Nevada City, Calif. — Nevada County officials, state and local partners, and community members gathered today to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Deer Creek Behavioral Health Center, a major step forward in expanding access to local mental health care.
Some of the attendees at today’s event. Photo YubaNet
The facility, located on the Nevada County Government Center campus in Nevada City, is expected to open in late fall 2027 and will provide critical psychiatric services to community members with Medi-Cal that are not currently available within the county.
The facility will include 16 beds to support individuals experiencing acute mental health needs, whether that’s a day or a month or longer-term treatment up to a year.
“This is a major milestone for Nevada County,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Lisa Swarthout. “Not only does this project bring essential care closer to home, it strengthens our community and ensures residents can access the services they need during some of life’s most difficult moments.”
The $23.7 million project is funded through the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program, part of Proposition 1 approved by California voters in 2024.
Left to right: Sheriff Shannan Moon, County Executive Officer Alison Lehman, Health and Human Agency Director Ryan Gruver, District 5 Supervisor Hardy Bullock, District 1 Supervisor Heidi Hall, District 4 Supervisor and Vice-Chair Sue Hoek, Mark Faucette from Advocates for Human Potential, District 3 Supervisor and Chair Lisa Swarthout, Health and Human Agency Chief Fiscal Administrative Officer Ariel Lovett, Crestwood President Derek Dobbins, Acting Behavioral Health Director Cari Yardley, former Behavioral Health Director Phebe Bell. Photo YubaNet
The Deer Creek Behavioral Health Center will address a long-standing gap in the county’s system of care. Currently, individuals experiencing mental health crises are often transferred hours away for continued treatment, creating challenges for patients and their families.
During the event, Supervisors accepted a Certificate of Recognition from the offices of Assemblymember Heather Hadwick and Senator Megan Dahle for their support in bringing care closer to home.
Yolanda Cookson from Senator Megan Dahle’s Office, Dana Jorgensen from Assemblymember Heather Hadwick’s Office and Chair Lisa Swarthout. Photo YubaNet
“This is more than a building. It’s a promise—to care for one another, to strengthen our community, and to ensure that no one has to face a mental health crisis alone,” said Acting Behavioral Health Director Cari Yardley.
With more than 50 years of experience and 32 campuses across California, Crestwood Behavioral Health will operate the facility. President Derek Dobbins emphasized the long-term impact, calling it “a lasting investment in care, healing, and support for this community for generations to come.”
Named for its location in the Deer Creek watershed, the center reflects both its natural surroundings and a broader vision of connection, continuity and care.
Learn more at nevadacountyca.gov/healthcenter.