Learn and give input on new crisis response team

Give input, ask questions, and learn more at a meeting about a new Berkeley program which will provide round-the-clock, in-person support to people experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis without involvement from law enforcement.

At the May 31 meeting, you’ll get to hear from City staff as well as the nonprofit that will be providing the service, Bonita House, which has more than a half century of experience providing mental health to our community’s most vulnerable.

The goal for this program, the Specialized Care Unit, is to provide an alternative for people who avoid seeking mental health crisis support due to fear about the role of law enforcement. Come out, see what’s being proposed, and ask questions.

May 31 Community Meeting

Attend the meeting. Invite others. Your attendance helps us capture a broad set of experiences.

If you do not have access to a personal computer, you can join at a communal login in the Large Conference Room at the South Berkeley Senior Center, 2939 Ellis Street.

Mental health crisis response

The City of Berkeley Specialized Care Unit aims to improve the City’s ability to meet the volume and types of mental health crisis needs across the city.

The Specialized Care Unit emerged out of a Berkeley City Council–initiated process to re-imagine public safety in the City of Berkeley. In the “Links” section below, you can read the consultant’s reports, and the accompanying analysis from a Steering Committee, which includes city staff and community members.

This unit’s work would be separate from, but complementary to the City’s pioneering Mobile Crisis Team, which partners Berkeley Mental Health staff with Berkeley Police. You can reach the team in response to life-threatening situations via 911, urgent but not life threatening via (510) 981-5900, and non-urgent consultations at (510) 981-5254.

Get updates via our email newsletter, or email us questions or comments. Register to get the May 31 meeting zoom link, and come to the meeting either virtually or at the shared space at the South Berkeley Senior Center.

Links

• Register for May 31 public meeting on Specialized Care Unit
• Reports about Berkeley’s Specialized Care Unit
  • Crisis Response Models
  • Mental Health Crisis Response Services & Stakeholder Perspectives
  • Specialized Care Unit Crisis Response Recommendations
  • Steering Committee Analysis on the RDA Recommendations
• City of Berkeley Crisis Services