Department of State Hospitals (DSH) - Atascadero

The Department of State Hospitals (DSH) manages the California State hospital system, which provides mental health services to patients admitted to DSH facilities.  the department strives to provide effective treament in a safe environment and in a fiscally responsible manner. 

DSH oversees five state hospitals - Atascadero, Coalinga, Metropolitan (in LA County), Napa, and Patton.

All facilites are fully licensed by the CA dept. of Public Health, and must regularly meet or exceed regulatory standards to continue providing care.

DSH was created by Governor Jerry Brown's 2012-13 budget which eliminated the Dept. of Mental Health by transferring its various funtioncs to other depts.

As of 2017, the dept. employs about 11,000 staff and serves approximately 10,000 patients annually in a 24/7 hospital system.