1. Therapy and Other Mental Health Treatment

Who is licensed to counsel or treat people with mental health concerns?

There are various types of licenses for mental health professionals, including licensed professional clinical counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, and psychiatrists. See our Guide to Laws for Mental Health Professionals.

Does health insurance cover mental health treatment?

Generally, under the federal Affordable Care Act, health insurance plans must cover mental health issues. This is known as “mental health parity.”

Is my health care plan required to offer or make available a mental health appointment immediately?

In California, when you request a nonurgent appointment with a mental health care provider or substance abuse counselor, your health care plan (health insurance) must offer (or have someone available for) an appointment within 10 business days. Your health plan must also ensure you are provided a follow-up appointment within 10 business days of the prior appointment.¹SB 221 (2021)

Are psychedelic or hallucinogenic drugs legalized for mental health purposes?

Psychedelics or hallucinogens are generally illegal to possess or use in California, including for mental health purposes. The only exception is ketamine. See our Guide to Laws about Drugs in California.

2. Danger to Oneself or Others

What is a ‘5150’? What can be done about someone who is mentally unstable and is a danger to him/herself or other people?

You may have heard of a “5150” psychiatric hold or “involuntary commitment.” This is the law that allows law enforcement to take a person into custody and deliver them to a mental health hospital or other facility for the purpose of determining whether the person is likely to be a danger to themself or others. This initial period may be up to 72 hours, aka “72 hour hold.”

Any person with a reasonable belief that another person may hurt or kill themself or someone else may call 911 and request the police to do a 5150 procedure.

The Lanterman-Petris-Short Act provides for the involuntary commitment and treatment of a person who is a danger to themselves or others or who is gravely disabled. “Gravely disabled” is defined as either a condition in which a person, as a result of a mental health disorder, is unable to provide for their basic personal needs for food, clothing, or shelter or has been found mentally incompetent.

As of October 2023, SB 43 expands the definition of “gravely disabled” to also include a condition in which a person, as a result of a severe substance use disorder, or a co-occurring mental health disorder and a severe substance use disorder, is, in addition to the basic personal needs described above, unable to provide for their personal safety or necessary medical care.

How long is a 5150 Hold?

When a 5150 Hold is initiated against someone, the person can be held against their will for up to 72 hours (3 days).

If found to be at risk of doing harm to others, they can be detained for up to 14 more days (a “5250” hold).²California Welfare and Institutions Code Sec 5150; 5250 Then there is a court hearing to determine whether the person should continue to be held indefinitely.

If found to be at risk of doing harm to themself, they can be detained for up to 14 more days, then 14 more days, then must be released unless they have voluntarily agreed to continued treatment, are recommended to be placed on conservatorship, or present active danger to others.³California Welfare and Institutions Code section 5250- 5260

Is a therapist required to report threats of violence?

Yes, see our Guide to When Can Therapists Break Client Confidentiality.

What is the California CARE Act? (SB 1338)

Under the CARE (Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment) Act, from Senate Bill 1338 (2022) families, clinicians, first responders and others will be able to refer individuals suffering from schizophrenia spectrum or psychotic disorders for treatment.

CARE Court provides such individuals with clinically appropriate, community-based and court-ordered Care Plans. These include mental health and substance use disorder treatment services, short-term stabilization medications, wellness and recovery supports, social services and housing. Services are provided to the individual while they live in the community. Plans can be up to 2 years (12-24 months). In addition to their full clinical team, the client-centered approach also includes a volunteer supporter to help individuals make self-directed care decisions, and an attorney.

Are CARE Courts required to provide families with updates on CARE proceedings?

As of 2025, CARE courts must provide ongoing notice throughout the CARE proceedings if the original petitioner is a spouse, parent, sibling, child, grandparent, or otherwise lives with the individual suffering from a psychotic disorder.⁴(SB 42 – 2024)

Related Pages

Clearing Up Some Myths About LMFTs in California: What You Need to Know

Guide to Laws about Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Guide to Laws Related to Mental Health Professionals

Guide to Laws Related to Health and Healthcare