What Is A 51/50 hold?
You may have heard the term ‘5150’ in conversation referring to someone acting ‘crazy’ without really knowing what it means. But California Code 5150 can be a very useful tool in helping a loved one through a mental health crisis. The California Welfare and Institutions Code 5150 states that “When a person, as a result of a mental health disorder, is a danger to others, or to himself or herself, or gravely disabled, a peace officer…may, upon probable cause, take … the person into custody for a period of up to 72 hours for assessment …”
Once the person is taken to a hospital or psychiatric emergency room, a psychologist or psychiatrist will ask them a series of questions to determine the extent of their danger to themselves or others. If the team of medical professionals deems the person to be unsuitable for release, they will be taken to an inpatient psychiatric hospital where they will be given medications until they stabilize.