Transforming Mental Health Support: Orange County Takes Charge at Be Well Orange Campus

In a significant move for mental health and substance use care, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has officially taken over the management and operations of the Be Well Orange Campus, located at 265 South Anita Drive, Orange, CA. This transition, effective October 1, 2024, marks a pivotal step in ensuring that the residents of Orange County receive uninterrupted and enhanced support for their mental health and substance use disorder needs.

A Commitment to Quality Care

The Be Well Orange Campus is more than just a facility; it’s a lifeline for those grappling with behavioral health crises. The County of Orange is dedicated to maintaining high-quality care while also expanding the range of services offered. Here’s a closer look at what the campus provides:

• Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU): Operated by Exodus, this unit offers 24/7 emergency psychiatric evaluation and crisis stabilization services for individuals aged 13 and older. Key services include:
• Psychiatric evaluations
• Individual and group therapy
• Family education
• Peer mentorship
• Crisis Residential Program (CRP): Also provided by Exodus, this program offers voluntary short-term services for adults to stabilize their symptoms without hospitalization.
• Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Residential Treatment: Managed by HealthRIGHT 360, this program serves 30 adults, offering comprehensive care including treatment planning, counseling, and medication services.
• Sobering Center: Although temporarily closed, it will soon reopen in partnership with CalOptima Health. In the meantime, sobering services are available at Phoenix House in Santa Ana.

Enhancing Community Support

The County of Orange remains steadfast in its mission to elevate behavioral health services within the community. By building on the Be Well brand as a trusted resource, the goal is to provide accessible and effective mental health and substance use treatment options for all residents. For those seeking help, the county encourages contacting OC Links at (855) 625-4657, available 24/7, or visiting OCNavigator.org for more information.

What’s Next for Orange County's Mental Health Services?

As the Be Well Orange Campus enters this new chapter, the focus will be on not only maintaining existing programs but also exploring innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the community. The collaborative efforts between the county and various service providers will be crucial in shaping the future of mental health care in Orange County.

What do you think?

• How effective do you believe the management transition will be for mental health services in Orange County?
• What additional services do you think should be prioritized at the Be Well Orange Campus?
• Do you believe enough is being done to address mental health and substance use disorders in your community?
• Should mental health services be expanded to include more diverse treatment options, such as holistic therapies?
• How can the community better support individuals struggling with mental health issues?