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Addressing Questions

Q: How is this program different than other mental health services?
A: Think of the BHUCC as an urgent care center for those experiencing a mental health problem (much like a medical urgent care center people go to instead of going to the hospital.) This facility is unique and responds to a huge gap in the community of Long Beach to take the burden off police and hospitals and provide much more appropriate care for individuals. Currently, those with unmet mental health needs are turning to the local emergency rooms at Memorial, St. Mary’s, Community and College hospitals, leading to longer waits for ER services for other patients and taking police away from important duties.

Q: What insurance does this program accept?
A: The BHUCC accepts all insurance plans, including Medi-Cal. Individuals without insurance are also able to receive services. Contact us for more information.

Q: Does your program accept walk-ins?
A: Yes, walk-ins are welcome. Call ahead for additional information and estimated wait times.

Q: What happens when a patient is ready to leave?
A: All patients have a discharge plan that includes their going to a safe place, ideally with others to check in on them. We are responsible to assure transportation is provided for all patients to where they reside. Patients are transported via van, are picked up by a family member or another agency that will be caring for them, or are supported to go on the bus.

Q: What happens after someone has been there 24 hours?
A: Most patients are at the facility a few hours. Under 10% of patients will not sufficiently stabilize within the 24 hours to safely return to the community. These patients will be transported to a psychiatric hospital for further care.

Q: Are patients be released in the middle of the night?
A: For their safety, patients stay overnight inside the facility and aren’t released until daylight hours.

Q: Does this program serve the homeless?
A: Fewer than 10% of our patients are homeless, as the majority are people of all types – rich or poor, adolescents and adults. This is not designed as a program for the homeless, and we don’t serve meals nor provide housing. However, for those patients who are homeless, we believe this program reduces homelessness by connecting people to housing, community resources, and access to medication to help them stabilize and remain in housing.

Q: Is this like a “Med Clinic?”
A: No, this is not a walk-in medication clinic where people can just come for medication; nor is it a pharmacy. That said, some patients who are admitted need medications for various reasons, so after doing a full assessment, we can help them get back on track with the right medication — often a big step in their recovery.

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Names and photos have been changed to protect clients.