Board designates youth crisis stabilization center at 5300 Soquel Ave. as acute mental health facility; startup targeted for late summer

Santa Cruz — The Board of Supervisors on June 10 accepted an update on the county’s youth crisis programs and adopted a resolution designating the new youth crisis stabilization program at 5300 Soquel Avenue as the county’s acute mental health receiving facility for children and teens up to age 17.

Facility timeline and licensing

Doctor Sandoval (Behavioral Health) and Health Services Agency staff told supervisors the construction target for the facility is July 1 and that startup operations are expected to begin immediately thereafter, with an operational target between Aug. 1 and Sept. 1. Staff explained the licensing process is multi‑step: board designation as a crisis receiving center, medical certification and then Department of Social Services (CDSS) and Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) approvals for short‑term residential treatment program (STRTP) or crisis stabilization licensure. Doctor Sandoval said the county hopes to open the crisis stabilization unit and then complete the full STRTP certification in tandem as state reviews proceed. (Dr. Sandoval, Behavioral Health official; first referenced 4350.3447s)

Services and partners

Supervisors and staff said the facility will provide integrated behavioral health and crisis stabilization services for youth and is intended to reduce emergency‑department stays and better meet local need. Staff described interim arrangements with a hospital emergency‑department agreement and partner providers for continuity of care while licensure and certifications are completed. The facility will include clinical and short‑term residential space; the board’s action formally authorizes designation required for state licensure steps.

Board reaction and next steps

Supervisors thanked staff and partners and raised questions about potential gaps while the facility transitions into full licensing; staff acknowledged the likelihood of a short continuity gap of about a month and described ongoing protocols to reduce any service interruption. The board adopted the resolution as part of the consent calendar and asked staff to return with further updates on the licensing timeline and site readiness prior to accepting residents. (Action: adopted on consent; staff to report progress.)

Why this matters

Designating a local youth crisis stabilization receiving facility addresses a long‑standing local need to avoid boarding youth in emergency departments and to provide specialized, age‑appropriate crisis care in county facilities. Timely licensing and staffing will determine whether the facility immediately reduces emergency‑room pressures when it opens.