San Ramon residents and others in Contra Costa County are being asked to help shape the future of local mental health and behavioral services. As the county prepares to redesign its Behavioral Health system for the 2026–2029 cycle, officials are inviting the public to participate in a survey and virtual town hall forums to gather input.
The initiative is led by Contra Costa Health Services, which is seeking input on topics such as access to mental health care, substance use treatment, and overall community wellness needs. Officials say the responses will be used to inform planning and service improvements that reflect the community’s actual needs. All responses are anonymous and will be compiled into an overall summary to guide the planning process.
The survey, open until Saturday, allows residents to provide direct feedback on what kind of support and programs they would like to see in the next few years. Whether individuals have used these services themselves, have loved ones who have, or simply care about the future of mental health care in their community, their perspectives are welcome and valuable.
In addition to the survey, the county is hosting two virtual town halls on Thursday to hear directly from residents. One forum will be held at 2 p.m. in Spanish, and another at 6 p.m. in English. The events provide a platform for people to share their concerns, suggest improvements, and ask questions about future mental and behavioral health programs. Residents can join via a simple online link.
Contra Costa Health Services emphasized that this outreach effort is part of a broader push toward making behavioral health services more accessible, inclusive, and community-driven. In recent years, the need for mental health and substance use support has increased significantly, and county officials want to ensure their services evolve accordingly.
With mental health continuing to be a critical issue across California, particularly in the wake of the pandemic and rising cost of living stressors, efforts like this one are key to tailoring resources to real-time community needs. Residents are strongly encouraged to participate and have their voices heard before the survey closes.
