When our loved ones appear to be suffering from mental illness, are perceived to be a danger to themselves or others, fail to care for their own needs, and are unwilling to obtain help, a psychiatric assessment may be necessary in order to determine an appropriate course of care.

This Ottawa Crisis Line article, How to get a psychiatric assessment, suggests encouraging your loved one to seek help. It also outlines the options for family caregivers who want to get an assessment for a loved one who is refusing to have one voluntarily.