Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health, in partnership with Aspiranet, has opened a new Crisis Stabilization Unit aimed at supporting youth experiencing mental health crises, county officials announced.
The facility, located at the Hope Forward-Esperanza Adelante Youth Crisis Center on Soquel Avenue in Santa Cruz, will operate 24 hours a day, year-round, county officials said.
The unit provides assessment and short-term stabilization services, with most stays lasting less than 24 hours, a news release noted.
County officials said the program is designed to offer a safe, trauma-informed environment while connecting youth and their families to ongoing care.
The crisis unit will serve youth ages 5 to 17, as well as some young adults up to age 20 when appropriate. Services are available regardless of insurance status.
Youth can access the facility through walk-ins, referrals from parents or caregivers, or under psychiatric holds if they pose a danger to themselves or others.
Officials encourage families to call ahead to help coordinate care and reduce wait times.