California Department of State Hospitals

California Department of State Hospitals Our vision is Caring Today for a Safe and Healthy Tomorrow. Thank you for following the Department of State Hospitals (DSH) on Facebook. Goals: Safe environment.

The Department of State Hospitals manages the California state hospital system, which provides mental health services to individuals admitted into one of five facilities. DSH uses Facebook to inform the public about the work being done inside of California's state hospital system, and to share ideas and information. We hope this page will offer a glimpse into the difficult and necessary jobs that

our employees do year-round. We welcome you to use this space for respectful discussions about mental health. As a hospital system, DSH must always protect the privacy of its patients, as outlined in federal and state laws. Nearly 90 percent of DSH's patients are mandated for treatment through the criminal court system. They have either committed a crime or been accused of doing so as a result of their mental illness. The remaining patient population, commonly referred to as Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) commitments, have been committed through the civil court system because they are a danger to themselves or others. Vision: Caring today for a safe and healthy tomorrow. Mission: Providing evaluation and treatment in a safe and responsible manner, seeking innovation and excellence in hospital operations, across a continuum of care and settings. Responsible stewardship. Excellence in forensic evaluation. Excellence in treatment. Values: Safety. Treatment. Responsibility. Empowerment. Respect. Communication. DSH does not necessarily agree with or endorse every comment that individuals post on its page. All comments and posts are reviewed. The department uses its own discretion to determine which comments will be shared. Comments containing the following are never permitted:
* Hate speech.
* Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity or nudity.
* Defamation of a person or group of people.
* Name calling or personal attacks.
* Comments made with the intent to sell a product.
* Comments infringing on the rights of others. Violators will be banned.

DSH-Napa held its 6th annual Mental Health Awareness 5K or 10K Run/Walk event for employees to raise awareness about men...
06/05/2026

DSH-Napa held its 6th annual Mental Health Awareness 5K or 10K Run/Walk event for employees to raise awareness about mental illness and help break the stigma. Here’s a look at the fun!

Happy Birthday, Captain Ravioli and Abuelita! 🎉🎂 DSH-Metropolitan patients and employees recently came together to celeb...
06/04/2026

Happy Birthday, Captain Ravioli and Abuelita! 🎉🎂 DSH-Metropolitan patients and employees recently came together to celebrate the hospital’s beloved pet therapy silkie chickens. This special occasion was an opportunity to recognize the joy, comfort and positivity the chickens bring to the facility.

To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month in May, DSH-Patton opened the doors of its museum for walkthroughs and mental...
06/03/2026

To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month in May, DSH-Patton opened the doors of its museum for walkthroughs and mental health resources. The Patton State Hospital Museum opened in 2015 and highlights the hospital’s long history through artifacts dating back to 1893.

The CARE Committee at DSH-Metropolitan hosted a Walk and Connect event to encourage connection and open conversations ab...
06/02/2026

The CARE Committee at DSH-Metropolitan hosted a Walk and Connect event to encourage connection and open conversations about wellness and maintaining a positive environment at the facility.

DSH-Atascadero recently hosted its annual Career Fair, attracting nearly 150 job seekers -- the largest post-pandemic tu...
06/01/2026

DSH-Atascadero recently hosted its annual Career Fair, attracting nearly 150 job seekers -- the largest post-pandemic turnout for a career fair hosted by the hospital. In attendance were Subject Matter Experts representing every department at the hospital. A computer lab was available for job seekers to create a CalCareers account, complete their state application, take an exam, and apply for openings. Attendees also participated in mock interviews. Fast-track hiring was offered for multiple classifications, including Staff Psychiatrist, Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Social Worker, Rehabilitation Therapist, Registered Dietitian and Psychiatric Technician. Visit https://calcareers.ca.gov to search for current openings with DSH!

Congratulations to the patients of DSH-Napa who participated in the hospital’s second annual Patient Mental Health Aware...
05/29/2026

Congratulations to the patients of DSH-Napa who participated in the hospital’s second annual Patient Mental Health Awareness Walk/Run! 🎉 Employees lined the route to support, encourage, and spread joy as the patients made their way to the finish line.

DSH is proud to recognize our nursing employees for the care, empathy, and professionalism they demonstrate daily when s...
05/29/2026

DSH is proud to recognize our nursing employees for the care, empathy, and professionalism they demonstrate daily when serving our patients. Here’s a look at how DSH-Metropolitan honored and celebrated its nursing staff during Nurses Week in May.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so of course we asked DSH team members to share how their pets have positively imp...
05/28/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so of course we asked DSH team members to share how their pets have positively impacted their mental health and well-being. Diane M., an Analyst II at DSH-Coalinga, told us:

“Baby, my daughter's cat, greets me at the door when I get home. She goes and tells her Grampie that her Gammie is home and to unlock the door. Such a good kitty!”

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so of course we asked DSH team members to share how their pets have positively imp...
05/27/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so of course we asked DSH team members to share how their pets have positively impacted their mental health and well-being. Denise N., a Rehabilitation Therapist at DSH-Metropolitan, told us:

“I rescued Lady, my 4-year-old German Shepherd, at 10 months old. She has been a faithful walking partner for me to stay consistent with exercising regularly. She always brings a smile to my face when I come home or play with her. She is also a registered therapy dog and comes to work with me to visit patients and staff. She enjoys giving and receiving hugs and brings a smile to all who visit her.”

DSH-Metropolitan hosted an event to promote wellness, self-care and the destigmatization of mental health conditions. Th...
05/27/2026

DSH-Metropolitan hosted an event to promote wellness, self-care and the destigmatization of mental health conditions. The event also reinforced the hospital's continued commitment to supporting the wellbeing of patients and employees. – Happy Mental Health Awareness Month from DSH!

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