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Mental Health Treatment Licensing
The Mental Health Treatment Licensing (MHTL) Bureau within the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) /Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) is responsible for implementing and maintaining a system to ensure compliance with licensing requirements, as specified in state statutes, for the range of 24-hour psychiatric and rehabilitation care facilities.
The programs subject to licensure by MHTL are Mental Health Rehabilitation Centers (MHRCs) and Psychiatric Health Facilities (PHFs). Related oversight and monitoring responsibilities include review of unusual occurrences (UORs) and complaints lodged against the facility or staff and administration of the criminal background check law for MHRCs and PHFs. The MHTL is also responsible for the approval of Welfare and Institutions Code Sections 5150/5585.50 facilities designated by the counties throughout the State of California.
| Main Bureau Number | (916) 651-3907 |
| UOR Report Line | (916) 651-3788 |
| Fax | (916) 651-3925 |
Forms
Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Act ( 5150/5585.50) Designated Facilities
- County LPS Designated 24-Hour Facilities
- County LPS Designated Outpatient Clinics & CSU
- Other Types of County Designated Facilities
Find a Mental Health Treatment facility
Other Helpful Resources
- The Certification functions have now been moved to the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
- License Requirements for Psychiatric Health Facilities (PHFs) Article 1 Services
- License Requirements for Psychiatric Health Facilities (PHFs) Article 3 Services
- Department of Mental Health Notice of Proposed Regulatory Action - Section 4080(j) of the Welfare and Institutions Code
- Initial Statement of Reasons
- DMH Letter No. 03-02: Mental Health Facilities Criminal Record Checks
- DMH Letter 95-05: Notification of Approved Mental Health Rehabilitation Center (MHRC) Emergency Regulations