When we last saw Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie), Dr. James Wilson (Robert Sean Leonard) -- his only friend -- was dropping him off at a psychiatric institute for treatment. Now, Laurie talks to ET about what fans can expect on the new season of "House."

"He is pretty damaged," Laurie tells ET. "He is pretty much where he was at the end of season five. In this case, the season picks up only a matter of days after season five ended and House is going through a pretty harrowing medical and psychiatric experience."

House is seeking redemption when season six begins, but his license has been suspended and he is only able to work in a consultant capacity. When ET spoke to the Emmy-nominated actor, it was early days in the new season, so House was still in a transitional state.

"He is trying to keep himself in check, curb his acerbic tongue and connect with people in a way he hadn't done previously," Laurie says. "How long it will last remains to be seen. I have my doubts."

One mystery that Laurie won't solve for fans is: Did House and Cuddy (Lisa Edelstein) actually make love, or was it a hallucination?

"It will be addressed, but teasingly, and it will probably take four and a half years," he jokes.

Laurie says that the series has become affiliated with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and, as a result, they are taking seriously the issue of mental illness.

"It is a character going through a very traumatic experience, one that afflicts many people and House is among them," he concludes.

The sixth season of "House" premieres Monday, Sept. 21 at 8 p.m. on FOX.