The
California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has awarded the
Yurok Tribe $12 million through the Behavioral Health Continuum
Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Round II to develop a Peer Respite
Center as part of its expanding behavioral health infrastructure in
the Weitchpec area.
This
major project includes a culturally grounded, non-clinical,
peer-supported facility designed to serve individuals experiencing
mental health challenges, including those transitioning from
inpatient treatment, crisis stabilization settings, or requiring
step-down support to prevent higher levels of care. The center will
complement clinical and youth‑focused facilities planned for
construction nearby.
The
Peer Respite Center is a critical component of the Tribe’s
continuum of care, addressing identified gaps in post-treatment
recovery support and helping prevent unnecessary hospitalization or
re-hospitalization. The facility will enhance local capacity by
providing a structured, home-like environment where individuals can
stabilize, receive peer-based support, and reconnect with family,
culture, and community.
Developed
in alignment with BHCIP program requirements, the project supports
the Tribe’s long-term expansion of behavioral health infrastructure
and will operate in coordination with the Wah-sekw Won Yurok Health
and Wellness Center and Youth Center to create an integrated system
of care.
“Working
in unison, these three facilities will provide treatment close to
home, helping people stay connected to family while benefiting from a
broad range of supportive services,” said Joseph L. James, Chairman
of the Yurok Tribe. “The Peer Respite Center reflects our
commitment to building a sovereign, community-driven behavioral
health system that meets the needs of our people today and for
generations to come.”
The
Peer Respite Center will serve Tribal members and other Native
individuals experiencing behavioral health needs within the region,
with a focus on culturally responsive, trauma-informed support
services.
Funded
through the State of California’s Behavioral Health Infrastructure
Bond, the project will be implemented in accordance with DHCS
requirements and applicable federal and Tribal compliance frameworks.
The facility is expected to be operational by June 2031.
Wellness
and Youth Centers
Located
near Weitchpec, the Wah-sekw Won Yurok Health and Wellness Center
will encompass approximately 26,000 square feet and include 53
inpatient beds, with accommodations for both men and women. This
facility will provide inpatient behavioral health services, including
mental health and substance use disorder treatment, as well as
outpatient services such as behavioral health counseling and primary
care. Services will be available to Yurok Tribal members, all Native
Americans and the broader community.
The
model of care is designed to deliver comprehensive, holistic services
that address physical, mental, social, and cultural health needs
across the lifespan—from infants to elders.
The California Department of Health Care
Services (DHCS) has awarded the Yurok Tribe $12 million through the
Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Round II
to develop a Peer Respite Center as part of its expanding behavioral
health infrastructure in the Weitchpec area.
This major project includes a culturally
grounded, non-clinical, peer-supported facility designed to serve
individuals experiencing mental health challenges, including those
transitioning from inpatient treatment, crisis stabilization
settings, or requiring step-down support to prevent higher levels of
care. The center will complement clinical and youth‑focused
facilities planned for construction nearby.
The Peer Respite Center is a critical component
of the Tribe’s continuum of care, addressing identified gaps in
post-treatment recovery support and helping prevent unnecessary
hospitalization or re-hospitalization. The facility will enhance
local capacity by providing a structured, home-like environment where
individuals can stabilize, receive peer-based support, and reconnect
with family, culture, and community.
Developed in alignment with BHCIP program
requirements, the project supports the Tribe’s long-term expansion
of behavioral health infrastructure and will operate in coordination
with the Wah-sekw Won Yurok Health and Wellness Center and Youth
Center to create an integrated system of care.
“Working in unison, these three facilities
will provide treatment close to home, helping people stay connected
to family while benefiting from a broad range of supportive
services,” said Joseph L. James, Chairman of the Yurok Tribe. “The
Peer Respite Center reflects our commitment to building a sovereign,
community-driven behavioral health system that meets the needs of our
people today and for generations to come.”
The Peer Respite Center will serve Tribal
members and other Native individuals experiencing behavioral health
needs within the region, with a focus on culturally responsive,
trauma-informed support services.
Funded through the State of California’s
Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond, the project will be
implemented in accordance with DHCS requirements and applicable
federal and Tribal compliance frameworks. The facility is expected to
be operational by June 2031.
Wellness and Youth Centers
Located near Weitchpec, the Wah-sekw Won Yurok
Health and Wellness Center will encompass approximately 26,000 square
feet and include 53 inpatient beds, with accommodations for both men
and women. This facility will provide inpatient behavioral health
services, including mental health and substance use disorder
treatment, as well as outpatient services such as behavioral health
counseling and primary care. Services will be available to Yurok
Tribal members, all Native Americans and the broader community.
The model of care is designed to deliver
comprehensive, holistic services that address physical, mental,
social, and cultural health needs across the lifespan—from infants
to elders.
The Tribe anticipates breaking ground on the
Health and Wellness Center this summer, with construction completion
targeted for Spring 2028. All project development and implementation
will be conducted under the sovereign authority of the Yurok Tribe
and in accordance with applicable Tribal laws, policies, and
governance processes.
Concurrently, in Weitchpec, California, the
Yurok Youth Behavioral Health Center will be developed utilizing an
Alcove-Based Model of Care, designed to support small-group,
trauma-informed, and culturally grounded healing environments. The
Tribe anticipates breaking ground on the Youth Center this summer.
The 10,500-square-foot Youth Behavioral Health
facility will provide access to Yurok Behavioral Health staff,
licensed therapists, and external service providers. The center will
include a dedicated computer station for telehealth and virtual
medical appointments, a calming space for youth, a pantry, a game
room, and a classroom to support mutual support groups and parenting
education. In addition, the site will feature an outdoor amphitheater
and a traditional sweathouse to promote cultural engagement and
holistic wellness.
The
Tribe anticipates breaking ground on the Health and Wellness Center
this summer, with construction completion targeted for Spring 2028.
All project development and implementation will be conducted under
the sovereign authority of the Yurok Tribe and in accordance with
applicable Tribal laws, policies, and governance processes.
Concurrently,
in Weitchpec, California, the Yurok Youth Behavioral Health Center
will be developed utilizing an Alcove-Based Model of Care, designed
to support small-group, trauma-informed, and culturally grounded
healing environments. The Tribe anticipates breaking ground on the
Youth Center this summer.
The
10,500-square-foot Youth Behavioral Health facility will provide
access to Yurok Behavioral Health staff, licensed therapists, and
external service providers. The center will include a dedicated
computer station for telehealth and virtual medical appointments, a
calming space for youth, a pantry, a game room, and a classroom to
support mutual support groups and parenting education. In addition,
the site will feature an outdoor amphitheater and a traditional
sweathouse to promote cultural engagement and holistic wellness.