California Department of State Hospitals

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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.

Save the Date for DSH-Metropolitan's Career Fair, taking place on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This even...
10/13/2026

Save the Date for DSH-Metropolitan's Career Fair, taking place on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is open to the public and will be held in James Hall on hospital grounds (11401 Bloomfield Ave., Norwalk, CA 90650). We are hiring for a variety of roles, including Administrative, Custodial, Food Service, Law Enforcement, Registered Nurses, Psychiatric Technicians, and more!

Come explore new or promotional opportunities, speak with Subject Matter Experts about available positions in their departments, learn about health benefits and team culture, and APPLY on the spot! (Tip: Bring your STD 678DSH application to get a head start!)

REGISTER by scanning the QR code below or clicking this link: bit.ly/MetroCareerFair

Contact [email protected] with questions.

We look forward to meeting you!

In September, DSH-Metropolitan held an All-Hazards Emergency Preparedness event focused on strengthening readiness for e...
10/09/2026

In September, DSH-Metropolitan held an All-Hazards Emergency Preparedness event focused on strengthening readiness for emergencies that could affect the hospital and the patients we serve. The event was an opportunity to share perspectives and reinforce the importance of communication and collaboration during emergencies.

There’s no place like DSH-Atascadero! This year, employees used their creativity and attention to detail to create a Wiz...
10/08/2026

There’s no place like DSH-Atascadero! This year, employees used their creativity and attention to detail to create a Wizard of Oz Fall Fair event for the patients, including the Yellow Brick Road, Emerald City, Munchkin Land, Haunted Forest, trivia, games, and so much more!

DSH-Metropolitan marked Fall Prevention Awareness Week with an event designed to encourage awareness and conversation ab...
10/07/2026

DSH-Metropolitan marked Fall Prevention Awareness Week with an event designed to encourage awareness and conversation about reducing fall risks. The event offered employees from across the hospital a chance to connect while focusing on a shared priority: maintaining a safe environment for patients and each other.

DSH-Atascadero hosted a Nursing Skills Fair with 12 Wizard of Oz themed booths. This event gave employees an opportunity...
10/06/2026

DSH-Atascadero hosted a Nursing Skills Fair with 12 Wizard of Oz themed booths. This event gave employees an opportunity to brush up on clinical skills and get hands-on practice with medical equipment in a safe, fun environment.

DSH-Metropolitan hosted a Nursing Skills Fair to bring together Licensed Vocational Nurses, Registered Nurses, Psychiatr...
10/05/2026

DSH-Metropolitan hosted a Nursing Skills Fair to bring together Licensed Vocational Nurses, Registered Nurses, Psychiatric Technician Assistants and Psychiatric Technicians for a hands-on opportunity to refresh and strengthen their clinical skills. The island-inspired theme was designed to be both engaging and educational, offering practical learning experiences that support daily patient care.

DSH-Atascadero and Cuesta College Psychiatric Technician School faculty and staff recently welcomed 88 students beginnin...
10/02/2026

DSH-Atascadero and Cuesta College Psychiatric Technician School faculty and staff recently welcomed 88 students beginning their journey towards a rewarding career in mental health care.

Welcome, Class of 2026! Embrace the experience, ask questions, support one another, and remember the difference you can make in the lives of others

09/18/2026

DSH-Napa’s ever-evolving Community Garden is growing into something beautiful! This year, they’ve added a pergola for shade, a birdbath, and started hosting small events to help patients and staff learn about the garden.

Patients enjoy learning about raised bed planting, the garden’s variety of plants and creatures, and watering methods in the summer. They also engage in shared sensory experiences through smell and touch of herbs.

09/17/2026

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Sacramento, CA

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