Lake County Behavioral Health Services

03/27/2026

You could save a life!

We’re excited to offer free online QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) trainings to our community! QPR is a simple, powerful tool that helps you recognize the warning signs of su***de and learn how to respond with confidence and care.

Just like CPR helps in a medical emergency, QPR helps you support someone in a mental health crisis. 💚

These virtual trainings are open to anyone—no prior experience needed. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, friend, coworker, or community member, you can make a difference.

✨ Learn the signs
✨ Build confidence to have tough conversations
✨ Connect people to the help they need

📅 View upcoming dates & register here:

March 31st - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/question-persuade-refer-qpr-tickets-1985289338855?aff=oddtdtcreator

April 1st - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/question-persuade-refer-qpr-tickets-1985391796308?aff=oddtdtcreator

April 8th - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/question-persuade-refer-qpr-tickets-1985391942746?aff=oddtdtcreator

April 14th - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/question-persuade-refer-qpr-tickets-1985392032013?aff=oddtdtcreator

April 22 - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/question-persuade-refer-qpr-tickets-1985392213556?aff=oddtdtcreator

April 29th - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/question-persuade-refer-qpr-tickets-1985392259694?aff=oddtdtcreator

03/27/2026

03/25/2026

Recognizing the warning signs of su***de can help save a life. If you notice these signs in someone you care about, reaching out can make a difference. Support is available 24/7. Call, text, or chat 988 to connect with a skilled, compassionate counselor.

03/25/2026

03/25/2026

Lake County Behavioral Health Services Announces Closure of Wellness Centers Due to Budgetary Changes

Lake County, CA (March 24, 2026) – Lake County Behavioral Health Services (LCBHS) announces the upcoming closure of two peer support centers as a result of recent budgetary changes impacting behavioral health funding across California.

The Big Oak Peer Support Center in Clearlake Oaks and the Circle of Native Minds in Lakeport will both close effective June 1, 2026.

These closures are being made in response to statewide changes tied to Proposition 1 (California 2024) and the transition to the Behavioral Health Services Act, which have significantly restructured how behavioral health funding can be allocated at the county level.

Peer support centers have long provided safe, welcoming spaces where individuals can connect with others who have shared lived experience, access support, and build community. LCBHS acknowledges the meaningful impact these programs and extends its gratitude to the staff, partners, and community members who have contributed to their success. While these closures represent a significant change, prevention, early intervention, and community-based support remain core values of the department. As the BHSA framework continues to take shape, LCBHS will continue exploring ways to sustain prevention-focused work through partnerships, grants, and alignment with the state’s new initiatives.

LCBHS also shared that it is exploring opportunities to continue peer-driven services in alternative formats. This includes evaluating the potential use of the Clubhouse Model at its remaining peer support center, La Voz de la Esperanza in Clearlake. The Clubhouse Model is a community-based approach to recovery that focuses on building connection, purpose, and a sense of belonging through shared activities and peer support. Planning efforts are ongoing, and additional details will be shared as they become available.

LCBHS remains committed to ensuring that individuals continue to have access to behavioral health services and support. Community members in need of immediate assistance are encouraged to contact the Lake County Behavioral Health Crisis Line at 1-800-900-2075, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Additional information about available services and supports will be shared as it becomes available.

For more information, please contact:
Megan Morgan
Community Liaison
Lake County Behavioral Health Services
Megan.morgan@lakecountyca.gov
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03/25/2026

Have you heard about the CARE Act?

“What is the CARE Act?”
The Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act provides community-based behavioral health services and supports to eligible Californians living with schizophrenia spectrum or other psychotic disorders through a new civil court process focused on recovery.

"Why does it matter?"
The CARE Act offers an alternative to:
🚫 Involuntary hospitalization
🚫 Conservatorship
🚫 Jail or homelessness

“Who can qualify for the CARE Act?”
Adults (18+) with untreated schizophrenia or related psychoaffective disorders who are:
🔹 Not engaged in treatment
🔹 Struggling to survive safely
🔹 Likely to benefit from support

“Who can submit a petition for someone to participate in the CARE Act?”
Under the CARE Act, the following people can file a petition:
Family members
Licensed behavioral health professionals
Licensed clinicians
First responders
Public guardians and conservators
Certain judges or representatives

“What happens after a petition is filed?”
Once a petition is filed, the court reviews the request and asks the county’s behavioral health team to engage with the individual and assess whether they’re eligible for a CARE Plan.

To learn more about the CARE Act, check out: https://www.chhs.ca.gov/care-act/

03/24/2026

Join us for our monthly Hold Fire: Safe Firearm Storage Coalition meeting!

🗓 When: 2nd Wednesday of every month
📍 Where: Frick Hall 853 11th Street, Lakeport

Join us as we work together to promote safe firearm storage and build a safer, stronger community.

03/24/2026

Our mobile crisis response team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you are in crisis give us a call at 1-800-900-2075

03/23/2026