Get a glimpse of our Grand Opening Ceremony in May 2024.

Services

Rates of self-harm, anxiety, depression, and suicide have increased among children and adolescents in a trend that began even before the pandemic.  Kern County has taken a step to address these needs by opening a brand new 16-bed Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF) for youth in Bakersfield. 

The center, operated by Central Star, is designed to serve youth requiring either voluntary or involuntary psychiatric services.  It provides a 24-hour therapeutic and rehabilitative treatment program aimed at improving the ability of youth to function adequately in the community by addressing and improving their mental health challenges.

The facility is divided into two sections: one for adolescents ages 12-17 years old, and another for younger children ages 5-11. The youth stay at the center for a short period of time to stabilize and receive services.

The PHF is designed like a home, with comfortable common areas, a dining area where healthy meals are provided, client bedrooms, and an outside recreation courtyard. (include interior photo if we get one or this drawing that will become a mural.)

The Youth PHF coordinates with families, community-based organizations, and others for aftercare and maintaining safety for youth. There’s also a twin facility next door that provides similar services for adults. This comprehensive approach ensures that mental health care is accessible and effective for all age groups in the community.

Who is the program for?

• Provides intensive treatment programs with individualized care plans for up to 16 clients and their families

• Serves youth who require acute inpatient psychiatric care due to being a danger to themselves, a danger to others, gravely disabled, or any combination as a result of behavioral health condition or challenges.

• Offers counseling, psychiatry, medication support, nursing, and rehabilitation services including therapeutic group activities and expressive arts

• Moves clients through five phases: admission; engagement; learning; stabilization; and linkage to resources and aftercare

• Accepts Kern County clients with Medi-Cal and those who have limited resources.

• Is available for contracting with Central Valley counties

• Is licensed by the California Department of Health Care Services

Referrals

The referrals come through crisis continuums or hospitals. Self-referrals or family referrals are not accepted.

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Central Star Behavioral Health is a program of Stars Behavioral Health Group. In partnership with the Kern County Department of Behavioral Health & Recovery Services.