SAN DIEGO (MAY 21, 2024) – Led by Supervisor Montgomery Steppe, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors has passed a significant behavioral health initiative aimed at increasing the psychiatric services for Medi-Cal patients. The potential proposal would include a partnership with the University of California San Diego (UCSD) Health to provide up to 45 additional inpatient care beds, along with an emergency psychiatric and crisis stabilization unit.  

In response to today’s vote, Supervisor Montgomery Steppe said:  “It is extremely critical that the County explores opportunities to help meet the increasing demands for behavioral health services. A partnership with our local higher education institute expands the much-needed support for our most vulnerable residents, ensuring they receive the comprehensive mental health care they deserve. The potential in this collaboration is truly encouraging and represents a significant step forward in addressing the mental health crisis in our communities.”  

With the state of California facing a shortfall of approximately 1,971 beds at the acute level, the need for additional assistance is harrowing, as nearly 1 out of every 20 San Diegans are currently living with serious mental illness. In addition, the County needs more than 8,000 behavioral health workers to meet today’s service demands. The exploration of a partnership with UCSD Health offers an opportunity to address both shortfalls by strengthening the behavioral health workforce and decreasing the gap in available psychiatric beds.  

County staff will return with an update within 120 days to discuss any plans to establish an agreement with UCSD Health and funding as needed.