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HomeWelfare and Institutions CodeDiv. 5Pt. 1Ch. 1§ 5002 Mental Health Commitment Limits

§ 5002 Mental Health Commitment Limits

Welfare and Institutions Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 5002 Mental Health Commitment Limits

Key Takeaways

  • •People with mental health issues or alcohol problems can't be forced into treatment by a judge.
  • •People with mental health issues can get help if they want it, but those with alcohol problems can choose to get help or not.
  • •People with epilepsy can't be forced into treatment by a judge.
  • •This law doesn't change rules for sex offenders, people with intellectual disabilities, or criminals with mental health issues.

Example

A person has depression and doesn't want to go to a hospital.

A judge can't force them to go to the hospital just because they have depression. But if they want help, they can get it.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 5002 Mental Health Commitment Limits

(a) Persons with mental health disorders and persons impaired by chronic alcoholism may no longer be judicially committed. (b) Persons with mental health disorders shall receive services pursuant to this part. Persons impaired by chronic alcoholism may receive services pursuant to this part if they elect to do so pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 5225) of Chapter 2. (c) Persons with epilepsy may no longer be judicially committed. (d) This part shall not be construed to repeal or modify laws relating to the commitment of mentally disordered sex offenders, persons with an intellectual disability, and mentally disordered criminal offenders, except as specifically provided in Section 4011.6 of the Penal Code, or as specifically provided in other statutes. (Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 144, Sec. 84. (AB 1847) Effective January 1, 2015.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

treatmentdisabilityhealthpenal codecommitment

Related Statutes

  • § 1756 Juvenile Mental Health Transfers
  • § 5001 Mental Health Conservatorship Rights
  • § 5585.20 Minor Mental Health Evaluation
  • § 7100 County Mental Health Facilities
  • § 7102 Psychiatric Hospital Admission Authority

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Welfare and Institutions Code. Section 5002.
View Official Source