Location: San Juan Capistrano, California.
Date: April 11, 2025.
A New Resource for Youth Mental Health
The first Allcove center has officially broken ground in San Juan Capistrano, marking a significant expansion of mental health resources in Orange County. Funded by a generous $2.7 million grant from CalOptima Health to the Wellness & Prevention Center (WPC), this center aims to provide vital support for youth between the ages of 12 and 25.
What is the Allcove?
The Allcove represents a youth-centered mental health initiative, designed to offer community, support, and essential resources for young people. Expected to open its doors this summer, the facility will provide affordable mental health and wellness services, as well as various support avenues tailored to the emotional, physical, and social well-being of the youth.
Wide Range of Services
As one of only five Allcove locations established in California, this center will feature a comprehensive suite of services:
- Mental and physical health care.
- Support for substance use disorders.
- Peer and family support.
- Access to housing and employment resources.
Youth Involvement
Carmen Katsarov, Executive Director of Behavioral Health Integration at CalOptima Health, emphasized the project’s youth-centric approach: ‘CalOptima Health is really proud to be part of this project because it’s a space that young people have created for each other.’ This echoes the organization’s commitment to providing welcoming and inclusive mental health resources shaped directly by youth voices.
Youth Advisory Group Contributions
The concept of the Allcove was significantly influenced by its Youth Advisory Group composed of local high school and college students. For two years, these young advisors have shared insights on the center’s design and the amenities offered, resulting in features like a learning kitchen, a clothing swap area, a food pantry, and laundry services.
Collaboration with UC Irvine
The Allcove initiative aligns with California’s Children & Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, with oversight by WPC in collaboration with UC Irvine’s School of Social Ecology. Peer support specialists, young adults detailing personal experiences, will offer crucial support under the supervision of licensed clinicians.
Transformative Approach to Mental Health
Susan Parmelee, Executive Director of WPC, shared, ‘Our health care system is often too focused on individuals who are at their breaking point, neglecting those who are still on their journeys.’ The Allcove aims to address this by fostering a nurturing environment that allows young people to thrive.
Conclusion
The establishment of the Allcove is a transformative step towards enhancing mental health support for youth in Orange County. By creating a dedicated space for young people to seek help, the Allcove seeks to foster a community of support and resilience among the youth population.
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