Vocal Virginia is the Commonwealth’s only state-wide mental health advocacy and education nonprofit that is completely staffed and governed by individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges. Vocal Virginia offers this perspective with a deep commitment to improving the quality and safety of care for all individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Seclusion and restraint are interventions that can have long-lasting emotional and psychological effects. While often intended to maintain safety, these practices may unintentionally cause harm, particularly for individuals with histories of trauma.

Many people receiving care report that seclusion and restraint can feel frightening, disempowering, and isolating—at times compounding the distress that led them to seek help. These practices can erode trust between individuals receiving support and providers and may hinder recovery rather than support it.

There are proven, person-centered approaches that reduce or eliminate the need for these interventions. Trauma-informed care, de-escalation techniques, peer support, and individualized crisis planning have all shown positive outcomes in fostering safety without coercion. Implementing these approaches can create more healing environments where individuals feel respected, heard, and supported.

Vocal Virginia believes that everyone deserves to receive care that promotes dignity, empowerment, and recovery. Reducing and ultimately eliminating seclusion and restraint aligns with these values and reflects a broader commitment to equity and compassion in behavioral health care.

Thank you for considering this perspective as part of the ongoing efforts to enhance the safety and effectiveness of mental health services.