Our Patient Advocates provide support and a voice for San Diegans who are receiving (or have received) behavioral health services at any inpatient psychiatric unit, crisis house, licensed residential treatment facility, licensed board and care, skilled nursing facility, and substance use disorder treatment facility. In partnership with both patients and providers, we work to protect patients from abuse, neglect, and discrimination. Behavioral health clients have the same legal rights afforded to every American citizen.
A new law in San Diego County expanding the definition of “gravely disabled” became effective January 1, 2025.
The new definition expanded to include the following (changes underlined): A condition in which a person, as a result of a mental health disorder, a severe substance use disorder, or a co-occurring mental health disorder and a severe substance use disorder, is unable to provide for their basic personal needs for food, clothing, shelter, personal safety, or necessary medical care.
Access a one-page PDF that provides a detailed summary of the new legal definition of grave disability under SB-43.
“Your interdiction as a patient advocate for my fiancée probably saved her life. From the bottom of my heart, I want to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for what you have done for us.”
We Listen
to your concerns and investigate complaints.
We Respond
to grievances about rights violations during treatment and services.
We Represent
patients at legal and clinical review hearings.
We Connect
individuals with legal resources and mental health services.
We Educate
individuals on their rights and help them develop self-advocacy skills.
We Speak Up
for County Jail inmates receiving mental health services on the Psychiatric Security Unit.
We Monitor
behavioral health facilities for compliance with patients’ and residents’ rights laws, regulations, and policies.
We Partner
to provide in-service training for individuals and facility staff.
The Patient Advocacy team works to improve the behavioral health system by providing information, monitoring, training, and consulting to facilities throughout San Diego. Advocates are also certified to provide Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for social workers, marriage and family therapists, nurses, Skilled Nursing Facility Administrators, Substance Use Disorder Staff, and Board and Care Administrators.
Want to know more about your rights as a behavioral health consumer and your responsibilities as a provider? Read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and discover our resources below.
2-1-1 San Diego – connects people with community, health and disaster services through a free, 24/7 stigma-free phone service and searchable online database.
California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform – Since 1983, California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR), a statewide nonprofit advocacy organization, has been dedicated to improving the choices, care and quality of life for California’s long term care consumers.
California Code of Regulations – The California Code of Regulations (CCR), is the official compilation and publication of the regulations adopted, amended or repealed by state agencies pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). Properly adopted regulations that have been filed with the Secretary of State have the force of law.
Community Care Licensing – Licenses and oversees both day care and residential facilities for children and adults in the State of California.
Legal Aid Society – Legal Aid is available to low income individuals & disadvantaged communities for a variety of legal problems, including consumer, family disputes, welfare and health benefits, immigration and poverty law issues such as landlord/tenant disputes, disability support and family benefits payments.
San Diego Network of Care – Network of Care is a highly interactive, single information place where consumers, community-based organizations and municipal government workers all can go to easily access a wide variety of important information.
Housing Matters/Supportive Housing – Supportive housing is a community-based service model that provides housing and integrates mental health services, primary health care, alcohol and drug services, case management and social services to help homeless people living with mental illness gain stability, and live more productive lives.
County of San Diego – Health & Human Services Agency- the Health and Human Services Agency is one of five groups or divisions of the San Diego County government. The Agency provides a broad range of health and social services, promoting wellness, self-sufficiency, and a better quality of life for all individuals and families in San Diego County.
It’s Up To Us San Diego – The It’s Up to Us campaign is designed to empower San Diegans to talk openly about mental illness, recognize symptoms, utilize local resources and seek help. By raising awareness, educating the community, and providing easy access to local organizations and services, the goal is to initiate change in perception, inspire wellness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health challenges.
NAMI San Diego – We are part of the grass-roots, non-profit, national NAMI organization founded in 1979 by family members of people with mental illness. At the heart of NAMI San Diego’s mission is the sharing of information and striving to end the stigma associated with mental illness. To this end, we offer a Helpline, support groups, educational meetings, newsletters, a lending library, and a number of classes on mental illness held at various locations throughout San Diego County.
The Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation – The Balanced Mind Foundation guides families raising children with mood disorders to the answers, support and stability they seek. The Balanced Mind Foundation envisions a world where children living with mood disorders thrive because their families have the resources, community and support they need.
