Funding Through California’s Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program Will Support Two 16-bed Community Residential Treatment Facilities Focused on Diversion and Recovery
The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has announced its intent to award $20 million to Santa Barbara County’s Department of Behavioral Wellness through the State’s Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP), funded by Proposition 1, approved by voters in 2024.
The funding will support the development of two 16-bed Community Residential Treatment (CRT) facilities in Santa Maria, expanding treatment capacity for individuals living with serious mental illness in northern Santa Barbara County.
The facilities are planned for development near the North Branch Jail and will focus on supporting justice-involved individuals through diversion and recovery-oriented treatment, providing a structured residential environment where individuals can stabilize, build life skills, and transition toward independent living.
The State’s notice of intent to award marks an important step toward expanding the County’s behavioral health continuum of care in northern Santa Barbara County. Final acceptance of the funding will be considered by the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors at a future public meeting.
“This potential investment represents a significant opportunity to expand community-based treatment options for people living with serious mental illness,” said Toni Navarro, Director of the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness. “Social Rehabilitation Facilities play a critical role in helping individuals transition from higher levels of care into stable community living, while reducing the need for hospitalization or incarceration.”
The two 16-bed facilities would add 32 residential treatment beds in Northern Santa Barbara County and support the County’s broader efforts to expand treatment options that reduce reliance on hospitalization and incarceration.
Behavioral Wellness will collaborate closely with Santa Barbara County General Services throughout the design, development, and construction phases of the project. If approved by the Board of Supervisors, construction is anticipated to be completed by fall 2029.
“We are excited to partner with Behavioral Wellness to design and construct a new mental health facility that will serve the community,” said Kirk Langerquist, Director for General Services. “We envision utilizing a progressive design-build process, a first for the County, which would enable a more accelerated timeline to complete the project.”
This award would represent another major investment secured by Santa Barbara County through the State’s Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program, which supports the development of behavioral health treatment infrastructure across California. Previous BHCHIP awards have supported several projects locally, including the acquisition of the Haley Street Behavioral Wellness Center in Santa Barbara.
“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,” said Assemblymember Gregg Hart. “I applaud Governor Newsom’s decision to award $20 million to help people experiencing mental illness in northern Santa Barbara County. Once constructed, this facility will change lives, bring hope, and improve the health and safety of our community.”
If formally accepted by the Board of Supervisors, the funding will support the planning, development, and construction of the facilities, which are expected to significantly strengthen the County’s ability to provide recovery-oriented behavioral health services close to home.
Additional details about the project timeline and development process will be shared following consideration by the Board of Supervisors.
To learn more about the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness, visit www.countyofsb.org/behavioral-wellness. The Behavioral Wellness 24/7 Access Line can be reached at (888) 868-1649.