Located on California's Central Coast, midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Atascadero State Hospital (ASH) is an all-male, maximum security, forensic facility serving the entire state of California. ASH opened in 1954 and is a completely self-contained psychiatric hospital constructed within a security perimeter. ASH has a licensed capacity of 1275 beds, of which 204 are acute/psychiatric 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, ASH's 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 hospital's 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 recovery-focused 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 individual's recovery through a variety of cognitive, social, and functional skill-building strategies. The model is growth-oriented and normalizing, necessitates the individual's 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 unit-wide skills training, rehabilitative and enrichment activities. These activities are prescribed by the Wellness and Recovery team according to the individual's 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 school-based 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 Association-approved internship program and Cuesta College Psychiatric Technician Training program are operated on-site and a state-sponsored 20:20 program is available for career advancement.

ASH is a fully state licensed and Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (J.C.A.H.O.) accredited facility. In 1993 and 1996, A.S.H. received "Accreditation with Commendation", 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 Mid-State 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 hour's drive to the north along California's spectacular coastline winding its way north to Big Sur. Within a two-hour drive to the north are Pebble Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.