CRF Vista Balboa Crisis Center

Vista Balboa Crisis Center, located near San Diego's Balboa Park, is a Short-Term Acute Residential Treatment (START) program offering a voluntary, home-like alternative to psychiatric hospitalization for adults aged 18 and older experiencing severe psychiatric crises. The center primarily addresses mental health conditions and may also support individuals with co-occurring substance use disorders, provided these are not the primary focus. To qualify, clients must have stable medical conditions manageable at an outpatient level and must voluntarily agree to the program's guidelines. The average length of stay is nine days. Vista Balboa Crisis Center provides a range of services, including psychiatric evaluations, medication management, individual and group counseling, life skills education, integrated substance use treatment, recreational activities, and discharge planning for continued care. By offering personalized care in a supportive environment, the program serves as an effective alternative to hospitalization. Part of the Community Research Foundation, the program accepts Medi-Cal beneficiaries and uninsured individuals, with no one denied services based on inability to pay. The Vista Balboa Crisis Center offers services in both English and Spanish to improve accessibility.