DSH - Atascadero: Visitor and Family Information

All visitors are required to register at the Visitor Registration Desk in the main lobby, and present a valid photo identification issued by a state or federal agency. Providing false or incomplete information to the registration officer may result in the denial of visiting privileges.

All visitors are required to complete the Hospital Visitor Health Questionnaire. Please select from the language choices below:

• Visitor Health Questionnaire – English
• Visitor Health Questionnaire – Español

The completed form will be evaluated. Visitation will be denied if the visitor is actively ill or determined to be ill by designated nursing staff.

All visitors are processed through the metal detector, and all property is searched by Police Services.

How to send funds to a patient's account:

Personal checks or money orders should be mailed directly to patients’ accounts for deposit and will be made payable to: Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero for ‘patient name.’  For example, this can also be abbreviated as “DSH - Atascadero for John Doe.”  The sender’s name and address will also need to be included with all checks or money orders.  Cash and/or travelers checks shall not be accepted in the mail. They will be returned to sender at the return address listed on the original envelope.  The address to mail funds to be applied to a patient’s account is:

Patients’ Accounts
Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero
P.O. Box 7001
Atascadero, CA 93423-7001

To mail a package to a patient, the address is:

Patient Name and AT Number (include Unit # if known)
Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero
10333 El Camino Real
P.O. Box 7001
Atascadero, CA 93423-7001

All incoming packages must have the patient’s name and AT number. The unit number of the patient (if known) is helpful to further ensure proper and timely delivery.

The criteria below define a package as anything:

1. Greater than ½ inch think or heavier than 16 ounces;

2. Identified by electronic scanning device as containing anything other than correspondence; or

3. Containing bubble wrap or additional packing material;

ALL packages must be received through the U.S. Postal Service, common carrier or other institution. No packages will be accepted from visitors. Please note: UPS will not deliver to a Post Office Box - use the hospital's physical address of 10333 El Camino Real, zip code 93422.

All incoming mail and packages will be opened and searched by the Department of Police Services. Cash and/or Traveler’s Checks are not allowed in patient mail or packages. All mail and packages must have a return address that includes first and last name of the sender and a physical street address.

Packages shall neither exceed 30 pounds in weight nor exceed the size limitations of 24" x 19" x 12". Packages exceeding the weight or size limitations will not be accepted by the hospital from the Post Office or shipping agent.

For a list of Acceptable Items, see Acceptable Incoming Items – (Spanish). Prohibited Items shall not enter the secured areas of the hospital. Prohibited items include: wireless communication devices (including cell phones), memory storage devices, tobacco products and money. It is illegal to bring in any prohibited items--the California Welfare and Institution Code 4139 states that any person who attempts to introduce with intent to deliver prohibited items to a patient is a misdemeanor.

Children (under the age of 18) may be allowed access to the visiting area with prior approval from the Clinical Administrator or designee or the Executive Officer of the Day (EOD) after-hours. It is advisable to obtain this approval well in advance of the planned visit.

No more than six (6) visitors per patient are allowed at one time.

Visitor clothing shall be conservative. Khaki-colored clothing (beige, tan, etc.) is prohibited.

The following clothing is restricted or prohibited:

Visitors may not bring food into the visiting room. There are vending machines in the visiting room for beverages or snacks. Vending machines require silver coins, and a one-dollar change machine is also available. No more than $10 in one dollar bills or coins per visitor.

No more than $10 in one dollar bills and/or coins for the individual visited (i.e., three visitors would be allowed a combined total of $40 ($10 for each visitor and $10 for the person they are visiting.)).