Sycamores is responding to the growing mental health crisis among youth by taking constructive action…literally. On May 16, the behavioral health organization held a groundbreaking ceremony for renovations to buildings earmarked for two new critical programs: a children’s crisis stabilization unit (CSU) and a children’s psychiatric health facility (PHF). The new programs will be housed on Sycamores’ El Nido campus in Altadena.
“This groundbreaking represents a powerful commitment to children and families in our community,” said Debra Manners, president and CEO of Sycamores. “Too many young people in crisis don’t get the help they need — or get it in the wrong place, like an emergency room. These new programs will offer the right care at the right time in the right setting. We are deeply grateful to our partners at the county and state levels for making this vision a reality.”
The new programs will provide a full continuum of urgent mental health services in a safe, age-appropriate environment, addressing a long-standing gap in care for children and adolescents in crisis. Since 1995, California has lost more than 3,200 psychiatric beds. Los Angeles County, which alone has nearly 10 million residents, has only a few CSUs dedicated to children and adolescents, making making it increasingly difficult for youth in crisis to access care
The project is made possible in part through funding from California’s Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP). The integrated design of the programs at Sycamores’ El Nido campus will allow for continuity of care for youth needing extending support.
The event brought together civic leaders, elected officials and mental health advocates to celebrate this vital step toward strengthening Los Angeles County’s youth mental health care system. State Senator Sasha Renee Perez, Assemblymember John Harabedian, Chair of the LA County Board of Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Rimmi Hundal, Chief Deputy Director of the LA County Department of Mental Health, were all in attendance.
“We’re working to ensure foster youth with significant mental health needs are supported with the services they need,” said Department of Health Care Services Director Michelle Baass. “Organizations like Sycamores are essential to transforming how we respond to urgent behavioral health challenges. By bringing compassionate, community-based care directly to children and youth in need, they exemplify a behavioral health system that meets people where they are with dignity, support and hope.”
“LA County is in desperate need of these types of beds and this type of support,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “I am so grateful to Sycamores for accepting the call to help youth stabilize and more importantly, heal. You are a valuable partner!”
For more information about Sycamores and its programs, visit sycamores.org.
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