Palo Alto supervisors review Alcove youth mental health services update

The County of Santa Clara Health and Hospital Committee meeting on April 30, 2025, spotlighted the Alcove Palo Alto Center, a vital resource for youth mental health services. Established in 2021, Alcove serves young people aged 12 to 25 with mild to moderate needs, emphasizing a youth-driven approach to care.

During the meeting, Sherry Terau, director of the Behavioral Health Services Department, presented key updates on Alcove's operations and community engagement efforts. The center has seen significant participation, with 362 youth visiting in the past year and 376 attending workshops designed to foster mental health awareness and reduce stigma. Notably, 93% of surveyed participants expressed satisfaction with the services provided, highlighting the center's positive impact on the community.

However, the meeting also revealed concerns regarding the center's effectiveness and cost-efficiency. Supervisor Abe Koga raised questions about the high cost per participant and the potential for service duplication with existing teen centers in the area. She emphasized the need for a more cost-effective model, suggesting that therapy sessions could be offered at these other facilities to better serve the community.

Public feedback was also critical, with community member Paul So to questioning the lack of demographic data on service eligibility and effectiveness. He argued that without this information, it is challenging to assess the true impact of Alcove's services.

The discussion underscored the ongoing challenges in providing accessible mental health care for youth in Santa Clara County. As the committee considers future strategies, the focus will likely remain on enhancing outreach, improving service delivery, and ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently to meet the needs of the community.