Let Me Go: Excessive Restraint of Patients at College Hospital

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Let Me Go: Excessive Restraint of Patients at College Hospital

DRC investigated College Hospital, a private psychiatric hospital in Cerritos, CA, after receiving reports of high rates of restraint and seclusion. We inspected all facility areas accessible to residents in College’s DDMI units, which are units where people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) along with a significant mental illness are housed. During our investigation, we interviewed patients and staff and reviewed thousands of pages of documents. We found problems and wrote a report about what we learned. Below you will find more information about our work.

Read the Report Here

A black and white photo of restraints used at College Hospital. Text: Let Me Go: Excessive Restraint of Patients at College Hospital

DRC’s investigation report provides our findings and recommendations for reform. The report looks at College Hospital’s use of restraint and seclusion and how other aspects of treatment and the environment impacts people with developmental and mental health care needs. We found:

DDS Vendor Restraint Data from January 2022 to December 2024
Duration of Restraint Incidents College Hospital California Average1
Over 4 hours 60 1
Over 2 hours 486 4
Average restraint duration 108.6 minutes 4.8 minutes
  • Patients at College Hospital experience improper and excessive use of seclusion and restraints.
  • College Hospital fails to assess and provide patients with adequate, individualized behavioral plans.
  • College Hospital fails to provide patients with a therapeutic environment of care.
  • College Hospital fails to provide adequate transition planning for patients.

Facility Response

Media Coverage

KPFA | Community Powered Radio

Los Cerritos Community News

San Francisco Chronicle

Resources

California Department of Public Health

Rights Under the Lanterman Act

Department of Developmental Services

Disability Rights California

  • Intake Line: 1-800-776-5746 or TTY call: 1-800-719-5798
    Available Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
    Our intake line is closed on Wednesdays.
  • More information can be found here: Get Help

Related Events

College Hospital Investigation Report Release (Virtual)
June 24, 2025: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

After a two-year investigation into alarming rates of restraint and seclusion practices at the acute psychiatric facility College Hospital, Disability Rights California’s Investigations Unit will break down its investigative process, present findings from the investigation, and share actionable recommendations to improve the environment for patients.

Check back for future events!

  • 1. This average reflects the data set with all data from College Hospital removed.