What is 5150 Hold?- Edited by Aishee Biswas

There are instances where individuals may face mental health difficulties as a result of the stresses of everyday life. Unfortunately, these circumstances can sometimes culminate in challenging outcomes, leaving a person vulnerable to self-harm or posing a threat to others.

 

The term "5150 hold" (fifty-one-fifty) has gained attention in the media, especially in cases involving celebrities, who have struggled with their mental health. Essentially, the term refers to a particular section (Code 5150) related to the "Detention of Mentally Disordered Persons for Evaluation and Treatment." This particular section allows for the involuntary detention of individuals for up to 72 hours for psychiatric assessment and crisis intervention if they are deemed to be a danger to themselves or others due to a mental health disorder.

 

UCLA Health refers to the 5150-hold period as an  "observation period"  during which the patient is evaluated by the treatment team to determine if involuntary hospitalization is necessary. The law requires that the patient be treated in the least restrictive environment possible. In addition to outlining the criteria for such intervention, the code also includes guidelines for determining a person's eligibility for the hold and requires that patients be informed that they are not under criminal arrest but are being taken for a mental health evaluation.

Section 5150, which was enacted in 1967, defines the legal grounds for detaining individuals with mental illness for a 72-hour period for evaluation and treatment in a psychiatric facility. The person must present a danger to themselves or others or be gravely disabled due to their mental illness. Although other states have similar laws, the number 5150 is unique to California. Over time, the term 5150 has taken on additional meanings beyond its original definition. It may refer to the detention process, a person who has been detained, or someone who is perceived to exhibit unusual or erratic behavior. Moreover, law enforcement officers sometimes use the term 5150 informally as a code for an emotionally disturbed person.

It is important to understand that holds under the 5150 and 5585 codes are intended for use in crisis and emergency situations. During a mental health crisis, individuals may not be fully in control of their conscious selves and could act out of character, potentially causing harm to themselves or others. In such cases, it may be necessary to detain them in a secure environment with trained mental health professionals who can assess and monitor their condition. While it may seem intimidating to detain a loved one against their will, it can be a lifesaving measure.

Initiating a 5150 hold is not a responsibility that is given to just anyone. Only authorized individuals such as a  police officer, licensed mental health professional, or member of a crisis team are permitted to order a 5150. If a person is in a hospital setting, they may also initiate the process by contacting the appropriate authorized individuals. However, the individual must be taken to a certified health center that is equipped to provide psychiatric care, and not just any local emergency room will suffice. During their stay, the treatment center is obligated to inform the individual of their rights, which includes the right to contact a Patient's Rights Advocate.