Encompass Community Services celebrated the full opening of Sí Se Puede Behavioral Health Center on Oct. 19, which will offer expanded residential treatment, withdrawal management services and outpatient care all on the same campus.
The health center offers both residential treatment and outpatient services for mental health and substance use disorders. This offers a full continuum of care to meet clients’ needs where they are at on their recovery journey, Encompass said in a press release on Oct. 19.
The $18 million investment expands the residential treatment capacity from 10 to 30 beds and introduces withdrawal management services, commonly known as detoxing, to the programming. Eight of 30 beds are designated for detoxification, which includes medically supervised services to monitor and treat alcohol or drug withdrawal symptoms.
Over a decade in the making, the new center expands access for addiction and mental health services in South County.
“For more than 30 years, Sí Se Puede has been a place where people have found hope, healing, and a second chance,” said CEO Kim Morrison. “Now… our beloved Sí Se Puede program has a facility worthy of its longstanding reputation.”
Clients participate in approximately 25 hours of educational and structured programming per week, which ranges from individual and group counseling to physical activity and mindfulness exercises.
Outpatient substance use disorder services include bilingual individual, group and family counseling, medication-assisted treatment services and ongoing peer support. Encompass staff are available to support clients with coordinating medical and dental care, legal teams and providing housing and financial resources.
Founded in 1981, Sí Se Puede initially served 23 clients and was built around culturally responsive care via bilingual and bicultural programming. According to the press release, Sí Se Puede translates to “it can be done,” which reflects the organization’s belief that people have the power to reclaim their lives and create a different future.
“Reaching this milestone is an incredible feeling, especially knowing the difference this center will make for our community,” Morrison said. “…I’m incredibly proud of our team and deeply grateful to the many community partners and supporters who helped make this day possible.”
Syd Fluker is a California Local News Fellow. Visit fellowships.journalism.berkeley.edu/cafellows.
