Not since 2012 and the closing of Panorama Ranch has Morongo Basin had a mental health crisis residential treatment facility. Since then, the closest facility within San Bernardino County is in Loma Linda, some 70 miles away. Assignment reporter Mike Lipsitz tells us about a plan to change all that …
San Bernardino County recently put Morongo Basin at the top of the list for construction of a mental health crisis residential treatment center. The Department of Behavioral Health identified the Basin due to the lack of a residential treatment facility in an environment of increasing demand. Already, the county is scouting for a one to two-acre site suitable for construction of a 10,000 square foot facility. Projected to open in Spring 2018, the center will employ of professional staff of 20 to provide 24/7 clinical assessment and therapy to those with serious mental health conditions or with co-occurring substance abuse issues. The 10-bed facility would offer up to 30 days of treatment before releasing patients to the next logical stage of treatment. Construction will be paid from a $5.6 million state grant; while operating expenses will be funded through the county. Plans for the facility were announced at the regular June meeting of the Morongo Basin Municipal Advisory Council.
COUNTY PLANS TO OPEN MENTAL HEALTH CENTER IN MORONGO BASIN
