What is a designated receiving facility?

• A. A facility approved to receive individuals under WIC 5150 for evaluation and treatment.
• B. A hospital that refuses involuntary patients.
• C. A community shelter for all patients.
• D. A private clinic not participating in WIC.

Answer: (A)

A designated receiving facility is a facility approved by the county mental health authority to receive individuals placed under WIC 5150 for immediate psychiatric evaluation and treatment. When someone is found to be a danger to themselves or others or gravely disabled, they can be detained for up to 72 hours and transported to one of these facilities. There, trained staff perform crisis evaluation and stabilization, determining the appropriate next steps, such as further treatment or discharge when safe. The essential point is that only facilities officially designated by the county can accept 5150 holds and provide the required initial evaluation and stabilization.

This isn’t about a hospital that refuses involuntary patients, a general shelter for all patients, or a private clinic that isn’t participating in WIC.