5150 Hold: What It Is and How It Works

Medically reviewed by Paul Ballas, D.O.

Written by Kacie Riggs

Posted on June 30, 2026

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Key Takeaways

A 5150 hold is a temporary involuntary mental health hold in California that lasts up to 72 hours and is designed to keep people safe and connect them with crisis care when they may be a danger to themselves or others or are unable to meet their basic needs due to a mental health disorder.

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When someone you care about is in a mental health crisis, it can feel overwhelming. You may not know what to do or where to turn.

In California, one option for getting immediate help is a 5150 hold, a temporary involuntary mental health hold for people who may be a danger to themselves or others or may be unable to care for their basic needs because of a mental health disorder. It’s sometimes called a 5150 psychiatric hold or a 72-hour hold.

The hold can last up to 72 hours while a person is assessed, evaluated, and connected with crisis care or treatment.

This article explains what a 5150 hold is, how the process works, and what families and individuals can expect.

What Is a 5150 Hold?

A 5150 hold comes from California’s Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5150. It allows certain trained professionals or peace officers to place someone in a temporary, involuntary psychiatric hold for up to 72 hours for evaluation and crisis care. They must have probable cause to believe the person meets the legal criteria.

A 5150 hold allows trained professionals to place someone in a temporary, involuntary psychiatric hold for up to 72 hours for evaluation and crisis care.

It’s important to note that a 5150 hold is a civil process, which means it’s not a criminal arrest. The goal is not punishment. Rather, it’s to keep the person safe and provide mental health care during a crisis.

5150 Hold Requirements

To qualify for a 5150 hold, a person must meet at least one of three criteria because of a mental health disorder (such as psychosis), a severe substance use disorder, or both.

Danger to self — This may include having suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Danger to others — The person may have made threats against someone else.
Gravely disabled — The person is unable to provide for basic needs like food, clothing, shelter, personal safety, or necessary medical care.

A trained professional or peace officer must have probable cause, meaning they must have reasonable evidence that one of these conditions is present.

Under California Senate Bill 43, all California counties were required to use this expanded definition of “gravely disabled” by Jan. 1, 2026.

Who Can Place Someone on a 5150 Hold?

Not everyone can start a 5150 hold. In California, only certain people are authorized to do this, including:

Peace officers, police officers, or other law enforcement officers
The professional person in charge of a county-designated evaluation and treatment facility, or a designated member of that facility’s staff
Designated members of a mobile crisis team
Other professional people designated by the county

While family members and loved ones can’t place a 5150 hold directly, they can share concerns that may help authorized professionals decide whether a 5150 hold is needed.

If you’re concerned about a loved one, you can:

Call 911 if there is an immediate danger or emergency.
Contact a local crisis team.
Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

You may also want to consider filling out an Assembly Bill 1424 (AB 1424) form, where you can share details about your loved one’s mental health history. Information shared on this form can be helpful for professionals to decide whether involuntary evaluation or treatment may be appropriate.

Here are some additional tips for helping loved ones through an episode of psychosis (when a person has trouble telling what is real and what isn’t).

What Happens During a 5150 Hold?

Understanding the process of a 5150 hold can help reduce fear and uncertainty.

Transportation to a Facility

If a hold is initiated, the person will be told their rights by the authorized person taking them into custody. They’ll receive paperwork that clearly states why their current condition requires a 5150 hold.

From there, the individual will be taken to a designated facility or hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. The 72-hour period begins when the person is first detained, not when they arrive at the facility.

Evaluation and Stabilization

During the hold, mental health professionals will assess the individual’s current state. They will look at whether the person has symptoms of psychosis, as well as their psychological, medical, social, legal, and financial situation.

If necessary, a healthcare professional may offer or provide treatment during the hold. This may include crisis intervention, medication, or other mental health care, depending on the person’s needs.

In some cases, a full 72-hour hold isn’t necessary. If a medical professional believes the individual no longer meets the legal criteria for the hold and no longer requires involuntary treatment or evaluation, they can be sent home early.

After the Hold

At the end of the hold, one of three things usually happens:

The person is released if they’re stable.
The individual agrees to stay for voluntary treatment.
The hold is extended for up to 14 days if the person still meets the legal criteria and requires longer treatment. This is known as a 5250 hold or a 14-day hold.

In some situations, a person may be placed on a different type of hold that lasts longer than 14 days. These longer holds have their own rules and legal steps, like specific criteria and required reviews or hearings. The time limit depends on the type of hold and the person’s situation.

Rights During a 5150 Hold

Even during an involuntary hold, people still have some very important rights. These key legal rights include:

The right to be informed about why they are being held
The right to contact a patients’ rights advocate, who can explain their rights and help them understand their options
The right to humane, immediate care and treatment while being held in a facility
The right to ask questions about medications and treatment — and in many situations, the right to refuse certain treatments unless it’s an emergency or extra legal steps are followed
The right to be told if their status changes
The right to choose voluntary treatment after a 72-hour hold, if they are eligible and agree to stay

Knowing these rights can help individuals and families feel more prepared and empowered during a difficult time.

If you’re the person experiencing a hold, know that you have rights and can speak with a patients’ rights advocate during the hold process.

Common Questions About 5150 Holds

Understanding the details of a 5150 hold can make a stressful situation feel a little more manageable.

Can You Visit Someone on a 5150 Hold?

Visiting rules depend on the facility, the unit’s safety policies, and the person’s condition. Some places allow limited visits, while others may not.

If you’re unsure, you can call the hospital or facility for their specific policies.

Who Pays for a 5150 Hold in California?

Depending on eligibility and coverage, the cost of the 5150 hold may be paid through private insurance, Medi-Cal, Medicare, or county mental health programs. If you aren’t eligible for these programs, you may be responsible for some or all of the cost.

There may also be additional financial support services available through nonprofit organizations, social services, or community mental health programs. A hospital social worker, county behavioral health department, or insurance plan may be able to explain coverage and payment options.

Does a 5150 Hold Go on Your Record?

Remember, a 5150 hold is not a criminal record. It’s a medical and legal record related to mental health care.

A 5150 becomes part of the medical record at the hospital or facility that treated you. How long records are kept can vary, but the information may still be available later to healthcare providers involved in your care.

A 5150 typically won’t show up on a standard criminal background check because it’s part of your personal medical information. However, in some cases, it can trigger a restriction on owning or buying firearms.

Do Other States Have 5150 Holds?

The term “5150 hold” is specific to California’s law. However, other states have similar involuntary hold laws.

These laws may have different names, time limits, and criteria. However, they generally allow short-term detention for evaluation or treatment when someone is a danger to themselves or others or cannot meet basic needs because of a mental health condition.

What To Do When Someone You Love Is in Crisis

A 5150 hold can feel overwhelming for both the person in crisis and their loved ones. But it’s designed to keep people safe and provide immediate care when it’s needed most.

If you’re supporting someone experiencing a mental health crisis, try to stay calm and give responders clear, specific information about what you’ve noticed. This may include:

Changes in behavior
Threats of self-harm or harm to others
Substance use
Medications
Trouble meeting basic needs

Be sure to ask questions and stay involved in your loved one’s care decisions when possible. You can also reach out to advocacy groups for support.

If you’re the person experiencing a hold, know that you have rights and can speak with a patients’ rights advocate during the hold process. During a hold, try to focus on your safety and recovery.

Mental health crises are serious, but help is available, and you don’t have to face them alone.