{"id":58,"date":"2024-05-19T02:07:24","date_gmt":"2024-05-19T02:07:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hca.venturacounty.gov\/behavioral-health\/?page_id=58"},"modified":"2025-10-02T20:37:53","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T20:37:53","slug":"behavioral-health-crisis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/hca.venturacounty.gov\/behavioral-health\/behavioral-health-crisis\/","title":{"rendered":"Behavioral Health Crisis"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"58\" class=\"elementor elementor-58\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2969b4ca e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2969b4ca\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-473546b8 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"473546b8\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-29f8182 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-template\" data-id=\"29f8182\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"template.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-template\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"container\" data-elementor-id=\"398\" class=\"elementor elementor-398\" data-elementor-post-type=\"elementor_library\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-522940f e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"522940f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-42beb771 elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-213 elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"42beb771\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Related links<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-053eb6e elementor-align-start elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-404 elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"053eb6e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/behavioral-health\/call-now\/\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"far fa-arrow-alt-circle-right\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Call Now<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/behavioral-health\/behavioral-health-crisis\/\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"far fa-arrow-alt-circle-right\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Behavioral Health Crisis<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/behavioral-health\/assessment-referral\/\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"far fa-arrow-alt-circle-right\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Assessment &amp; Referral<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/behavioral-health\/mobile-crisis-response-team\/\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"far fa-arrow-alt-circle-right\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Mobile Crisis Response Team<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/behavioral-health\/outreach-programs\/\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"far fa-arrow-alt-circle-right\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Outreach Programs<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ced5665 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-template\" data-id=\"ced5665\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"template.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-template\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"container\" data-elementor-id=\"306\" class=\"elementor elementor-306\" data-elementor-post-type=\"elementor_library\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-47540d3e e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"47540d3e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-59d7953d elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-212 elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"59d7953d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/hca.venturacounty.gov\/behavioral-health\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/04\/bh-phone-icon-150x150.png\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-image-20\" alt=\"Bh Phone Icon\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hca.venturacounty.gov\/behavioral-health\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/04\/bh-phone-icon-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/hca.venturacounty.gov\/behavioral-health\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/04\/bh-phone-icon.png 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2014a82c elementor-align-justify elementor-widget__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-211 elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"2014a82c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"tel:1-866-998-2243\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">VCBH Access\/Crisis Line<BR> 1-866-998-2243<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7016c45 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-template\" data-id=\"7016c45\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"template.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-template\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"container\" data-elementor-id=\"302\" class=\"elementor elementor-302\" data-elementor-post-type=\"elementor_library\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d999bc4 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d999bc4\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-71eeb21b elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-210 elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"71eeb21b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/hca.venturacounty.gov\/behavioral-health\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/04\/map-icon-150x150.png\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-image-23\" alt=\"Map Icon\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hca.venturacounty.gov\/behavioral-health\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/04\/map-icon-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/hca.venturacounty.gov\/behavioral-health\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/04\/map-icon.png 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-36ef0681 elementor-align-justify elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-209 elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"36ef0681\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/hca.venturacounty.gov\/behavioral-health\/clinic-service-locations\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Clinic Locations<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-453fbe0a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"453fbe0a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f038216 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f038216\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>What You Need to Know During a Behavioral Health Crisis<\/h2><p><strong>Do I call 911 or the Crisis Team?