San Francisco opens a center to help those in mental health crisis
San Francisco has opened a new behavioral health stabilization center. The center is located at 822 Geary Street in the city's Tenderloin Neighborhood. It will start accepting patients April 28 and will be run by the San Francisco Department of Public Health and Crestwood Behavioral Health Inc.
The city bought the Geary Street site in 2021. A $6.7 million dollar state grant helped pay for construction. When it opens the center will be staffed by doctors, nurses, and behavioral health specialists.
Department of Public Works Director Carla Short says "The new Stabilization Unit provides real-time help for people living on the streets who are in a behavioral health crisis, offering them treatment and support in a safe environment."
It will be open 24/7 and is part of Mayor Daniel Lurie's "Breaking the Cycle" plan.
"When we talk to people on the streets, and ask them to come inside, we need to bring them somewhere with the professionals and the resources to get them the help they need. That's exactly what this 24/7 police-friendly stabilization center will be, and I am proud to be opening it," said Mayor Lurie.
It is designed to give immediate treatment to people experiencing mental health crisis. The city says once patients are stabilized they can be connected to other services and shelter.