What does a 5150 mean?

A 5150 is a legal hold imposed on a person that is be lieved to be in need of involuntary psychiatric treatment in California. The person is believed to be at least one of the following:

• A Danger to Themselves
• A Danger to Others
• Gravely Disabled (unable to provide for their own food, shelter, or clothing)

Once a police officer, or any other individual that is certified to put people on a 5150 hold , has issued a 5150 to the person believed to be one of the above, that person will be taken to a psychiatric hospital and can be legally held for up to 72 hours. During the first 24 hours of the 72-hour period, the person must be evaluated by two psychiatrists to determine if admission to the hospital for further treatment is necessary. If both doctors determine further treatment is necessary, the patient is admitted to the hospital.

Once the 72-hour period is up, the patient may choose to remain in the hospital voluntarily. If the patient decides not to stay voluntarily, and the doctors believe additional treatment is necessary, the patient can be certified with a 5250 for involuntary treatment for up to an addition 14 days.