The Geriatric Mental Health Foundation – The Geriatric Mental Health Foundation was established by the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry to raise awareness of psychiatric and mental health disorders affecting the elderly, eliminate the stigma of mental illness and treatment, promote healthy aging strategies, and increase access to quality mental health care for the elderly.
The National Mental Health Consumers’ Self-Help Clearinghouse – The Clearinghouse works to foster consumer empowerment through our website, up-to-date news and information announcements, a directory of consumer-driven services, electronic and printed publications, training packages, and individual and onsite consultation. We help consumers organize coalitions, establish self-help groups and other consumer-driven services, advocate for mental health reform, and fight the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illnesses.
Mental Health America of San Diego County – Mental Health America of San Diego County was founded in 1942 as the first mental health advocacy organization in San Diego County. MHA brings together client, families, professionals, providers, community leaders and the public to collaborate, cooperate and ensure available, affordable care to all citizens.
The Trevor Project – The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth.
Veterans Village of San Diego – With five locations throughout San Diego County, VVSD is the only program of its kind in the United States and is nationally recognized as the leader in serving homeless military veterans. Each year VVSD provides services to more than 2,000 military veterans throughout the County of San Diego.
HelpGuide – This website provides expert, ad-free, user-friendly educational materials and resources to help people improve their emotional well-being; and make more informed health decisions. The Helpguide staff creates and updates these materials after researching unbiased, reliable, professional sources about mental health and emotional topics, childhood and family issues, and healthy living.
Families for Depression Awareness – is a national nonprofit organization helping families recognize and cope with depressive disorders to get people well and prevent suicides.
Jewish Family Service of San Diego – Since 1918, we have provided comprehensive human care services to people of all ages and faiths. With more than 50 programs and services, we are One Source for a Lifetime of Help.
5150 Manual
Additional information or training requests can be emailed to [email protected]
Patient Advocacy Overview – English
Patient Advocacy Overview – Spanish
Board & Care Facilities – English
Board & Care Facilities – Spanish
Crisis House/Centers – English
Crisis House/Centers – Spanish
Independent Clinical Review – English
Independent Clinical Review – Spanish
LPS Conservatorships – English
LPS Conservatorships – Spanish
Resolution of Appeals – English
Resolution of Grievances – English
Seclusion & Restraint – English
Seclusion & Restraint – Spanish
Substance Use Disorder Treatment Advocacy – English
Substance Use Disorder Treatment Advocacy – Spanish
Writ of Habeas Corpus – English
5150 Form
This form should only be used by sworn peace officers and individuals who are currently authorized to initiate 5150s by San Diego HHSA Behavioral Health Services
Notice of Certification for up to 14 Days Pursuant to 5250
Notice of Certification for up to 30 Days Pursuant to 5270
Notice of Request for Writ of Habeas Corpus
Notice of Certification for Additional 14 Days Intensive Treatment
14-Day Hold and Hearing Information Sheet for Patients
Patients’ Rights Poster – English
Patients’ Rights Poster – Arabic
Patients’ Rights Poster – Farsi
Patients’ Rights Poster – Spanish
Patients’ Rights Poster – Tagalog
Patients’ Rights Poster – Vietnamese
San Diego County Grievance Poster – English
San Diego County Grievance Poster – English (large font)
San Diego County Grievance Poster – Arabic
San Diego County Grievance Poster – Chinese
San Diego County Grievance Poster – Farsi
San Diego County Grievance Poster – Korean
San Diego County Grievance Poster – Somali
San Diego County Grievance Poster – Spanish
Residential Treatment Residents’ Rights (SUDs)
Mental Health Rehabilitation Centers (MHRCs)
LPS Designated Facilities Patients’ Rights
Skilled Nursing Facilities Residents’ Rights
Crisis House Residents’ (Social Rehabilitation Facility) Rights
Board and Care (Adult Residential Facility) Residents’ Rights
Privacy Policy | Donor Privacy Policy | HIPAA Policy | Social Media Policy | Accessibility | Donor Center
Tax ID: 95-1644024 | © 2025 Jewish Family Service of San Diego, All Rights Reserved
Recite Me Accessibility Tools
Users with visual disabilities, non-English speakers, and those who have difficulty reading text on screens can access our content through the Recite Me assistive toolbar.
At any time, exit Recite Me by clicking on the red “X” in the top right corner of the Recite Me toolbar.
