San Francisco Expands Behavioral Health Services Amidst Ongoing Crisis

San Francisco is expanding its network of behavioral health services, adding new beds and centers to address the city’s ongoing mental health and addiction crisis. These efforts come as the city continues to grapple with high overdose rates and a shortage of treatment options, and follow criticism of previous approaches to public health and safety.

New Facilities and Bed Capacity

Construction is slated to begin in winter of 2026 on a 64,000-square-foot, six-story building on Treasure Island, located at Tradewinds Avenue and Mackey Lane. This new facility will house 172 recovery beds, relocated from existing housing on the island. The city is also planning additional projects, with timelines to be determined, according to city officials.

A new behavioral health center opened on May 2, 2025, at 822 Geary Street, geared toward treating unhoused individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Individuals can access the center for a quiet space and connection to medical professionals.

Crestwood Health organization will operate 50 locked beds at Hyde Hospital for individuals under mental health conservatorship, and currently oversees the stabilization center at 822 Geary St.

Sobering Centers and Integrated Services

City officials envision a sobering center at 1660 Mission St. That will also serve as a hub for other public health care services, including pharmacy pick-ups, case worker meetings, and health assessments. This would be the second sobering center established by the Lurie administration, following the upcoming opening of the RESET Center, where police will drop off individuals arrested for outdoor drug use instead of booking them into jail.

Concerns and Challenges

Despite the expansion of services, concerns remain regarding access to care. Limited bed availability has previously led to individuals being sent as far as Santa Barbara for treatment, or being left without appropriate care.

Some addiction experts and advocates have also raised alarms over the scaling back of harm reduction programs and the potential for increased overdose risk following release from jail or prison. Studies have shown a correlation between release from incarceration and increased risk of fatal and non-fatal overdose.

A previous police-friendly triage center on Sixth Street has tapered off services, including providing seating and access to social services.

Overdose Rates and City Initiatives

Overdose rates in San Francisco continue to fluctuate but remain high, with fentanyl being a commonly involved substance in accidental overdose deaths.

Mayor Lurie has highlighted progress in addressing street-level conditions, including a decrease in tent encampments and increased participation in Journey Home, a program providing transportation out of the city for unhoused individuals.

“We know that we have challenges on our streets, but with this momentum, we will continue to push for results for the people of San Francisco,” Lurie stated. “We must preserve going.”