County updates: PCIT expansion, STRTP beds, mobile crisis and crisis‑residential plans

County staff used the meeting to provide operational updates about services and local provider contracts.

Jeremy Nelson, deputy director for children’s behavioral health, reported that representatives from Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) completed a site visit and that the county plans to expand PCIT training and equipment to support the practice across Humboldt County. He described PCIT as an evidence‑based program for young children and caregivers and said the county expects to roll out additional staff training and technology to support coached sessions.

On placements and residential services, staff reported an in‑progress contract with a local organization to operate a short‑term residential treatment program (STRTP) that would add six beds for females, providing a local alternative to sending youth out of county. Separately, staff continue to work with Sorrel Leaf on a crisis‑residential program aiming for an opening in the fall, with construction, licensing and certifications underway.

The behavioral health director said the mobile crisis benefit looks likely to remain in place through the upcoming changes, which county leaders called “good news” for continuity of crisis response. Mr. Paul provided operational metrics for care courts: about 90 petitions filed since the program went live, with 39 people currently enrolled with active plans and 24 individuals discharged from the program so far.

Staff also briefed the board on facility planning: design work for a crisis triage center and updates to a new Severance facility are underway, with architecture and soundproofing being discussed to ensure therapeutic environments despite nearby street noise.

Board members asked staff to report back on implementation timelines and staffing needs as contracts and trainings move forward.