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Description

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Our Mission
The staff of Atascadero State Hospital ASH proudly serve the people of the State of California by providing protection for the community expert evaluations for the courts and stateofthescience psychiatric recovery services for individuals referred to us from across the state

The mission of ASH is threefold Protection Recovery and Evaluation

Vision
We envision a hospital in which individuals referred to our care receive the treatment rehabilitation services and support they need to recover from a psychiatric disability We strive to ameliorate disabling symptoms of mental disorders assist in the development of knowledge and skills needed to meet daily life challenges and support the concept that through hope positive change is possible and all individuals can move forward towards recovery We provide opportunities for individuals to experience a sense of purpose have a role as a contributing member of their community and realize that their ideas can and do make a difference in the life of the hospital

We envision a hospital in which staff are healthy welltrained and competent Staff are engaged productive and motivated to provide quality services Each staff member is valued for their skill unique experiences and specialized training Contributions are acknowledged and rewarded

We envision a hospital milieu in which the physical environment is clean attractive wellmaintained comfortable and safe Within the milieu individuals are afforded choices input into treatment decisions and positive support Staff are familiar with each individuals recovery objectives and take the opportunity to reinforce learning on a daily basis Conflicts are resolved with respect and equanimity the individuals needs are understood and supported and safety and security are integral to everyday life

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History

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History
Located on Californias Central Coast midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles Atascadero State Hospital ASH is an allmale maximum security forensic facility serving the entire state of California ASH opened in 1954 and is a completely selfcontained psychiatric hospital constructed within a security perimeter ASH has a licensed capacity of 1275 beds of which 204 are acutepsychiatric and 1071 are intermediate care All residents at Atascadero State Hospital are male and have a mental disability and pose a threat to others or themselves The majority are remanded for treatment by the superior courts of the counties of California or by the Department of Corrections pursuant to various sections of the California Penal Code and the Welfare and Institutions Code Individuals are admitted from state prisons county jails or are transferred from other state hospitals The hospital does not accept voluntary admissions

As a public sector facility ASHs mission is linked to public policy ASH has undergone a number of changes due to shifting public professional and legislative policy and law regarding the relationship between crime and mental disorders The hospitals current mission includes the provision of a secure environment that protects the community as well as the people within the hospital evaluations to the courts and other agencies and recoveryfocused treatment and rehabilitation services

The hospital is currently incorporating the concepts philosophy and activities put forth in the Recovery Model of Psychosocial Rehabilitation The Recovery Model incorporates the elements of hope choice empowerment respect and self determination for the individuals served while supporting the individuals recovery through a variety of cognitive social and functional skillbuilding strategies The model is growthoriented and normalizing necessitates the individuals participation and collaboration in the Wellness and Recovery planning process and emphasizes his strengths over his limitations

The residential treatment programs in conjunction with Recovery and Mall Services provide a variety of individual group and unitwide skills training rehabilitative and enrichment activities These activities are prescribed by the Wellness and Recovery team according to the individuals identified interests and assessed needs Included in these activities is a vocational rehabilitation program which provides the individuals with the opportunity to learn an increasing number of vocational and work skills under the direction of trained vocational counselors and a variety of schoolbased classes where individuals can improve academic achievement receive a GED or pursue advanced independent studies

Atascadero State Hospital employs over 2000 staff and supports a community volunteer organization An American Psychological Associationapproved internship program and Cuesta College Psychiatric Technician Training program are operated onsite and a statesponsored 2020 program is available for career advancement

ASH is a fully state licensed and Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations JCAHO accredited facility In 1993 and 1996 ASH received quotAccreditation with Commendationquot the highest level of accreditation awarded by the Joint Commission

ASH is located in a region that encompasses 100 miles of pristine coastline a rapidly growing wine industry agricultural lands ranches and a carefully preserved rural quality An unpolluted environment spiced with charm and friendliness the central coast offers the amenities of an urban area in a serene country setting

The area is host to five state parks part of the Los Padres National Forest four lakes scenic mountains and snug hills and valleys each contributing to a wide selection of outdoor recreational activities Among its many activities San Luis Obispo County boasts its own Mozart Festival and is host to the MidState Fair one of the largest in the State

The climate is as varied as the terrain with coastal moderation and inland areas experiencing four distinct seasonal changes Pleasant small communities with excellent schools California Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo Cuesta Community College and access to land and air transportation are all readily available

The seaside communities of Pismo Beach Morro Bay and Cambria offer ocean breezes beautiful beaches fine dining and entertainment San Simeon and Hearst Castle are less than an hours drive to the north along Californias spectacular coastline winding its way north to Big Sur Within a twohour drive to the north are Pebble Beach CarmelbytheSea and the world famous Cannery Row on the Monterey Peninsula Two hours to the south lies Santa Barbara and its famous beaches the Santa Barbara Zoo and many historical landmarks