Crisis
Find support.
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inRESPONSE.
inRESPONSE is Santa Rosa’s unarmed crisis response team. They respond to mental health-related calls with a trauma-informed, health-first approach. The team includes a clinician, paramedic, and homeless outreach specialist, working alongside the Santa Rosa Police Department to provide care without escalating situations. They assist with crises involving suicidal ideation, intoxication, homelessness, or non-emergency medical needs. Available 7 days a week from 12–10 p.m.
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SAFE Team.
The SAFE Team (Specialized Assistance for Everyone) is trained to provide 24/7 crisis response, prevention, and intervention services for individuals experiencing mental health challenges, substance use issues, or homelessness. Individuals are trained to provide safe, inclusive care. This civilian-led team serves Petaluma, Rohnert Park, and Cotati/Sonoma State University.
Petaluma (Non-Emergency) 707-781-1234┃Rohnert Park (Non-Emergency) 707-584-2612┃Cotati/SSU 707-792-4611┃SAFE@petalumapeople.org
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988 Lifeline.
988 Lifeline is a free, confidential, 24/7 crisis and suicide hotline available across the United States and its territories. Anyone experiencing a mental health, suicide-related, or substance use crisis can dial to speak with a trained crisis counselor. Backed by over 200 local centers, the lifeline offers evidence-based support proven to reduce distress and increase hope. Services also offered to support deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Help is always within reach—just call or text.
FAQs: 5150
Frequently Asked Questions About Involuntary Mental Health Holds
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A 5150 is a legal code in California that allows someone experiencing a mental health crisis to be placed on a 72-hour involuntary psychiatric hold if they are:
A danger to themselves
A danger to others
Gravely disabled (unable to care for basic needs due to mental illness)
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A 5150 can be initiated by:
Law enforcement officers
Licensed mental health professionals
Certain trained hospital staff
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You may be taken to a hospital or psychiatric facility.
You’ll be evaluated and monitored by mental health professionals.
Treatment may include observation, therapy, medication, and safety planning.
The goal is to stabilize you and determine the best next steps.
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In most cases, you have the right to refuse medication unless it’s an emergency where you are a danger to yourself or others. You can ask about your medication rights at any time.
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Yes. You can ask to speak with a Patient Rights Advocate—someone who can help explain your rights and support you during the process.
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In most cases, yes. Hospitals often have specific policies about visitation and phone use. You can ask staff for help contacting family or support people.
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Depending on your condition:
You may be discharged with follow-up resources.
You may be asked to stay voluntarily for more treatment.
The hold may be extended to a 5250 (14-day involuntary hold), but you have the right to a hearing.
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A 5150 is part of your medical record, not a criminal record. However, in some cases, it may impact background checks related to firearm purchases in California.
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Stay calm and supportive.
Ask the facility how you can stay involved in their care.
Write down any important info (medications, diagnoses, support needs).
Advocate respectfully, and know your loved one has rights.
FAQs: 5250
Frequently Asked Questions About Involuntary Mental Health Holds
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A 5250 is a legal mental health hold in California that allows a person to be involuntarily held in a psychiatric facility for up to 14 days. It is used when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis and is considered a danger to themselves, others, or is gravely disabled, and they are unable or unwilling to accept help voluntarily.
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A 5150 is the initial hold, lasting up to 72 hours.
If, after those 72 hours, the person still meets criteria for involuntary care, a 5250 may be initiated for further treatment, lasting up to 14 additional days.
A 5250 also requires a certification review hearing, giving the patient the right to challenge the hold.
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Only designated mental health professionals (like psychiatrists, social workers, or psychiatric RNs in specific roles) can initiate a 5250 after evaluating the patient and determining that they continue to meet criteria.
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The person receives psychiatric evaluation and treatment.
They have access to legal rights, including:
A Certification Review Hearing within 4 days.
The ability to have an advocate or attorney present.
The goal is stabilization, helping the person become safe and able to engage in treatment voluntarily.
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Yes—but only through the legal process. They can challenge the hold at the Certification Review Hearing, where a neutral officer (usually a court-appointed hearing officer) decides whether the hold is justified.
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If the person improves, they may be discharged or continue voluntary treatment.
If they do not stabilize and still meet criteria, they may be placed on a longer hold, such as a 5260 (additional 14 days) or a Conservatorship for longer-term care.