San Diego County Proposes $210 Million Mental Health Campus

San Diego County is taking significant steps toward enhancing mental health care services with a proposal for a new, full-service mental health campus. The county’s board of supervisors approved a grant proposal this week to seek a **$100 million** funding request from the state’s **Proposition 1** initiative. This facility aims to serve up to **20,000 individuals** annually, addressing mental health needs at various levels of severity before crises develop.

The proposed “behavioral health wellness campus” will be located on **Rosecrans Street**, adjacent to the **San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital**. It is set to replace a former health services complex that previously housed multiple departments, including public health services. With the demand for mental health care on the rise, similar to trends observed nationwide, this initiative represents a proactive approach to care that has been long advocated for by mental health reformers.

Comprehensive Care Model

The updated project budget has increased from **$150 million** to **$210 million**, now reflecting the value of the county-owned land, estimated at **$27 million**. The plan outlines a multi-use complex that will feature various services, including a **crisis stabilization unit**, a **mental health rehabilitation center**, and a **substance use disorder treatment facility**. Should the funding be approved, this campus will uniquely integrate multiple aspects of mental health care in one location, an approach that is relatively rare in California, according to **Karen Larsen**, executive director of the **Steinberg Institute**.

“This campus model aligns perfectly with the intent of the state funding,” Larsen explained. She noted that only two similar facilities exist in California, highlighting the importance of this initiative. The vision is to create a seamless experience for clients transitioning through different levels of care, which can be challenging under the current fragmented system.

Innovative Services for Diverse Needs

The proposed campus aims to provide a broad spectrum of services that cater to various levels of mental health and substance use challenges. For instance, individuals experiencing acute distress can access crisis centers designed for short-term relief, where clinicians will evaluate their needs for further treatment. The facility will also include long-term residential options for those requiring more intensive rehabilitation.

Additionally, a **social rehabilitation facility** will offer 24-hour support staffed by individuals who understand the challenges faced by clients, fostering a peer-supported environment. This facility will be complemented by an **outpatient mental health clinic** that provides a range of services from screenings to therapy and case management.

County Supervisor **Terra Lawson-Remer** has been a strong advocate for this holistic approach. “Combining substance abuse treatment and mental health services in one location is essential, as these conditions frequently co-occur,” she stated. Lawson-Remer emphasized that this wellness campus represents a crucial investment for the community, aimed at improving the overall mental health landscape in San Diego.

While the county prepares to compete for the funding, which is part of an **$800 million** allocation for unmet mental health needs, the success of this grant application is not guaranteed. Lawson-Remer acknowledged the competitive nature of the funding process but remained optimistic about the project’s potential. “It’s a visionary project that will be competitive, and we see it as incredibly important for San Diego,” she said.

If the grant is not awarded, the county plans to explore alternative financing strategies involving private partnerships to ensure that the campus can still be developed. As the county strives to build a comprehensive mental health service model, the proposed wellness campus stands as a beacon of hope for many in need of continuous support and care.