INFO PAGE
CARE Court
A program that helps connect people who are experiencing serious, untreated mental illness to essential care.
What is CARE Court?
Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment Court also known as CARE Court is a new program that was developed through legislation (SB 1338) to help people who have a diagnosis in the schizophrenia spectrum or other psychotic disorder diagnosis receive care through county behavioral health services.
CARE Court is a civil court process that begins when a person files a petition to request the court to order behavioral health care for someone who is:
- 18 years or older
- Experiencing untreated and serious mental illness and has a diagnosis in the schizophrenia spectrum or other psychotic disorder diagnosis
- Not clinically stabilized in ongoing voluntary treatment
- The person is unlikely to survive safely in the community without supervision and the person's condition is substantially deteriorating
- The person needs services and support to prevent a relapse or deterioration that would likely result in grave disability or serious harm to the person or others
- CARE Court would be the least restrictive alternative to ensure the person’s recovery and stability
- The person will likely benefit from participation in CARE Court
Who is eligible for CARE Court?
A person who:
- Is 18 years or older
- Experiencing untreated and serious mental illness and has a diagnosis in the schizophrenia spectrum or other psychotic disorder diagnosis
- The person has not been able to stabilize in voluntary treatment.
- CARE Court would be the least restrictive alternative to ensure the person’s recovery and stability
- The person will likely benefit from participation in CARE Court; and
Meets one of the following:
- The person is unlikely to survive safely in the community without supervision and the person’s condition is substantially deteriorating
- The person needs services and support to prevent a relapse or deterioration that would likely result in grave disability or serious harm to the person or others
Who can submit a referral for CARE Court?
Various groups can file petitions, including:
- County behavioral health agencies
- Family members
- First responders
- Public guardians or conservators
- Hospital directors
- Behavioral health providers
- Roommates/housemates
How can I refer someone to CARE Court?
Contact DPH if you have questions about a person’s eligibility for CARE Court:
DPH CARE Court Team
carecourtconsultation@sfdph.org
628-217-5171
Find the petition form on the San Francisco Superior Court website: https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division/care-act-court
Resources
If you know someone who is experiencing a behavioral health crisis, call 911 or connect with the following services:
- Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) San Francisco General Hospital
1001 Potrero Avenue
628-206-8125
24/7 - Comprehensive Crisis Services
415-970-3800
24/7
If a person does not require emergency services but needs urgent support, contact these services:
- Westside Crisis
415-355-0311
245 11th Street
8:00am - 3:30pm Monday- Friday - Dore Urgent Care
52 Dore Street
415-553-3100
24/ 7
If a person is not in crisis but needs support connecting to voluntary services:
Contact the Behavioral Health Access Center or Treatment Access Program to determine eligibility and appropriateness for different treatment options.
- Behavioral Health Access Center (BHAC)
1380 Howard Street
8:00am – 7:00 pm Monday – Friday
9:00am – 4:00 pm Saturday & Sunday
24-hour access line for support navigating mental health and substance use care
- 888-246-3333