A 5150 mental health hold in Downey has far-flung effects. If you are placed on a 5150, it can ultimately lead to a lengthy stay in a mental health treatment facility. There are instances when 5150 results in a conservatorship in which you lose the right to manage your mental health care as well.
Simmrin Law Group can teach you about Downey 5150 holds and all that they entail. To learn more, reach out to our Downey 5150 holds lawyer. Next, our attorney can answer your questions about 5150 holds and related topics.
When You Can Be Placed on a Downey 5150 Hold
A 5150 hold, also referred to as a “72-hour hold,” refers to an instance in which you are placed under the care of a mental health treatment facility. You have no say on whether you are placed on a 5150. Rather, a law enforcement officer or healthcare professional decides if a 5150 is required.
To be placed on a 5150 hold, you must have shown that you:
- Are you at risk of harming yourself
- Are at risk of harming someone else
- Incapable of providing yourself with adequate food, clothing, and shelter
Following a 5150, it is your responsibility to follow the guidance of the treating facility’s staff. Failure to do so can lead to a 5250 hold, which lasts up to 14 days. You can also be subject to a mental health conservatorship in which the Office of the Public Guardian appoints someone to make decisions on your behalf.
What You Can Do to Avoid a Downey 5150 Hold
If you experience anxiety, depression, or other issues that impact your mental health, seek help. You can reach out to your primary care physician or other healthcare professionals for guidance. This allows you to explore mental health treatment options.
Despite your best efforts, your mental health can deteriorate to a point where it impacts your ability to function to the best of your ability. If you are contemplating hurting yourself or others or cannot care for yourself, call 911. From here, you can receive emergency medical care as needed.
In the event that you are placed on a 5150 hold in Downey, work with the treating facility staff to make the most of your experience. You can listen to the staff and follow through on what they ask of you. If you are concerned your legal rights are being violated, you can get help from a Downey 5150 holds attorney.
Legal Rights that You Have During a Downey 5150 Hold
A 5150 holds lawyer in Downey can explain the rights you have when you are placed on a mental health hold. These rights include:
- Access to a patient’s rights advocate
- Ability to attend a Certification Review Hearing
- Support from a 5150 holds attorney in Downey
It is paramount that your legal rights are protected throughout your 5150 and after it ends. With help from an attorney, you can make sure you do not lose any of your legal rights due to your mental health hold. Your attorney will also advocate for you and ensure your mental health treatment is implemented only for as long as you need it.
What to Expect During a Certification Review Hearing in Downey
A Certification Review Hearing is an opportunity for a treating facility to present evidence to a Mental Health Hearing Referee. This evidence can be used to support the treating facility’s request to place you on a 5250. Or, the evidence can prompt an Office of the Public Guardian investigation that results in a conservatorship.
In a Certification Review Hearing, you can receive support from a patient’s rights advocate. You can also get help from an attorney. You can work with both of these parties to ensure your best interests are represented during your hearing.
A Mental Health Hearing Referee renders a decision based on the evidence presented by all involved. The referee makes sure you understand their decision. Also, the referee accounts for your well-being to make the best decision possible.
Things that Can Happen After Your Downey 5150 Hold Ends
There are several outcomes that can come from a 5150 hold, including:
You Are Placed on a 5250
A 5250 hold lasts up to 14 days. You are required to stay at a mental health treatment facility at this time. A Certification Review Hearing can follow your 5250 to determine if any additional mental health treatments are required.
You Are Referred to the Office of the Public Guardian
A referral to the Office of the Public Guardian opens an investigation into your mental health and your ability to make decisions. The investigation can be lengthy but gives the Office of the Public Guardian all of the information it needs to decide if you are mentally competent. If the Office of the Public Guardian believes you are mentally incompetent, it can enact a conservatorship.
You Are Free to Leave the Mental Health Treatment Facility But Volunteer to Stay
A Mental Health Hearing Referee may reject your treating facility’s request to enact a 5250. In this scenario, you have the option to voluntarily stay at the treating facility. This allows you to receive mental health treatments at the facility until you decide they are no longer needed.
You Are Free to Leave the Mental Health Treatment Facility
A Mental Health Hearing Referee may rule the treating facility lacks sufficient evidence for a 5250. At this point, you are under no obligation to continue to receive treatment. You are entitled to leave the treating facility.
Your attorney can explain the possible outcomes of a 5150. In addition, your lawyer can help you prepare for all potential outcomes. This ensures you can establish realistic expectations for whatever happens after your 5150 and position yourself to achieve your desired result.
Partner with a 5150 Holds Lawyer in Downey
At Simmrin Law Group, we can connect you with a 5150 holds lawyer at your convenience. For more information or to request a free consultation, please contact us today.