Future of Behavioral Health

"Behavioral health" is a term that refers to both mental health and substance use challenges. 

Behavioral health continues to be a key priority in the city's efforts to address and prevent homelessness and ensure the wellbeing of our entire community. In fall 2022, we contracted with Initium Health to lead a behavioral health feasibility study. The study provided us with valuable information on local service needs, populations to be served, cost, financing, infrastructure and geographic locations. 

It also highlighted the serious need for local resources, particularly for adult crisis care in our region. 

As part of the next phase of the study, the city is now working with Capstone Solutions Consulting Group to assess the entire system of intensive behavioral health services in the city to understand where there are significant gaps and where we should strategically invest resources to address them. 

In a separate but related effort, Santa Monica is also collaborating with the county of Los Angeles and Westside Cities Council of Governments on an implementation strategy for a westside regional behavioral health crisis facility. 

We'll continue to share updates as these processes continue - stay tuned!

NEWS: Therapeutic Transport Team launched Jan. 8

In January 2024, Santa Monica launched a therapeutic transport team pilot program, in collaboration with LA County’s Department of Mental Health, to assist Santa Monica Police and Fire personnel with 911 and non-emergency calls for service that involve someone experiencing a mental health emergency. The pilot program provides a specialized therapeutic transport team that is available five days a week to assist first responders in these situations. 

The partnership with the Department of Mental Health is part of Santa Monica’s push to collaborate with regional service providers for a coordinated, holistic approach to addressing homelessness.

As of March 2024, the DMH Therapeutic Transport Team had served 34 people.

Read the fact sheet, brochure and press release for more details.