Community Research Foundation - Vista Balboa Crisis Center

Vista Balboa Crisis Center is a trusted provider of short-term psychiatric stabilization and crisis care, located in the heart of San Diego's Bankers Hill neighborhood, adjacent to Balboa Park. As a Short-Term Acute Residential Treatment (START) facility, Vista Balboa offers a compassionate and voluntary alternative to psychiatric hospitalization in a safe, home-like environment.

Designed for individuals in psychiatric crisis, the center delivers a wide range of evidence-based and client-centered services, including behavioral health and psychiatric evaluations, medication management, individual and group counseling, and structured milieu therapy. The program also incorporates life skills education, integrated substance use treatment, recreational and social engagement, and comprehensive discharge planning to ensure continuity of care.

With an average stay of nine days, Vista Balboa Crisis Center provides rapid support and stabilization with a focus on empowering individuals for long-term recovery. Services are funded by the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), Behavioral Health Services, ensuring accessible mental health crisis intervention for those in need.