Presentation Information
[SY-85]Coercion in mental health care: Working with partners to implement alternatives
Kanna Sugiura1, Helen Herrman2, Samuel Law3, Yoshikazu Ikehara4 (1.National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry(Japan), 2.University of Melbourne(Australia), 3.Unity Health Toronto(Canada), 4.Tokyo Advocacy Law Office(Japan))
Keywords:
coercion,mental health care,alternatives,shared decision-making,collaboration,patient empowerment,policy reform
Coercive practices such as involuntary treatment, restraint, and seclusion remain common in mental health care and are often used to manage crises and ensure safety. However, these interventions can have long-lasting adverse effects, contributing to trauma, loss of autonomy, diminished sense of dignity and a distrust of services among service users. This symposium explores strategies that support alternatives to coercion in mental health care by fostering partnerships among mental health professionals, lawyers, service users, families, policymakers and communities.
Presenters will discuss emerging care models prioritising respect for rights and preferences. These models include shared or supported decision-making, peer support, staff training and safeguards built into the system. These approaches empower individuals to participate actively in their care and emphasise non-coercive, recovery-oriented practices. The symposium will feature case studies, research and organizational work demonstrating how collaboration across different sectors—mental health services, policymakers, and communities—can help create environments where alternatives to coercion are implemented and individuals are treated with greater compassion and respect.
Sessions will highlight the perspectives of mental health professionals, lawyers, and individuals with lived experience. They will show how training, support and new care models can promote healing without resorting to force or control. The sessions will also focus on policy reforms, community-driven solutions, and the need for cultural competence in responding to diverse needs.
This symposium aims to inspire fresh approaches to mental health care by showcasing successful alternatives to coercion and offering practical strategies that can be implemented in real-world settings. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of creating more person-centred care environments that emphasise empowerment, trust, and recovery.
Presenters will discuss emerging care models prioritising respect for rights and preferences. These models include shared or supported decision-making, peer support, staff training and safeguards built into the system. These approaches empower individuals to participate actively in their care and emphasise non-coercive, recovery-oriented practices. The symposium will feature case studies, research and organizational work demonstrating how collaboration across different sectors—mental health services, policymakers, and communities—can help create environments where alternatives to coercion are implemented and individuals are treated with greater compassion and respect.
Sessions will highlight the perspectives of mental health professionals, lawyers, and individuals with lived experience. They will show how training, support and new care models can promote healing without resorting to force or control. The sessions will also focus on policy reforms, community-driven solutions, and the need for cultural competence in responding to diverse needs.
This symposium aims to inspire fresh approaches to mental health care by showcasing successful alternatives to coercion and offering practical strategies that can be implemented in real-world settings. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of creating more person-centred care environments that emphasise empowerment, trust, and recovery.