Is CARE Right For Your Loved One?
Finding the right path for a loved one experiencing psychosis is hard.
The CARE Act was created for Californians who haven’t found success with treatment.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, text or call 988 for support. It’s available 24/7, and is free and confidential.
What is CARE?
The CARE Act helps California adults living with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders who are struggling with repeated crises. It is a new way to get help in California’s mental health continuum of care.
CARE provides a dedicated team that is there every step of the way. Based on each person’s goals, the team creates a structured plan that may include:
Mental Health
Treatment
Medication
Support
Housing
Assistance
Care
Coordination
CARE is a voluntary civil court process. It is not a criminal court. The focus is stability, dignity, and long-term support.
Who CARE Is For
CARE may be appropriate if your loved one:
- Is 18 years or older
- Has schizophrenia, bipolar 1 disorder or another psychotic disorder
- Is not consistently engaged in treatment
- Has repeated hospitalizations, homelessness, or jail stays
- Struggles to stay healthy and safe due to their condition
CARE isn’t right for everyone. If CARE is not right for your loved one, there are many other mental health supports available to Californians who need them.
The CARE Act might be a way to get your loved one the support they deserve.
The CARE Act is a voluntary program. It comes with a dedicated support team and a legal framework that helps your loved one get priority access to housing and treatment.
You do not need to be a doctor or have a diagnosis to start the process. You’ll complete an application and send it to a judge — but it’s not a criminal court, and the person is not being accused of a crime.