Program Overview
About the Program
Wellness Centers
The Wellness Centers provide a welcoming, recovery-oriented environment designed to support adults with behavioral health needs in building wellness, independence, and community connection. Services emphasize peer support, cultural responsiveness, and accessible pathways into the behavioral health system.
Program Purpose & Goals
The program is designed to:
- Support adults with serious mental illness (SMI) in maintaining independence and community stability.
- Engage unserved or underserved community members in supportive, low-barrier services.
- Create inclusive, peer-led spaces that promote empowerment and recovery.
- Use evidence-based and culturally relevant practices to help clients:
- Build mutual support networks
- Participate in recreation and wellness activities
- Connect with behavioral health and community resources
- Strengthen daily living skills
- Navigate housing resources and Housing Navigation Centers
Who We Serve
Target Population
Adults experiencing mental health challenges, including individuals who may:
- Be homeless or at risk of homelessness
- Have co-occurring substance use or physical health conditions
- Frequently use emergency or hospital services
- Be at risk of institutional placement
- Have limited English proficiency
- Be connected or unconnected to ACBH mental health services
Eligibility
Participants must:
- Be an Alameda County resident
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have mental health needs
- Be unconnected to specialty mental health services or need additional support beyond existing services
- Be transitioning from case management or similar programs
Referral Pathways
Referrals may come from:
- Any ACBH-contracted provider
- Mobile crisis teams
- Community partners
- Community members
- City of Berkeley Mental Health (when applicable)
Individuals living in Berkeley who are not enrolled in specialty mental health services must first be routed through City of Berkeley Mental Health for assessment.
Core Service Model
The Wellness Centers operate as peer-supported, community-based wellness hubs offering rehabilitative, educational, and social support services. The program emphasizes:
- Wellness and recovery principles
- Accessibility and inclusivity
- Consumer and family involvement
- Cultural responsiveness
- Strong community partnerships
- Measurable outcomes and continuous improvement
Program Activities May Include
- Peer-led and staff-led support groups
- Social skills development
- Seeking Safety groups
- Recreational and community integration activities
- Educational and spiritual support
- Individual peer support
- Resource navigation and referrals
- Computer skills and digital literacy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Wellness Management & Recovery (WMR)
- Partners in Change outcomes tracking
- Consumer-run self-help center activities
- Creative arts and wellness workshops
Crisis and Care Coordination
Clients needing higher levels of care are assisted in connecting with:
- Wellness Center outpatient programs
- ACBH ACCESS
- Crisis Response Team (CRT)
Operational Details
Hours of Operation
Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Service Locations
- Berkeley Wellness Center
1909 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704 - Field-based community services
Staffing Requirements
Minimum staffing includes:
- 4.15 FTE Mental Health Rehabilitation Specialists / Adjunct Staff
Contract Deliverables
Annual Process Objectives
- Provide 4,560 hours of combined MAA-billable and peer/wellness services
- Serve at least 40 clients annually
- Maintain complete and accurate MAA activity logs
- Offer 15 support groups or activities per week
Quality Objective
| Measure | Target |
|---|---|
| Clients satisfied with services (“I like the services I received here”) | ≥ 85% |
Impact Objective
| Measure | Target |
|---|---|
| Clients who report improved ability to deal with daily problems | ≥ 50% |
Reporting & Evaluation Requirements
Monthly
- Submit MAA logs (sorted by staff and date) by the 15th of each month.
Quarterly Reports
| Quarter | Period | Due |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Jul 1 – Sept 30 | Oct 31 |
| 2nd | Oct 1 – Dec 31 | Jan 31 |
| 3rd | Jan 1 – Mar 31 | Apr 30 |
| 4th/Annual | Jul 1 – Jun 30 | Jul 31 |
Quarterly reports must also be submitted to the City of Berkeley Program Manager when applicable.
Annual
- Submit MHSA CSS Annual Report within 30 days of fiscal year end.
Sign-In
- Electronic sign-in system available (optional for clients).
Additional Requirements
- Contractor must provide indemnification to the City of Berkeley in alignment with Alameda County’s standard indemnification provisions.
- The program must maintain a Medi-Cal Administrative Activities (MAA) claim plan and maximize allowable MAA revenue.