San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health (DBH)

Authorized 5150/5585 Writers

5150 is the number of the section of the Welfare and Institutions Code, which allows an adult who is experiencing a mental health crisis to be involuntarily detained for a 72- hour psychiatric hospitalization when evaluated to be a danger to others, or to himself or herself, or gravely disabled.

5585 is the number of the section of the Welfare and Institutions Code under California State Law which allows a minor who is experiencing a mental health crisis to be involuntarily detained for a 72- hour psychiatric hospitalization when evaluated to be a danger to others, or to himself or herself, or gravely disabled. A minor refers to those youth below the age of 18.

When a person, as a result of a mental health disorder, is a danger to others, or to himself or herself, or gravely disabled, only upon probable cause, may they be taken, into custody for a period of up to 72 hours for assessment, evaluation, and crisis intervention, or placement for evaluation and treatment in a facility designated by the county for evaluation and treatment.

Therapist at Life Skills Awareness are proud to have the certification necessary to provide this service through our contracts with local hospitals and look forward to working with other hospitals requiring 5150/5585 writers at their facility.