The County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness is proud to conclude the celebration of its 60th fiscal year (FY 62-63), recognizing six decades of providing exemplary mental health and substance use disorder services to thousands to individuals throughout the county each year. Established in 1962, the Department of Behavioral Wellness is a leader in providing comprehensive behavioral health care to a wide range of individuals and families.

The department is a pillar of support for those coping with serious mental illness, addiction, trauma, and other mental health concerns. With its focus on compassion, access to services, and innovative approaches to care, the organization has continued to illuminate and meet new challenges surrounding community mental health, over the years.

“Behavioral Wellness is proud to have served its community for so many years,” said Toni Navarro, LMFT, director of Behavioral Wellness. “The start of the department’s next decade of service coincides with the most significant transformation in California’s county behavioral health system in over 30 years. BWell looks forward to the successful implementation of a number of big changes over the next few years including CalAIM, CARE Court, the new statewide Medi-Cal mobile crisis benefit, and embracing possible MHSA reforms in order to continue providing the most effective and high-quality mental health and substance use disorder services to the county.”

For those struggling with mental health needs or know someone who is, you are not alone. Help is always available; speak with someone today. 988 is a national crisis line that can be reached by phone or text.  The Behavioral Wellness toll-free Crisis Response and Services Access Line can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (888) 868-1649 for assistance in receiving services. To learn more about County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness, please visit http://countyofsb.org/behavioral-wellness.