I’m disappointed, yet not surprised, by the Globe’s editorial in favor of involuntary outpatient commitment — words that more accurately reflect its legal nature than “assisted outpatient treatment” (“Mandate treatment for the mentally ill,” July 3).

It is only in psychiatry, and not in any other area of medicine, that disagreement with a clinician’s opinion of illness is deemed a symptom or evidence of said illness. Patients who disagree with a physician’s recommendations are usually advised to get a second opinion.

Involuntary outpatient commitment is bad public policy. The best way to engage with anyone is to show them respect and take the time to learn about them. It is connection, and not coercion, that works. Approaches such as Open Dialogue, Soteria, and Peer Bridger engage with people on this level.