In a groundbreaking initiative poised to transform the behavioral health care landscape in the region, UC San Diego Health and San Diego County have formalized a strategic partnership to expand critical mental health services across the county. This collaborative effort focuses on addressing the growing demand for behavioral health care, particularly for underserved populations in East San Diego County. A dedicated mental health care hub will be established at UC San Diego Health’s East Campus Medical Center, a former Alvarado Hospital facility acquired in December 2023.
During a recent San Diego County Board of Supervisors meeting, the finalization of this partnership was announced. This venture will add 30 psychiatric inpatient beds for adult Medi-Cal patients, with the potential to develop a Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) to further address urgent mental health needs. The CSU, currently being considered as part of the overall plan, will play a crucial role in stabilizing patients in crisis, reducing unnecessary hospitalizations, and connecting individuals to ongoing, community-based behavioral health services.
Expanding Access to Behavioral Health Services
This innovative initiative comes at a time when mental health needs in the region have reached critical levels. San Diego County data reveals that one in 20 residents lives with a serious mental illness. That number rises to one in 13 for those in low-income households, many of whom face significant barriers to accessing behavioral health services through Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program. The partnership aims to reduce this disparity by providing essential care resources to these vulnerable populations.
“This collaboration marks a significant advancement in tackling the mental health crisis affecting our community,” said Patty Maysent, CEO of UC San Diego Health. “Our partnership with the County of San Diego allows us to deliver essential services to those in need, especially individuals facing severe mental health challenges. We are grateful to County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe, County Chairwoman Nora Vargas, and the entire County Board of Supervisors for their leadership and dedication to making this partnership a reality.”
Final negotiations for this agreement will be completed by October 21, with the official partnership expected to be signed by October 31, pending board approval.
A Comprehensive Mental Health Solution
UC San Diego Health’s vision for the East Campus Medical Center is to create a centralized hub for behavioral health services, helping to address the region’s shortage of acute psychiatric beds. This will not only relieve pressure on emergency rooms but also ensure patients receive the specialized care they need. Once completed, the new mental health services hub will play a crucial role in improving access to care, particularly for Medi-Cal patients, who often face systemic challenges in receiving timely mental health treatment.
Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe, who introduced the proposal in May 2024, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. “This partnership offers a holistic solution to one of the region’s most urgent challenges. By working together, we can provide meaningful care to individuals who might otherwise fall through the cracks of the mental health system,” she said.
A Gateway to Comprehensive Mental Health Care
In addition to the psychiatric inpatient beds, the potential CSU at East Campus Medical Center would provide an essential entry point for individuals in crisis, offering immediate stabilization and connecting them to outpatient services. CSU services have been shown to reduce the burden on emergency departments by offering a more targeted, efficient approach to mental health crises. This step is crucial as it addresses not only the acute needs of patients but also ensures they have the resources to continue care within the community, reducing the risk of future hospitalizations.
“This innovative approach to behavioral health care effectively tackles the region’s critical shortage of psychiatric beds while offering a complete continuum of care to support our most vulnerable community members,” said Dr. Jeff Daskalakis, Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at UC San Diego School of Medicine and a psychiatrist at UC San Diego Health. “It is a groundbreaking strategy that enhances capacity while ensuring patients receive the highest quality care available.”
A Commitment to Academic Excellence and Community Care
This partnership extends beyond immediate care delivery. It aims to create a center of academic excellence in behavioral health treatment, research, and innovation. The collaboration between UC San Diego Health and the Department of Psychiatry at UC San Diego School of Medicine will provide unique academic training opportunities, strengthening the region’s mental health workforce and addressing the growing shortage of psychiatric professionals.
This initiative aligns with UC San Diego Health’s broader mission to provide outstanding patient care through community engagement, pioneering research, and inspiring education. By establishing East Campus Medical Center as a hub for behavioral health services, UC San Diego Health will not only meet current demand but also shape the future of mental health care in the region.
Looking Ahead: A Transformative Partnership
The new behavioral health care hub at East Campus Medical Center is expected to be fully operational by 2026, contingent on necessary approvals and funding allocations. This ambitious timeline underscores the urgency of addressing the mental health crisis in San Diego County. As the project progresses, UC San Diego Health will continue to operate emergency psychiatric services at its Hillcrest and La Jolla campuses, while the county maintains its psychiatric services at the San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital.
This partnership stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between public and private entities in solving complex healthcare challenges. As UC San Diego Health and San Diego County work together to implement this comprehensive mental health solution, the region’s most vulnerable populations will benefit from expanded access to lifesaving services.