Marin Gets $13M For Mental Health & Substance Abuse Facilities

SAN RAFAEL, CA — Marin County has received more than $13 million in state grants to fund two facilities designed to provide services for mental health and substance abuse issues. According to the county, both projects aim to "break the cycle" that leads people into the criminal justice system, redirecting them toward recovery and reintegration.

In a news release, officials said $5.5 million will fund the Behavioral Health and Recovery Services partnership with Sonoma County to repurpose a former rehab into a full-service behavioral health and crisis support center in Santa Rosa. Once completed, the new facility will offer an array of services under one roof, including treatments for mental health issues and substance abuse, along with housing assistance.

Nearly $8 million will help the BHRS convert a county-owned building into a short-term mental health and substance abuse treatment facility. The state funds add to the $1 million awarded last year for a sober living home and other support resources and programs.

"These grants are a tremendous victory for Marin County," said Dr. Todd Schirmer, the BHRS director. "The newly established mental health and substance use treatment facilities will provide options beyond incarceration, hospitalization, homelessness, and institutionalization for people with behavioral health conditions. This innovative model of care is poised to bring about transformative benefits for all residents of Marin County, including improved social outcomes, more people getting high-quality care and housing support instead of returning to jail, and substantial cost savings in housing and justice-related expenses."