Welcome to Metropolitan State Hospital.

Since 1915 we have proudly offered innovative treatment services to individuals in need of mental health care.  As one of five hospitals within the California State Department of Mental Health (DMH), our services are available to individuals from all 58 California counties.  With an average daily population of about 670, we provide inpatient services to individuals placed pursuant to the Lanterman Petris Short Act as well as court penal code commitments.  Utilizing the Psychosocial Rehabilitation/Recovery Model of treatment, our goal is to assist individuals in reaching their highest level of recovery from mental illness.  To that end, we encourage the participation of families and friends in the treatment process of the individuals under our care.  We believe this provides support to the individual receiving treatment and helps families and friends understand the challenges faced by their loved ones.

MSH is located on 162 acres in the city of Norwalk near the intersection of the 5 and 605 freeways.  As a member of the City of Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, we gladly maintain informative communications with the Norwalk City Council, the Norwalk Sheriff’s Department, and the Norwalk Office of Public Safety.  In addition, Metropolitan State Hospital hosts meetings of the Alliance for the Mentally Ill, a family support group, on the second Saturday of each month.  The public is invited to attend these meetings.  The MSH Advisory Board (a meeting of hospital administration with community representatives) convenes every other month to discuss issues relative to MSH treatment programs and the hospital as a whole.  Community members of the Advisory board are appointed by the Governor’s office.

As modalities of mental health treatment evolve, MSH and DMH will continue to utilize therapeutically effective methodologies that insure the highest level of dignity, safety and recovery for the individuals we serve.

Sharon Smith Nevins,
Executive Director