Expanding Access to Mental Health Services in Laguna Beach and Laguna Niguel

Orange County communities of Laguna Beach and Laguna Niguel are actively working to improve access to mental health services for residents, with initiatives ranging from mobile crisis response teams to community-based psychological care programs. These efforts reflect a growing recognition of the importance of mental well-being and a commitment to providing equitable access to care.

Laguna Beach’s “Be Well” Mobile Crisis Response Program

The Laguna Beach City Council approved an amended agreement with Be Well OC to continue mobile mental health services through fiscal year 2025-26. The program, which began as a pilot in August 2023, provides on-the-ground crisis intervention. The amended agreement adjusts service hours to 10 a.m. To 6 p.m. Daily, aligning staffing with peak call times, while maintaining two crisis intervention specialists available seven days a week. This adjustment reduces the program’s annual cost from approximately $850,000 to $491,000, without impacting the city’s general fund, relying instead on a mix of private donations and state grants.

City staff and Be Well representatives emphasize the program’s value in providing on-scene mental health and substance-use support, and are working to better integrate it with local emergency services, hospital discharge planning, and housing navigation. The revised model aims to continue mobile crisis coverage efficiently.

Laguna Niguel’s Community-Based Psychological Care Initiative

Laguna Niguel has implemented the ‘Mental Health for All’ project, a community intervention initiative focused on providing accessible and free psychological care in local citizen centers. The program operated between March and December 2025, delivering a total of 216 hours of intervention across 36 days of care, with sessions lasting 45-60 minutes. Approximately 120 people were served, representing an increase in coverage compared to the previous year.

The initiative primarily served women aged 45-80, including retirees, housewives, and individuals facing social vulnerability, often experiencing loneliness, anxiety, depression, and limited social support. Young adults with adaptation problems, stress, and emotional difficulties were likewise assisted. Sessions were held in various citizen centers – Princesa Yballa, San Jerónimo, Las Madres de Padre Anchieta, Tejina, and Salud Alto El Rocío – with schedules and locations adjusted based on demand to optimize resource allocation.

The program’s methodology included initial evaluations, individual psychological attention, brief focused interventions, psychoeducation, referral to specialized resources, and case follow-up. Results indicated improvements in emotional well-being, reduced anxiety and stress, enhanced coping strategies, and early detection of psychosocial risks. The project also contributed to normalizing the seeking of psychological help and reducing associated stigma.

Regional Collaboration and Future Outlook

The City of Laguna Niguel’s 2025 Strategic Plan includes a commitment to share homeless and mental health resources with surrounding cities. This collaborative approach aims to create a more comprehensive and coordinated regional response to mental health needs. Both cities plan to review these initiatives every 5 to 10 years to ensure continued effectiveness and relevance.

These initiatives demonstrate a proactive approach to mental health care in Orange County, prioritizing accessibility, affordability, and community-based support. Continued investment and collaboration will be crucial to meeting the evolving needs of residents and fostering a culture of well-being.