California Psychological Institute

About this location

A few stories people tell about this place

1. In the late afternoon, as patients began filing into California Psychological Institute for their sessions, an unfamiliar voice crackled over the intercom. ‘Attention, everyone,’ it said in a calm but slightly distorted tone. ‘We’ve just received word that today is National Crazy Hat Day.’ A delivery driver walked in wearing a sombrero and a sign reading ‘I deliver happiness.’ A regular patient arrived dressed as a penguin with a clipboard labeled ‘Dr. McFlappywaddle.’ Before anyone could react, the intercom crackled again: ‘And remember, no matter what hat you wear, always bring your own sanity!’ Everyone burst out laughing.

2. In the early morning hours, a delivery driver pulled up to the California Psychological Institute. As he unloaded boxes from his truck, he noticed an eerie humming sound coming from inside one of the buildings. Curious but cautious, he peered through the window and saw rows upon rows of dolls, each with its eyes closed tightly. Suddenly, one doll’s eye opened slightly, then winked at him. Startled, the driver quickly finished his delivery and drove away, never mentioning what he’d seen until years later when asked by a curious neighbor over coffee. ‘Oh,’ she said, ‘that was probably just Sally. She loves playing tricks on new people.’

3. In the middle of the night, a delivery driver pulled up to the California Psychological Institute and noticed something peculiar: the sound of laughter coming from inside the building. Curious, he cracked open the door just enough for a peek. Inside, everyone was laughing hysterically while playing an old board game. A neighbor later explained that it was their monthly therapy session—where they pretended to be delivery drivers trying to deliver pizza to a psych ward.

4. In the middle of the night, a delivery driver pulled up to the California Psychological Institute. The dog in the backseat barked frantically, pointing its nose toward the building's shadowy entrance. As he approached the door, a friendly voice called out from inside: ‘Hey there, delivery guy! We’re closed tonight.’ Startled, the driver turned around and saw an old man waving from one of the windows. Smiling sheepishly, he replied, ‘Just wanted to drop off some papers,’ to which the man chuckled and said, “Next time, give them to our virtual receptionist.” And with that, the delivery driver drove away, leaving behind only his puzzled expression and a slightly amused smile on the neighbor’s face.