The term “5150” refers to a temporary, emergency psychiatric hold, named after Section 5150 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code. This law allows an adult experiencing a mental health crisis to be detained involuntarily for up to 72 hours for evaluation and treatment. The purpose of the 5150 hold is to provide immediate intervention and stabilization when an individual is deemed a danger to themselves or others, or is gravely disabled due to a mental health disorder. The question of whether a person can “5150 themselves” concerns the legal nature of this involuntary intervention.
The Core Distinction: Involuntary vs. Voluntary Care
The direct answer to whether an individual can initiate a 5150 hold on themselves is no, because a 5150 is, by definition, an involuntary detention. This legal process is designed to override a person’s autonomy when their mental state prevents them from making safe decisions. The hold must be initiated by an authorized third party, such as law enforcement or a designated mental health professional. It is a protective measure used when a person presents an immediate risk to safety and is unwilling or unable to seek treatment voluntarily.
This structure contrasts sharply with voluntary commitment, where an individual actively chooses to seek inpatient psychiatric treatment. When a person retains the capacity to consent to treatment during a crisis, they can admit themselves to a facility. Voluntary admission respects the individual’s choice and affords them greater rights and control over their treatment plan.
Criteria for an Involuntary Hold
The legal standard for initiating a 5150 hold centers on an immediate threat to well-being. The individual must meet one of three specific criteria resulting from a mental health disorder. The first criterion is Danger to Self (DTS), which involves exhibiting behaviors or expressing intent suggesting a serious risk of suicide or self-harm. This requires more than passive suicidal ideation; it usually involves a plan or a recent attempt.
The second criterion is Danger to Others (DTO), meaning the individual has made threats or engaged in violent behavior posing a threat to the safety of others. The third is Gravely Disabled (GD), meaning the person is unable to provide for basic personal needs (food, clothing, or shelter) due to their mental health condition. Only specific personnel are authorized to initiate this process, including peace officers, licensed county crisis team members, or designated mental health clinicians. They must have probable cause that the individual meets one of these criteria before the 72-hour detention begins.
Seeking Help Voluntarily (The Correct Path)
Since a person cannot legally initiate an involuntary hold upon themselves, the most effective path for someone in crisis is to seek voluntary care immediately. A primary step is reaching out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day. Connecting with a trained crisis counselor can provide immediate de-escalation and connection to local resources. Most interactions are resolved without needing to involve emergency services or law enforcement.
For those needing inpatient stabilization, going directly to a hospital emergency department (ED) or a psychiatric urgent care center is an effective option. Upon arrival, a mental health professional will conduct an assessment to determine the appropriate level of care. This evaluation ensures the person’s symptoms require 24-hour supervision and cannot be managed through outpatient treatment.
If inpatient care is warranted, the individual can sign paperwork for voluntary commitment, formally consenting to treatment. This self-admission process is preferable because it maintains the person’s autonomy and provides them with more rights. While voluntary patients can request discharge at any time, the clinical team may take up to 72 hours to assess the safety of the request. If the person is then found to meet the criteria for danger to self, others, or grave disability, an involuntary hold may be initiated.