<br role=\"presentation\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\" \/><\/strong>Call 911 if there is an immediate threat to life, such as violent behavior, presence of weapons, or a medical emergency (overdose, injury, etc.). You can request that police send Crisis Intervention Trained (CIT) officers, if available. These are officers who have been through specialized training on how to address mental health emergencies.<br role=\"presentation\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\" \/><br role=\"presentation\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\" \/>Call the Ventura County Crisis Team at\u00a0<a href=\"tel:%201-866-998-2243\" aria-label=\"call %201-866-998-2243\" data-uw-rm-vglnk=\"\">1-866-998-2243<\/a>, if the individual is experiencing a mental health emergency and is otherwise physically and medically stable.<br role=\"presentation\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\" \/><br role=\"presentation\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\" \/><\/p><p><strong>&gt; See the\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/hca.venturacounty.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/5150Plan2025.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"5150 Guide for Professionals - open in a new tab\" data-uw-rm-ext-link=\"\" data-uw-pdf-br=\"1\" data-uw-pdf-doc=\"\"><strong>5150 Guide for Professionals<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p><strong>What do I do after 911 is called?<\/strong><\/p><ol role=\"list\"><li>Prepare your home before police arrive by removing any items that could be used or perceived as a weapon. Turn on all the lights in your home to improve visibility and turn off all the audio (televisions, stereos) to reduce distractions. Secure any pets that may appear to pose a threat or be an unwelcome distraction. Also, be prepared to tell police who else is in the home and\/or make arrangements for those people to leave before the police arrive.<\/li><li>Try to meet the police officers outside before they interact with the individual. Brief them on what is going on, the individual\u2019s current emotional state, any medications\/substances taken, and share helpful suggestions as to their strengths and what the person may find reassuring or calming.<\/li><li>Also be prepared to give a brief history of the individual. Be honest, direct, and open. Do not exaggerate the situation or leave out relevant information.<\/li><li>Relevant information may include demographic information (age, gender, etc.), medical and psychiatric history, past treatment information, and family caregiver contact information.<\/li><li>Ask the police officer or ambulance driver where the individual is being taken. If the police believe that the person meets criteria (see below), they most likely will be placed on a 5150\/5585 and transported (typically by ambulance) to the nearest emergency department for medical screening and\/or to a designated facility (Crisis Stabilization Unit or psychiatric hospital) for psychiatric evaluation and treatment. The individual can be held at a designated facility for up to 72 hours on a 5150\/5585.<br role=\"presentation\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\" \/><br role=\"presentation\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\" \/><\/li><\/ol><p><strong>What is Voluntary Psychiatric Hospitalization?<br role=\"presentation\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\" \/><\/strong>For adults, the individual must recognize the need for treatment, be willing to follow treatment recommendations and able to consent to treatment. For minors, the parent or legal guardian must be available to authorize voluntary treatment. Status of voluntary or involuntary is not necessarily an indicator of the severity of the condition or need for treatment.<br role=\"presentation\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\" \/><br role=\"presentation\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\" \/>Per\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1317.&amp;lawCode=HSC\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"Health &amp; Safety Code 1317 (f) - open in a new tab\" data-uw-rm-ext-link=\"\" data-uw-rm-brl=\"PR\" data-uw-original-href=\"http:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1317.&amp;lawCode=HSC\">Health &amp; Safety Code 1317 (f)<\/a>, a general acute care hospital or acute psychiatric hospital shall not require a person who voluntarily seeks care to be in custody pursuant to section 5150 of the Welfare and Institutions Code as a condition of accepting. Requirement of an involuntary hold by the receiving hospitals creates an unnecessary barrier to care for patients and is a violation of the person\u2019s civil liberties.<br role=\"presentation\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\" \/><br role=\"presentation\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\" \/><\/p><p><strong>What is a 5150\/5585?<br role=\"presentation\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\" \/><\/strong>For adults,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=WIC&amp;sectionNum=5150\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"Welfare &amp; Institutions Code section 5150 - open in a new tab\" data-uw-rm-ext-link=\"\" data-uw-rm-brl=\"PR\" data-uw-original-href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=WIC&amp;sectionNum=5150\">Welfare &amp; Institutions Code section 5150<\/a>\u00a0(for minors,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=WIC&amp;division=5.&amp;title=&amp;part=1.5.&amp;chapter=1.&amp;article=#:~:text=(a)%20To%20provide%20prompt%20evaluation,emotionally%20disturbed%20children%20and%20adolescents.&amp;text=(c)%20To%20provide%20individualized%20treatment,services%20for%20gravely%20disabled%20minors.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"Welfare &amp; Institutions Code section 5585 - open in a new tab\" data-uw-rm-ext-link=\"\" data-uw-rm-brl=\"PR\" data-uw-original-href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=WIC&amp;division=5.