What is a 5250 hold?

A 5250 hold refers to a section of the California Welfare and Institutions Code that allows for the involuntary psychiatric hold of an individual who is deemed to be a danger to themselves or others due to a mental health disorder. This hold is typically initiated when a person is brought to a hospital emergency room by law enforcement or mental health professionals for evaluation and treatment.

During a 5250 hold, the individual can be detained in a psychiatric hospital for up to 14 days for evaluation, treatment, and stabilization. The individual has the right to a hearing before a judge within the first four days of the hold to determine if the hold is justified.

The goal of a 5250 hold is to provide necessary care and intervention for individuals in crisis and prevent harm to themselves or others. It is a legal mechanism to ensure that individuals with severe mental health issues receive the treatment they need to stabilize and improve their condition.