The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has announced a plan to allocate $20 million to the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness. This funding, made possible by Proposition 1, which voters approved in 2024, will facilitate the establishment of two new Community Residential Treatment (CRT) facilities in Santa Maria. The initiative aims to enhance treatment capacity for individuals suffering from serious mental health issues in northern Santa Barbara County.
The planned facilities will be located near the North Branch Jail and will specifically cater to justice-involved individuals. These facilities will provide a structured residential environment designed to assist individuals in achieving stability, developing essential life skills, and transitioning to independent living. The state’s notice of intent to award funding represents a significant step forward in expanding the behavioral health continuum of care within the county.
Final approval of this funding will be discussed by the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors at a forthcoming public meeting. According to Toni Navarro, the director of the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness, “This potential investment represents a significant opportunity to expand community-based treatment options for people living with serious mental illness.” She emphasized that social rehabilitation facilities are crucial for helping individuals move from higher levels of care into stable community living, which can significantly reduce the need for hospitalization or incarceration.
The two planned facilities, each with a capacity of 16 beds, will add a total of 32 residential treatment beds to northern Santa Barbara County. This expansion aligns with the county’s broader strategy to enhance treatment options and lessen reliance on hospitalizations and jails. The Department of Behavioral Wellness will work in conjunction with Santa Barbara County General Services throughout the design, development, and construction phases of the project.
If the Board of Supervisors approves the funding, construction is expected to be completed by fall 2029. Kirk Langerquist, director for General Services, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are excited to partner with Behavioral Wellness to design and construct a new mental health facility that will serve the community.” He noted the intention to use a progressive design-build process, which aims to expedite project completion.
This funding marks yet another significant investment secured by Santa Barbara County through the state’s Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program, which aims to enhance behavioral health treatment infrastructure across California. Previous awards from this program have also supported notable local initiatives, including the acquisition of the Haley Street Behavioral Wellness Center in Santa Barbara.
Assemblymember Gregg Hart remarked on the importance of this funding, stating, “When voters throughout Santa Barbara County and the State of California approved Proposition 1 in 2024, they invested in the development of new community-based mental health facilities that would make a difference for their neighbors.” He commended Governor Gavin Newsom’s decision to allocate $20 million to support individuals experiencing mental illness in northern Santa Barbara County, asserting that the new facilities will significantly improve lives, instill hope, and enhance the overall health and safety of the community.
For more information about the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness, visit their official website. Individuals in need of immediate assistance can reach the Behavioral Wellness 24/7 Access Line at 888-868-1649.
