Help for an adult with mental illness

If you are concerned about an adult with mental illness, this page explains the roles of County agencies and the Public Guardian, and outlines options for obtaining information and assistance. The Public Guardian can be appointed by the court to manage the property, finances, and personal care needs of individuals who are substantially unable to provide for themselves due to mental illness. Conservatorship is a legal process and must be court ordered; it is considered a last resort. CARE Court is an alternative process discussed by the courts.

• Mental health conservatorships, also known as LPS conservatorships, are established only for individuals who are considered gravely disabled as a result of severe mental illness and/or or substance use. LPS referrals can only be made by a designated psychiatric facility. The presence of mental illness alone does not mean that an individual qualifies for a conservatorship.

Before you start

• If you are concerned about an adult with mental illness, please review the following steps to determine the appropriate agency to contact to receive information and assistance.
• You will need to gather any relevant medical and psychiatric information about the individual, including any safety concerns, prior to your call.

Need to know

• The Public Guardian cannot accept referrals for a mental health conservatorship directly from the community.
• After a referral is received from a psychiatric facility, the Public Guardian will investigate to determine if a conservatorship is needed. The Superior Court decides if the conservatorship will be granted.

How to get help and contact information

• If this is a medical emergency, please call 911.
• If this is a psychiatric crisis about someone in crisis, please call Marin Crisis Response Team 415-473-6392.
• If this is about accessing Marin County Behavioral Health Services, please call the Access Line 888-818-1115.
• If you then have further questions regarding conservatorship, contact the Public Guardian's office at 415-473-2870. Monday–Friday 8:30–4:30.
• If you’d like more information about CARE Court, as an alternative to a conservatorship, please visit the Marin County Superior Court CARE Court page: Marin County Superior Court – CARE Court.

What happens next

• The appropriate agency will follow up regarding your concerns and outline possible next steps.
• If you have called the Public Guardian's office, we will respond to your phone call and advise you.