Santa Cruz County Opens New 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Center for Youth
Santa Cruz County now has a dedicated crisis center for young people in mental health emergencies — and it’s open around the clock.
The Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) at the Hope Forward | Esperanza Adelante Youth Crisis Center officially opened its doors at 5300 Soquel Avenue in Santa Cruz. Run by Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health in partnership with nonprofit Aspiranet, the center offers immediate, short-term care for youth ages 5 through 17, and in some cases young adults up to age 20.
The center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year. Families can call ahead at 831-540-4141 or simply walk in. Services are available regardless of insurance status.
What the center does
The CSU is designed as a first stop for young people in crisis, not a long-term treatment facility. Most stays last less than 24 hours. Staff focus on calming immediate concerns, assessing what a young person needs, and connecting families with longer-term care. The goal is to keep kids close to home — reducing the need for emergency room visits or placements in facilities outside the county.
“Families no longer need to look outside the county for urgent support — help is now available right here at home,” said Dr. Marni R. Sandoval, Director of Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health.
Youth can arrive by walking in, being brought by a parent or guardian, or under a psychiatric hold if they pose a danger to themselves or others.
Other crisis resources
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. The county’s Mobile Crisis Response Team is also available 24/7 at 800-952-2335 for community-based intervention. Anyone in emotional distress can also reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
For updates on the Hope Forward center, visit santacruzhealth.org/YouthCrisis
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