&amp;title=&amp;part=1.5.&amp;chapter=1.&amp;article=#:~:text=(a)%20To%20provide%20prompt%20evaluation,emotionally%20disturbed%20children%20and%20adolescents.&amp;text=(c)%20To%20provide%20individualized%20treatment,services%20for%20gravely%20disabled%20minors.\">Welfare &amp; Institutions Code section 5585<\/a>) allows an authorized person to detain an individual who, as a result of a mental health disorder, may be a danger to self, others and\/or gravely disabled.<\/p><ol role=\"list\"><li><strong>Danger to Self:<\/strong>\u00a0There is probable cause to believe that, as a result of a mental health disorder, the individual presents as a danger to themselves. Factors considered may include; observable behavior, what the individual is saying\/doing, relevant history, available collateral information, evidence of a deliberate attempt to hurt themselves, a disregard for personal safety, and\/or prior suicide attempts.<\/li><li><strong>Danger to Others:<\/strong>\u00a0There is probable cause to believe that, as a result of a mental health disorder, the individual presents as a danger to others. The factors considered include all of those listed above (in \u201c1. Danger to Self\u201d) plus additional factors such as access to weapons, any prior history of severe aggression or violence; and\/or disregard for the safety of others.<\/li><li><strong>Grave Disability:<\/strong>\u00a0An adult is gravely disabled when, as a result of a mental health disorder*, he\/she is unable to provide for their own food, clothing or shelter or is currently unable to take advantage of food, clothing or shelter even though it may be provided to them by another person. A minor is gravely disabled when, as a result of a mental health disorder*, is unable to use the elements of life that are essential to health, safety, and development, including food, clothing, and shelter, even though provided to the minor by others.<\/li><\/ol><p>*Intellectual disability, epilepsy, or other developmental disabilities, alcoholism, other drug abuse, or repeated antisocial behavior do not, by themselves, constitute a mental health disorder.<\/p><p><strong>Important Notes:<\/strong><\/p><ul role=\"list\"><li>The 5150\/5585 is an application and does not guarantee the individual will be admitted to a psychiatric facility. The decision to admit, or not, will be made by a psychiatrist at the psychiatric hospital.<\/li><li>The 5150\/5585 application allows the individual to be detained and transported to a psychiatric facility for further assessment to determine the appropriateness of involuntary hospitalization. If admitted, an individual on a 5150\/5585 may be held up to 72 hours for further observation and evaluation.<\/li><li>In Ventura County, as well as throughout California and the country, the need for acute psychiatric treatment often exceeds available resources. Minors and adults may find themselves waiting in the local emergency department for a period of time while efforts are made to facilitate appropriate placement in a psychiatric facility. In the event that a 5150\/5585 application expires while the person is waiting for placement, a subsequent application, or a \u201cback-to-back\u201d 5150\/5585, will not be written in Ventura County. At that point, an individual may choose to pursue voluntary psychiatric hospitalization or will be further stabilized or discharged in accordance with the emergency department\u2019s policy.<br role=\"presentation\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\" \/><br role=\"presentation\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\" \/><\/li><li>Adults being considered for admission to the Ventura County Health Care Agency\u2019s local psychiatric hospital, Hillmont Psychiatric Center (HPC), or Adult Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) must first be transported to the nearest emergency department for medical screening. The person then remains in the emergency department until a placement becomes available at Hillmont or another appropriate psychiatric facility.<\/li><li>Under some circumstances, medically stable adults can be directly admitted to Ventura County\u2019s local, private psychiatric hospital\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vistadelmarhospital.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"(Vista Del Mar) - open in a new tab\" data-uw-rm-ext-link=\"\" data-uw-rm-brl=\"PR\" data-uw-original-href=\"https:\/\/www.vistadelmarhospital.com\/\">(Vista Del Mar)<\/a>.<\/li><li>Medically stable minors ages 12-17 may also be admitted directly to Vista Del Mar. Minors ages 6 \u2013 17 may also be admitted to the Children\u2019s Crisis Stabilization Unit, operated by\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.senecafoa.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"Seneca Family of Agencies. - open in a new tab\" data-uw-rm-ext-link=\"\" data-uw-rm-brl=\"PR\" data-uw-original-href=\"https:\/\/www.senecafoa.org\/\">Seneca Family of Agencies.<\/a><\/li><li>When local psychiatric facilities are full, individuals may be hospitalized out of the county. Admissions to all psychiatric facilities may be contingent upon any number of factors including (but not limited to): bed availability, type of insurance, and presenting symptoms.<\/li><li>The emergency departments are required to provide ongoing assessment for individuals on 5150\/5585s who are awaiting placement in a psychiatric facility. If the attending physician observes a change in behavior or symptoms leading her\/him to believe the individual may no longer be a danger to self, danger to others, and\/or gravely disabled, a reassessment process may be initiated to see if 5150\/5585 criteria are still met. This process may vary across emergency departments and is based on their policies and practices. When the individual on a 5150\/5585 no longer meets criteria for involuntary treatment, the application will be discontinued and alternatives for follow-up treatment and services will be offered.<br role=\"presentation\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\" \/><br role=\"presentation\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\" \/><\/li><\/ul><p><strong>What is a 5250?<\/strong><\/p><ul role=\"list\"><li>A\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=5250.&amp;lawCode=WIC\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"5250 - open in a new tab\" data-uw-rm-ext-link=\"\" data-uw-rm-brl=\"PR\" data-uw-original-href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=5250.