Key takeaway
A California 5150 hold is a short-term psychiatric emergency detention under the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act when danger or grave disability criteria are met. It is not the same as substance-specific civil commitment. This is education, not legal advice. Call 911 for danger; call or text (800) 653-9376 for voluntary treatment help.
Last updated: Wed Oct 07 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Education only - not legal advice. Confirm current California LPS Act rules before acting.
Families sometimes say "just 5150 them" when a loved one is intoxicated and refusing help. A 5150-style psychiatric hold is about defined danger or grave disability criteria, not a shortcut rehab admit.
Call 911 for immediate danger. Call or text 988 for a crisis.
What 5150 is (plain language)
California's LPS framework authorizes certain professionals to initiate a short-term evaluation hold when legal criteria appear met. Exact who/how/duration rules belong in current code and county practice. Do not treat this page as a field manual.
What 5150 is not
It is not Marchman Act, Section 35, or a private facility's marketing product. It is not guaranteed placement into a 30-day residential bed of your choice.
Substance use overlap
Intoxication, overdose risk, and withdrawal can appear during psychiatric emergencies. Medical detox needs still matter after any hold. See alcoholic refuses detox and when they refuse treatment.
Voluntary path
Keep a real voluntary option ready. Call or text (800) 653-9376. We are a referral helpline. We cannot initiate a 5150.
Next step
If danger is present, call 911. For voluntary care questions, call or text (800) 653-9376 or use FindTreatment.gov.
Call or text (800) 653-9376 when you need California voluntary treatment options beside any emergency process.
Additional Resources
Sources cited on this page:
- California Department of Health Care Services / LPS Act materials
- SAMHSA National Helpline
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- SAMHSA FindTreatment.gov
Common Questions
What is a 5150?
In California, 5150 commonly refers to a 72-hour psychiatric hold evaluation pathway under the LPS Act when specific danger or grave disability criteria appear to be met. Confirm current Welfare and Institutions Code language with official sources.
Does 5150 apply just because someone is drinking or using?
Substance use alone is not automatically a 5150. The legal criteria focus on danger to self or others or grave disability as defined in law.
Is 5150 the same as Marchman or Section 35?
No. Those are different state statutes with different procedures. Do not mix labels across states.
Can a rehab broker place someone on a 5150?
No. Emergency psychiatric holds involve authorized professionals and legal standards, not national sales calls.
What should families do for substance refusal in California?
Safety planning, voluntary treatment offers, and local counsel or crisis teams. See when they refuse treatment.