5150 Psychiatric Hold: What Is It And How Long Does It Last?

The 5150 code refers to Article I of California’s Welfare and Institutions Code regarding the involuntary detention of individuals who are gravely disabled or who pose harm to themselves or others. This psychiatric hold can last up to 72 hours, during which time the person may receive mental health evaluations and/or treatment. In some cases, the initial 5150 psychiatric hold may need to be extended, which requires a 5250 hold.

An Overview of The 5150 Psychiatric Hold

According to California state law, an individual can be detained in a mental health facility involuntarily if they meet certain requirements set forth by the state’s Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC). [1] Called a 5150 psychiatric hold, this is a measure taken to protect both the individual and the welfare of the community in the event of a mental health crisis.

People admitted to a psychiatric hospital under a 5150 hold may be required to stay there for a period of 72 hours. If they pass a mental health evaluation, they might be released earlier. Conversely, a 5250 hold may be requested in severe cases, resulting in a lengthier stay.

State-Specific Psychiatric Holds

The 5150 psychiatric hold refers specifically to California state law. However, every state in the United States has a similar law that allows for the temporary detention of a person experiencing a mental health crisis. [2] The exact details of the hold may depend on the specific laws enacted by each state.

When Is a 5150 Psychiatric Hold Issued?

A number of situations may constitute a 5150 psychiatric hold, and it could be based on a mental health professional or public safety officer’s discretion. Some of the factors that may warrant an involuntary hold in the state of California may include:

• Severe or repeated attempts at self-harm
• Threats of suicide (i.e., danger to self)
• Threats of harm to a loved one or anyone else (i.e., danger to others)
• Signs of a psychotic episode, such as delusions or hallucinations
• A severe depressive episode

These are merely examples. Any situation where a person is deemed a threat or considered unable to meet their basic needs (e.g., food, shelter) can be admitted to a psychiatric facility involuntarily.

What Mental Health Conditions Are Associated With a Psychiatric Hold?

A person doesn’t need to have a specific mental disorder to qualify for a psychiatric hold. However, if you have one of the following mental health conditions, you may be more likely to be involuntarily committed compared to the general public: [3]

• Psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Major depressive disorder
• Substance-induced psychosis
• Suicidal thoughts

Some people who are admitted to a psychiatric hospital involuntarily may receive a mental health diagnosis. Others may already have a diagnosis, but they may receive intensive treatment during their hospital stay.

Either way, it could be important to continue receiving mental health treatment after being released from the psychiatric hold. This could mean taking certain prescription medications, attending therapy on a regular basis, or both. Taking care of your mental health consistently may prevent re-admittance to a mental health facility.

How Long Does a 5150 Psychiatric Hold Last?

A 5150 psychiatric hold may last up to 72 hours, but the individual may be released earlier if they are no longer a threat or approved for release by a mental health evaluator. Likewise, if the individual continues to threaten self-harm or violent behavior towards another person or persons, a 5250 hold can be requested, which can prolong the involuntary commitment period beyond the 72-hour hold. [4] Individuals held for an extended period have the right to a hearing as well as a lawyer or patient’s rights advocate.

What Happens During a 5150 Psychiatric Hold?

A 5150 psychiatric hold is usually prompted by a phone call from concerned family members or the general public. A crisis evaluator will respond to the scene and gather necessary information. [5] They may try to ascertain what triggered the event as well as any past history of a mental health disorder or mental health treatment.

If the evaluator sees the need for a psychiatric hold, they will advise the person of their legal rights during the hold. This generally includes the right to make a phone call, refuse medical treatment, and contact an attorney.

A psychiatric hold isn’t the same as being arrested by a police officer, but there are some similarities. For example, both scenarios result in a person losing their personal freedom and independence for a period of time.

In the cases of a 5150 hold, the person isn’t detained in a correctional facility like a jail or a prison. Instead, they are admitted to a psychiatric hospital on an involuntary basis, and they must stay there for 72 hours or until a mental health professional approves their release.

If you’re placed under a psychiatric hold, you may feel as if you’ve done something wrong. This isn’t necessarily the case. Keep in mind that the psychiatric hold is meant to be for your benefit.

Negative Consequences of a Psychiatric Hold

Psychiatric holds aren’t intended to punish a person for bad behavior. Instead, they’re designed to protect the person from harming themselves or others and to help them get the mental health care they need to recover from a mental health crisis. However, psychiatric holds sometimes have negative consequences for the individual they’re intended to protect. Some of these unintended effects of involuntary commitment may include: [6]

• A disruption of your daily routine
• Loss of work and subsequent financial difficulties
• Embarrassment due to social stigma
• Feeling like you’ve been betrayed by family members or loved ones
• Losing trust in health care professionals or law enforcement officers

After being released from a psychiatric hold, an individual may need to rely on their support system, including trusted family and friends, to get back on their feet. Some may require the assistance of social services or other community resources.

Seek Mental Health Support on a Voluntary Basis

A 5150 psychiatric hold represents one path to mental health support, but it’s not the only one. For people with mental illness or substance use disorder, seeking treatment before a crisis situation occurs may be ideal.

This could help individuals avoid some of the stigma and other unintentional consequences of involuntary admission to a mental hospital. Both inpatient and outpatient mental health services could potentially prevent a mental health crisis and promote a person’s overall well-being.