The new 9,900 square-foot center is located adjacent to the High Desert Regional Health Center. It is operated by Star View Behavioral Health on behalf of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH), and it is open to individuals ages 13 and older who are experiencing psychiatric crises.
“The opening of this short-term treatment facility comes at a critical time. It is providing essential, urgent mental health and substance use disorder services to those who need it for crises, and that need has only grown during the course of the pandemic,” said LACDMH Director Jonathan E. Sherin, M.D., Ph.D. “The fact that an individual in a time of dire need can walk into a clinic at any time of day and receive services will not only help those getting care but will also enhance the overall wellbeing of the Antelope Valley region and its communities.”
The 24/7 center is funded by LACDMH and is the first of its kind to serve Antelope Valley communities. L.A. County 5th District Supervisor Kathryn Barger spearheaded efforts to launch this center and worked closely with local Lancaster and Palmdale officials and LACDMH.
“I am so pleased to open the High Desert Mental Health Urgent Care Center to serve youth and adults with critical mental health assessments, interventions, and medication support,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “Through our partnership with our operator, Star View Behavioral Health and the Department of Mental Health, we are working together to ensure patients and their families are supported and connected during times of crises.”
By expanding access to around-the-clock care for those experiencing a mental health crisis, the BHUCC will also alleviate the impact on hospital emergency rooms that are not equipped to deal with mental health-related issues and will help its patients avoid costly inpatient hospitalization. Services are provided without regard to ability to pay, primarily through Medi-Cal and County funds.
Many individuals are experiencing heightened mental health issues due to COVID and the stress of economic uncertainty. In fact, calls to LACDMH’s Help Line increased more than 35% in 2020, compared to 2019. A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report of U.S. adults showed 41.5% of respondents have faced mental health challenges and increased anxiety or depression related to COVID-19. In addition, law enforcement officers are facing the challenging and time-consuming task of responding to mental health-related calls and accompanying individuals to hospital emergency rooms. The BHUCC works with law enforcement teams and Mental Evaluation Teams, a collaboration between LACDMH and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, to address this issue and to also ease the burden on overcrowded hospitals.
The program serves clients on an involuntary basis (individuals who qualify under a 5150 or 5585 psychiatric hold) as well as a voluntary basis. Voluntary clients are seen in a Crisis Walk-In Center section of the BHUCC where patients can be evaluated and receive services to help them stabilize. In addition to the CWIC, the BHUCC features one unit for up to six adolescents and a separate area for up to 12 adults. Patients may stay up to 24 hours and will be seen by a psychiatrist, nurse, therapist, and peer workers, as needed. Transportation is provided back to the client’s community when needed.
Services also include case management and linkage to recovery-oriented community-based resources, including those for co-occurring substance use disorders, housing, and other mental health services. These services will help patients avoid crises and achieve lasting wellbeing.
For more information, call 522-6770.
[Information via news release from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.]
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megan clark says
Its Very clear that the closed minded people who left comments before I have , Have never dealt with mental illness and by the sounds of it, I don’t think they would even be mentally able too, standing there closed minded. SHUT UP! Unless you have seen and know what’s at hand shut your mouth.
I’m very grateful for the opening and feel its a very wise addition to the community as homeless grows among them are mostly people dealing with mental illness. As well as those who fought for us at War so we didn’t have too at war.
William says
Finally, a place for Trumpist#1, Beecee, Sonya, and a bunch of made up identities that all talk the same. It’s a Republican thing to march in lockstep and repeat what Trump and Fox ‘news’ tell ya 24 hours a day.
Fox should be called “24 Hour Misfitness” Apologies to the gym.
They are the Pod People from Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Guess the name of the actor who starred in it. There are no accidents.
Bombs Away says
why did they make the walls so easy to climb to the roof. Now every week someone is going to attempt suicide with a 20 ft swan dive head first.
TomThumb says
Go nuts everyone!! It’s ok now.