Santa Barbara County’s Department of Behavioral Wellness recently received a $1.2 million grant to support its mental health triage services. With this funding, the department aims to reduce wait times and 5150 holds — especially for youth in crisis — in county emergency departments.

California’s Mental Health Services Oversight & Accountability Commission is the grant source.

Santa Barbara County’s behavioral wellness department will hire licensed practitioners and coordinate with parents and their children when a minor arrives at the ED due to mental health crisis. Staff hired using grant funding will also engage with youth in the community who are considered at risk of being placed on 5150 holds.

Services offered under the new program will also include therapy, case management and safety planning.

As in neighboring counties, Santa Barbara County is facing a shortage of staff and facilities for behavioral health patients. A 2016 Community Health Needs Assessment conducted by provider Cottage Health called behavioral health a top priority item for the community.

Contact:
Audra Strickland
(805) 679-1717
astrickland@hasc.org