Father Joe's sees uptick in psychiatry services
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More people are seeking mental health care at Father Joe's Villages as services expand.
Why it matters: Research shows the majority of unhoused people have mental health disorders, and getting treatment is a critical component to helping them get out and stay out of homelessness.
Driving the news: Father Joe's Village Health Center downtown has added more medical professionals, leading to more appointments to provide care and medications that help stabilize more patients.
- The facility offers same-day walk-in access to services, so those who are in mental health distress can be connected with a provider that same day.
Zoom in: The center offers medical, behavioral health, substance use disorder and psychiatry services. The street health team also provides that care where people are living — on the streets and in parks and canyons.
- They treat PTSD, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia and other severe mental health diagnoses.
By the numbers: Psychiatry services visits doubled in the second quarter of 2025 compared with the same time last year, according to Father Joe's.
- 424 unhoused individuals sought this treatment from April to June of this year, compared with 280 during that timeframe in 2024.
- The substance use disorder treatment and recovery program has served 60% more individuals than anticipated in the first half of the year.
Between the lines: As the toll of fentanyl rises locally, unhoused individuals facing mental health challenges are especially vulnerable, according to chief health officer Megan Partch.
- Drug use is the most prevalent contributing factor in homeless deaths in San Diego County, and there's a "critical lack of resources for people facing substance use disorder," Partch said.
State of play: There are 100 detox beds countywide, but only two are in the city — where a majority of the overdose deaths occur, according to Partch.
- Interfaith Community Services expanded its detox program in March to 32 beds in Escondido, with The Fellowship Center, Serenity House and Oceanside's Family Recovery Center also in North County.
- Father Joe's is also adding a 44-bed detox center along with its sober living shelter at the Village Health Center later this year.
What we're watching: California law now allows involuntary commitment for people with severe substance use disorders, further heightening the need for local treatment facilities.