Under 5151, what is the purpose of the assessment?

• A. Admission to a facility
• B. Crisis intervention only
• C. Assessment to determine the appropriateness of the involuntary detention
• D. Release planning

Answer: (C)

The assessment under this provision is the decision point for detention. It is performed to determine whether the person meets the legal criteria for involuntary detention for evaluation and crisis intervention, based on danger to self or others or gravely disabled status. This assessment shapes what happens next—whether the person will be admitted for treatment, or released or transferred to another setting. Crisis intervention is part of the process, but the formal purpose is to decide if detention is appropriate, not just to intervene in the moment or to plan release as the primary goal.