This article was underwritten in part by the Mickey Flacks Journalism Fund for Social Justice, a proud, innovative supporter of local news. To make a contribution go to sbcan.org/journalism_fund .
Santa Barbara’s crisis stabilization unit served 201 people in its first six months after reopening in May, according to a report presented to the Board of Supervisors last week. The county’s Department of Behavioral Wellness said that the patients at the eight-bed unit received stabilization, rehabilitation, counseling, and medical services. Staff also connected patients to other services they might need. The unit focuses on care for a period of 24 hours or less.
When it first opened in 2015, the unit had four beds and was available only for voluntary patients. It closed in May 2022.