How do you get someone committed ? My sister is bipolar and is so up and down but will not stay in anywhere long enough to get the help she really needss.

Unless she's a danger to herself or others, I don't think you can get her committed.

If you are in the US, it is very hard, esp over the last few years sinc most of the mental health wards were closed and a lot of done on out patient.

As noted unless they are a danger, and even then if the doctors think they can do it on out patent, they do't committ any longer.
But if they do something like try to kill thierself, or some strange act, at least in GA the police officer can take them in for a 24 hour evaluation, and if the doctors believev there is cause, they can hold them another 3 days pending a hearing.

Again in GA if family members worry, I believe it takes three friends or family to apply to a judge for a evaluation.

Actually involuntary commitments are done quite frequently here in West Tennessee (I just visited Western Mental Health Institute for a psychiatry clinical rotation). However, to be involntarily committed one must be considered a danger to oneself or others.

Medication non-compliance is NOT a reason for commitment. Unfortunately there is nothing you can do until this point is reached.

OK... My father has held a gun to my sisters back and to his own head many times. He has also threatened to run his car into another car, causing a head-on collision... which means as long as he kills himself, he does not care who he takes with him.

SINCE he IS a danger to himself and others, HOW do I get him committed in Tennessee??