Zone Psy ConsultationPsychoanalytic organisation
Long kept out of public debate, mental health is back in the spotlight. Declared a national cause in France for 2025, it is also the subject of major reforms, particularly on a sensitive question: care without consent and measures that deprive a patient of their freedom.
Seclusion and restraint: the judge keeps watch
Since the law of 22 January 2022, seclusion and restraint in psychiatry have been strictly regulated. These measures can only be decided by a psychiatrist, as a last resort, to prevent immediate harm. Seclusion is limited to 12 hours, renewable up to 48 hours; restraint to 6 hours, renewable up to 24 hours. Beyond that, the liberty and custody judge must be notified. A relative of the patient must be informed of renewals.
These practices nevertheless remain common. According to IRDES, in 2022, 76,000 people were hospitalised full-time without their consent; 37% of them were placed in seclusion, and about 8,000 were subjected to mechanical restraint.
A bill aims to ban mechanical restraint from 1 January 2030.
Towards the end of restraint?
Following an announcement by the Ministry of Health in June 2026, a bill was tabled in the National Assembly to ban mechanical restraint outright in psychiatric facilities from 1 January 2030. The delay should allow teams to be trained and services reorganised. About 10% of facilities already report never using it. The text has yet to be debated.
Easier access to psychologists
Since summer 2024, the “Mon soutien psy” scheme has provided up to 12 sessions a year with a partner psychologist, reimbursed by French national health insurance on the basis of 50 euros, without necessarily going through a doctor. Good to know: the scheme only covers partner psychologists. Psychoanalytic consultations, such as those of Zone Psy Consultation, are not reimbursed.
A number for suicide prevention
Since October 2021, the 3114 has been France's national suicide prevention number. Free and available 24 hours a day, it is for people in distress as well as their loved ones, and for professionals worried about someone.
Your rights in brief
- To be informed of your situation, your rights and how to appeal.
- When receiving care without consent, to be able to apply to the judge at any time.
- Seclusion and restraint: only as a last resort, for a limited time and under judicial review.
- To be able to contact your lawyer and seek advice.
Sources
- Santé Mentale, “Une proposition de loi pour abolir la contention en 2030”, 3 September 2026 (IRDES 2022 data)
- Law no. 2022-46 of 22 January 2022 and article L3222-5-1 of the French Public Health Code
- Santé Mentale, “Mon soutien psy renforcé dès le mois de juin” (2024)
This article is for information only. It replaces neither a consultation nor a diagnosis, which is a doctor's role.
