Victorville Crisis Residential Treatment Facility Bringing Additional Options for the Mentally Ill

VICTORVILLE – A 16-bed Crisis Residential Treatment facility in the City of Victorville celebrated their groundbreaking on Thursday morning.

The residential facility was planned by the San Bernardino County of Behavioral Health (DBH) in order to provide services for those who need mental health stabilization above what the Crisis Walk-In Clinic can provide. Although the crisis walk-in clinic is a well-used and a much-needed facility that helps many with the outpatient stabilization needed in order to prepare for regular outpatient mental health treatment, County officials came to the realization that more was needed.

The 16-bed facility, funded by grants from the California Health Facilities Financing Authority (CHFFA) is being built at 16552 Sunhill Drive in the City of Victorville will treat those who are 18 years of age and over. The multi-million dollar facility will offer a multi-family type setting, where all clients are expected to participate in the day-to-day operation of running a household, practice basic living skills of budgeting, meal preparation, and housework. The voluntary, unlocked facility will provide clients with the opportunity to learn and practice, interpersonal skills during their short-term 30-90 day stay.

The facility will have 8- 2 bedroom units, each unit with a living area and restroom. It will also have administrative space and a place for medical examinations. There will be a common kitchen and eating area, as well as a common living area. Also planned is a meeting room, visiting room, laundry facilities and a shared outdoor area for residents to enjoy.

The program is targeted to those who are temporarily unable to care for themselves due to a mental health condition. This facility will give clients a home-like environment while providing them with the psychiatric care needed. The benefits of the program provides a lower-cost option diverting some who would normally be taken to an emergency room, become incarcerated or require hospitalization in a clinical setting. The program will provide a place for men and women who may regularly be sent to the crisis walk-in clinic, stabilized, and released back into the community without the important follow-up some may require.

San Bernardino County 1st District Supervisor Robert Lovingood thanked everyone who worked to bring the Residential Crisis Treatment Center to the City of Victorville. He said that he believes that it will be an asset to the community and will provide a local place for deputies to take those in need of such a facility. “This brings public safety to the community,” said Lovingood. Many hours are used transporting mentally unstable patients to Arrowhead Regional Medical Clinic in the Colton from the High Desert, while many of these hours can now be spent patrolling streets and responding to calls.

The clients are able to either self-refer or can be referred by the County Department of Behavioral Health, the community mobile crisis response team, by hospital staff, and local law enforcement. The facility will run 24 hours and 7 days a week to provide care to those who reside at the treatment facility. The goal in the program is to stabilize, support, train, and assist the clients in finding stable and permanent housing. Victorville Mayor Gloria Garcia expressed her gratitude to those responsible for making the Crisis Residential Treatment Center a reality. “I am thankful that we have this in the building phases,” said Garcia.

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