Services:
Architecture
Interiors
The Santa Cruz County Children’s Crisis Center is a vital project that houses two much-needed programs for youth in Santa Cruz County. The center repurposes an existing office building in a centrally located site with direct freeway access, making it an ideal choice for accessibility and efficiency. Designed as a secure and specialized environment, the facility provides immediate support and intervention for children and adolescents experiencing acute emotional, psychological, or behavioral crises. As part of the county’s broader crisis response system, the center plays a critical role in safeguarding the health and well-being of vulnerable youth.
The first floor is divided into two functional areas. One section is dedicated to administrative and clinical support services for the County’s Behavioral Health Services, including spaces for both group and individual therapy. The other section houses the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU), which provides short-term, intensive support with a 23:59-hour hold for children in crisis. The CSU is an essential component of the mental health care continuum, delivering immediate care in a safe, therapeutic setting to stabilize children and address their urgent emotional and behavioral needs.
The second floor serves as a dedicated inpatient children’s mental health facility, offering a voluntary 12-day stay program. This specialized healthcare setting provides intensive, round-the-clock treatment for children and adolescents struggling with significant mental health challenges. Designed to be both safe and therapeutic, the program offers comprehensive assessment, individualized treatment, and continuous support, ensuring that young individuals receive the care they need to begin their path toward recovery and long-term well-being.
