s law washington state because they want to understand how the process works, who qualifies, and what happens after someone is detained. Some also see the phrase “ricky law” used online, but they both refer to the same law.

This guide helps families, friends, and community members in Spokane Valley understand how the law works and what support options are available, and We Level Up will help you every step of the way.

What Is Ricky’s Law?

Ricky’s Law is a Washington State law that allows someone to be placed into involuntary treatment if they are in a serious mental health or substance-use crisis and are at risk of harming themselves or others. The law helps protect people who are too sick, confused, or unstable to make safe decisions.

If you are wondering what Ricky’s Law does, here is the simplest explanation:

Ricky’s Law gives trained professionals the power to send someone to a treatment facility for safety when the person cannot choose help on their own.

The goal is not to punish someone. Instead, the law is designed to save lives and give people the chance to start recovery in a safe place.

Why Ricky’s Law Was Created

Ricky’s Law is named after Ricky Garcia, a young man from Washington who struggled with substance use and mental health symptoms. His family tried to get help for him, but at the time, the laws made it difficult to place someone into treatment unless they were extremely ill. After Ricky died, his family worked with Washington State leaders to create a law that would protect people in similar situations.

The law became part of the Involuntary Treatment Act Washington State and expanded the rules for involuntary treatment when someone is in a severe crisis. Today, the law helps many families get support for loved ones who cannot keep themselves safe.

Who Can Be Placed Into Treatment Under Ricky’s Law?

Not everyone qualifies for involuntary treatment. Ricky’s Law can only be used when very specific conditions are met.

Here are situations where someone may qualify:

1. When someone is a danger to themselves

Examples include:

• Attempting self-harm
• Talking about suicide
• Using substances in extremely dangerous ways
• Not eating or drinking
• Refusing medical help during a crisis
  

2. When someone is a danger to others

Examples include:

• Making serious threats
• Acting aggressively
• Behaving recklessly in public

3. When someone is unable to care for themselves

Examples:

• Wandering outside confused
• Not sleeping for days
• Being unable to function safely
• Severe disorganized thinking

4. When someone has a severe mental health or substance-use crisis

Examples:

• Psychosis
• Hallucinations
• Severe withdrawal
• Intoxication with dangerous behavior

A mental health professional or Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) decides if the person meets the legal criteria.

What Is the Involuntary Treatment Act in Washington State?

Ricky’s Law is part of a bigger law called the Involuntary Treatment Act Washington State (ITA). The ITA outlines when and how someone can be placed into temporary treatment even if they do not agree to go.

The ITA covers:

• Mental health crises
• Substance use crises
• Assessments
• Court hearings
• Rights of the person
• Treatment timelines
• Safety rules

Ricky’s Law expanded the ITA so that people in severe substance-use crises could receive the same protection as those in mental health crises.

How the Process Works: Step-by-Step

Understanding the process helps families feel less overwhelmed. Here is a clear, simple breakdown.

Step 1: Someone Reports a Crisis

A crisis can be reported by:

• Family
• Friends
• Police
• Social workers
• Hospitals
• Community members

Reports can be made to:

• Crisis hotlines
• Emergency services
• Local Designated Crisis Responders (DCRs)

Step 2: A Crisis Responder Does an Evaluation

A DCR evaluates the person to see if they meet criteria for involuntary detention under ricky’s law.

They will look at:

• Safety
• Behavior
• Medical needs
• Mental health symptoms
• Substance use patterns
• Risk of harm

Step 3: Decision for Detention

If the person qualifies, they may be placed into treatment for up to 72 hours.
This is called “initial detention.”

If they do not qualify, other support may still be offered.

Step 4: Transportation to a Facility

The person may be taken to:

• A crisis center
• A psychiatric facility
• A detox or stabilization unit
• A dual-diagnosis facility

Safety is the priority during transport.

Step 5: Treatment Begins

Treatment may include:

• Medical support
• Safety monitoring
• Mental health stabilization
• Detox care
• Counseling
• Rest and observation

Step 6: A Court Hearing Is Held

After 72 hours, the court decides what happens next.

Possible outcomes include:

• Release with follow-up care
• Extended treatment of 14 days
• Outpatient treatment
• Longer inpatient programs

How Ricky’s Law Protects People

Ricky’s Law focuses on safety, dignity, and immediate protection.

It helps:

• Prevent suicide
• Reduce overdose risk
• Keep people from harming others
• Give professionals time to stabilize the person
• Connect people to long-term treatment

Ricky’s Law may feel difficult for families, but it often gives a person the chance to stay alive and begin recovery.

Rights of the Person Under Ricky’s Law

Even during involuntary treatment, a person has rights.

These rights include:

• The right to a lawyer
• The right to a court hearing
• The right to understand the process
• The right to be treated with respect
• The right to medical care
• The right to ask questions

Treatment centers must follow these rules to protect each person’s safety and dignity.

Signs Someone May Need Ricky’s Law Intervention

Families may consider a crisis evaluation when someone shows:

Severe Mental Health Symptoms

• Hallucinations
• Extreme paranoia
• Talking to voices
• Unsafe decisions

Dangerous Substance Use

• Repeated blackouts
• Dangerous intoxication
• Using alone in unsafe places

Self-Harm Behavior

• Threatening suicide
• Withdrawing completely
• Not taking care of basic needs

Violent or Aggressive Actions

• Physical aggression
• Serious threats
• Dangerous behavior

If someone is unsafe, contacting crisis services may be necessary.

How Families Can Help During the Process

Families often feel scared or unsure about using ricky’s law washington state. Here are simple ways families can help:

• Stay calm
• Give clear information to crisis responders
• Share medical history
• Explain any past crises
• Provide examples of unsafe behavior
• Ask questions
• Support follow-up treatment

After the crisis ends, continued support is very important.

Life After Involuntary Treatment

Involuntary treatment is only the beginning. After stabilization, most people need continued care to stay safe and healthy.

Aftercare may include:

• Therapy
• Medication support
• Outpatient treatment
• Safety planning
• Support groups
• Residential treatment
• Crisis prevention tools

Treatment centers like We Level Up Washington help clients build coping skills, emotional regulation, and long-term stability.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment and Ricky’s Law

Many people who qualify for involuntary treatment have more than one disorder at the same time. This is called dual diagnosis.

Common combinations include:

• Anxiety + depression
• PTSD + panic attacks
• Bipolar disorder + anxiety
• Trauma + eating issues

Dual diagnosis treatment focuses on both conditions at once. This helps reduce relapse and improves long-term recovery.

How We Level Up Washington Helps

We Level Up Washington provides mental health and crisis-stabilization support for people who are struggling with serious symptoms. While We Level Up does not perform involuntary detentions, they support people after crisis intervention.

Services include:

• 24/7 supervision
• Therapy
• Crisis stabilization
• Emotional support
• Medication management
• Skills training
• Trauma-informed care
• Structured daily routines
• Aftercare planning
  

The goal is to help clients feel safe, supported, and prepared for long-term healing.

FAQs About Ricky’s Law

Take the First Step Toward Support

If someone you care about is struggling with a severe mental health crisis, you do not have to face the situation alone. Ricky’s Law exists to protect people who cannot keep themselves safe. After the crisis, ongoing care can help someone feel more stable and supported.

We Level Up Washington offers therapy, structure, and skill-building for people working toward long-term recovery.

To talk with our team, call (844) 597-1011 or contact us online. A safer future can begin today.