&amp;lawCode=WIC\">5250<\/a>, Notice of Certification, is an extension which would allow the psychiatric hospital to keep the individual for up to an additional 14 days.<\/li><li>At the end of 72 hours, if the individual still meets criteria for hospitalization and either is not willing to stay voluntarily or the treating psychiatrist does not feel they are appropriate for voluntary hospitalization, the psychiatrist files the Notice of Certification with the Superior Court. The individual has the right to a probable cause hearing within four days of the initiation of the Notice of Certification if they disagree with further hospitalization. The individual has the right to speak to a patients\u2019 rights advocate at any time and they will also be appointed a public defender to represent them in the civil legal proceedings, if they choose to have a hearing.<\/li><li>The treating psychiatrist will provide testimony and explain to the judge why they believe the individual will benefit from further hospitalization. The individual, with the assistance of the public defender, has the right to explain to the judge why they believe they should be released. Ultimately, the judge will make a determination whether or not probable cause exists that they continue to meet one or more of the criteria noted above (danger to self, danger to others, and\/or gravely disabled).<\/li><li>The individual can request a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shouselaw.com\/ca\/defense\/post-conviction\/habeas-corpus\/#:~:text=A%20writ%20of%20habeas%20corpus%20is%20a%20petition%20by%20a,imprisonment%2Fconviction%20or%20sentencing%20conditions.&amp;text=A%20writ%20of%20habeas%20corpus%20in%20California%20is%20where,challenge%20their%20conviction%20or%20imprisonment.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"Writ of Habeus Corpus, - open in a new tab\" data-uw-rm-ext-link=\"\" data-uw-rm-brl=\"PR\" data-uw-original-href=\"https:\/\/www.shouselaw.com\/ca\/defense\/post-conviction\/habeas-corpus\/#:~:text=A%20writ%20of%20habeas%20corpus%20is%20a%20petition%20by%20a,imprisonment%2Fconviction%20or%20sentencing%20conditions.&amp;text=A%20writ%20of%20habeas%20corpus%20in%20California%20is%20where,challenge%20their%20conviction%20or%20imprisonment.\">Writ of Habeus Corpus,<\/a>\u00a0requesting release, and this will be held as soon as possible.<br role=\"presentation\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\" \/><br role=\"presentation\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\" \/><\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Confidentiality and Receiving Information<br role=\"presentation\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\" \/><\/strong>During a mental health crisis, most limits to confidentiality and information sharing are suspended. A minimum necessary guideline would still apply, meaning that only information necessary for resolving the immediate crisis would be exchanged by providers.<br role=\"presentation\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\" \/><br role=\"presentation\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\" \/>When an individual you care about is hospitalized or admitted to a treatment setting, it is natural to be concerned and to want the most up-to-date information possible.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hhs.gov\/hipaa\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) - open in a new tab\" data-uw-rm-ext-link=\"\" data-uw-rm-brl=\"PR\" data-uw-original-href=\"https:\/\/www.hhs.gov\/hipaa\/index.html\">The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)\u00a0<\/a>and other regulations govern confidentiality. The individual must give consent to release information before anyone at the facility can share protected health information. Each facility will have its own ROI (Release of Information) form and process. Notably, if the individual changes their mind and withdraws their consent (which they can do at any time), the ability of the treatment providers to release information will cease. Family members or other individuals with pertinent information about the individual can provide the treatment providers with information; a release of information is not necessary for the staff treating the individual to receive information. The staff person can listen, but without consent they are unable to communicate details about the individual or even acknowledge the individual is in the facility.<\/p><p><strong>What is a Patient Rights Advocate?<br role=\"presentation\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\" \/><\/strong>The Patients\u2019 Rights Advocate (PRA) is a part of Ventura County Behavioral Health in Ventura County. The advocate is available to provide education on the laws governing mental health treatment. You can reach the Ventura County Patients\u2019 Rights Advocate at (805) 477-5731.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a83867b elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"a83867b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"649\" src=\"https:\/\/hca.venturacounty.gov\/behavioral-health\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/05\/64c373b3761d2d11e184ee46_sect2-gethelp-rightcol-1024x831.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-45\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hca.venturacounty.gov\/behavioral-health\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/05\/64c373b3761d2d11e184ee46_sect2-gethelp-rightcol-1024x831.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hca.venturacounty.gov\/behavioral-health\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/05\/64c373b3761d2d11e184ee46_sect2-gethelp-rightcol-300x244.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hca.venturacounty.gov\/behavioral-health\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/05\/64c373b3761d2d11e184ee46_sect2-gethelp-rightcol-768x623.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hca.venturacounty.gov\/behavioral-health\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/05\/64c373b3761d2d11e184ee46_sect2-gethelp-rightcol.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What You Need to Know During a Behavioral Health Crisis Do I call 911 or the Crisis Team?Call 911 if there is an immediate threat to life, such as violent [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-58","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.7 (Yoast SEO v26.8) - 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