DSH - Patton: Family and Friend Resources

This page is designed to answer basic questions for families and friends to support and communicate with the patients housed in our facility. Family and friends are encouraged to participate in the wellness, recovery, and treatment planning process of the patients in our care.

Visiting a Patient

Depositing Funds for a Patient

DSH offers deposit services for family and friends of our patients to send funds to their accounts. Patients may use these funds for a wide range of purchases, including those at the facility’s commissary.

To Deposit by Mail:

• The sender must include their full name and address with all incoming funds.
• Cash, traveler's checks, and blank checks or money orders are not accepted and will be returned to the sender.
• First-time and out-of-sequence checks will be placed on a two-week hold.

Other Deposits:

• Select “California” and “Patton State Hospital” in the dropdown menu.
• Enter "8," followed by the Patient’s 7-digit ID number.

• The Accounting Office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is closed on holidays and weekends.

Sending Mail and Packages to a Patient

We welcome family and friends to send mail and packages to patients. This section explains how to ensure your items reach a patient in a safe and timely manner.

All incoming mail and packages will be opened and searched for contraband.

Please send mail and packages to:

[Patient’s full name]

Department of State Hospitals - Patton
3102 E. Highland Ave.
Patton, CA 92369

Please Note:

• All photos received by mail will be screened by staff.
• Polaroid pictures are not allowed via mail.
• Patients cannot receive photos that resemble themselves as adults, including photos of close relatives that resemble the patient as an adult. Photos of themselves as children or youths are allowed.
• Photos of victims are prohibited.

Sending Packages

• Family and friends may also use this service to purchase items from the hospital’s canteen menu and will not count toward quarterly package limits.

• Please include the first and last name of the patient, as well as their home unit, to ensure timely delivery.
• Items will not be returned without the patient’s consent, including contraband.
• Unapproved items will be returned to the sender at the patient’s expense.
• Packages must be checked in by Mailroom staff to verify the weight, size, and quarterly package limits.
• Packages will be delivered during Mailroom business hours, 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding State holidays).
• Please instruct vendors to deliver packages directly to the Mailroom. Packages left by a vendor at a location other than the Mailroom (being left outside the mailroom door or another location) or outside business hours will risk loss or delayed delivery.

Calling a Patient

Each residential unit has two phones available to patients: one for incoming and another for outgoing calls. The outgoing phone line is open 24/7, while the incoming line is unavailable overnight from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Family and friends may receive the unit phone number from the patient or their social worker with the patient’s consent.

Neighbors Meeting

Patton State Hospital holds public neighborhood meetings to share upcoming events and changes with community members and answer any questions they may have.

Meetings are held in Administration Room 103A on the dates and times listed below.

2026 Meeting Schedule TBD

Family and Friends Education and Support Group

The Family and Friends Education and Support Group is an opportunity for loved ones to speak with hospital representatives to learn more about the services offered at DSH-Patton. The meeting is held virtually in English on WebEx from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

We look forward to you joining us!

2026 Meeting Schedule TBD

To sign up for a meeting or for more information, please contact:

Sandy Suarez, LCSW, Family Liaison
Desk: (909) 742-5247
Email: Sandy.Suarez@dsh.ca.gov

We’d love to hear from you. Please consider taking this brief survey to help us ensure these meetings address your needs.

Educational and Community Resources

These brochures are designed to support family and friends of patients. Please click on the links to download a PDF copy or pick up a hard copy at the Visitor Center, Trust Office, or Hospital Police Department Dispatch. Brochures are available in both English and Spanish.

Mental Health

Community Resources