In Estonia, psychiatric assistance is voluntary. However, there may be situations where you are brought to a psychiatric institution against your will or you no longer want to stay there. These are the situations when you have a severe mental disorder and pose a threat of life, health or safety for yourself or others.

Therefore involuntary placement in a mental health care institution is permitted only if all of the following circumstances exist:

1. the person has a severe mental disorder which restricts his or her ability to understand or control his or her behaviour
2. without in-patient treatment, the person endangers the life, health or safety of himself or herself or others due to a mental disorder
3. other psychiatric care is not sufficient

Human rights state that placement in a mental health care institution against your will is a form of detention. It deprives you of physical liberty and can interfere with your private and family life.

You should not be placed in a mental health care institution inappropriately and without very good reason. Therefore, the placement must not be unlawful. It is also important that when placed in a mental health care institution you are treated with respect, receive adequate medical treatment and are held in humane and adequate conditions.