Press release from the Yurok Tribe:

The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has awarded the Yurok Tribe $12 million through the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Round II to develop a Peer Respite Center as part of its expanding behavioral health infrastructure in the Weitchpec area.

This major project includes a culturally grounded, non-clinical, peer-supported facility designed to serve individuals experiencing mental health challenges, including those transitioning from inpatient treatment, crisis stabilization settings, or requiring step-down support to prevent higher levels of care. The center will complement clinical and youth‑focused facilities planned for construction nearby. 

The Peer Respite Center is a critical component of the Tribe’s continuum of care, addressing identified gaps in post-treatment recovery support and helping prevent unnecessary hospitalization or re-hospitalization. The facility will enhance local capacity by providing a structured, home-like environment where individuals can stabilize, receive peer-based support, and reconnect with family, culture, and community.

Developed in alignment with BHCIP program requirements, the project supports the Tribe’s long-term expansion of behavioral health infrastructure and will operate in coordination with the Wah-sekw Won Yurok Health and Wellness Center and Youth Center to create an integrated system of care.

“Working in unison, these three facilities will provide treatment close to home, helping people stay connected to family while benefiting from a broad range of supportive services,” said Joseph L. James, Chairman of the Yurok Tribe. “The Peer Respite Center reflects our commitment to building a sovereign, community-driven behavioral health system that meets the needs of our people today and for generations to come.”

The Peer Respite Center will serve Tribal members and other Native individuals experiencing behavioral health needs within the region, with a focus on culturally responsive, trauma-informed support services.

Funded through the State of California’s Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond, the project will be implemented in accordance with DHCS requirements and applicable federal and Tribal compliance frameworks. The facility is expected to be operational by June 2031.

Wellness and Youth Centers

Located near Weitchpec, the Wah-sekw Won Yurok Health and Wellness Center will encompass approximately 26,000 square feet and include 53 inpatient beds, with accommodations for both men and women. This facility will provide inpatient behavioral health services, including mental health and substance use disorder treatment, as well as outpatient services such as behavioral health counseling and primary care. Services will be available to Yurok Tribal members, all Native Americans and the broader community.

The model of care is designed to deliver comprehensive, holistic services that address physical, mental, social, and cultural health needs across the lifespan—from infants to elders.

 The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has awarded the Yurok Tribe $12 million through the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Round II to develop a Peer Respite Center as part of its expanding behavioral health infrastructure in the Weitchpec area.

This major project includes a culturally grounded, non-clinical, peer-supported facility designed to serve individuals experiencing mental health challenges, including those transitioning from inpatient treatment, crisis stabilization settings, or requiring step-down support to prevent higher levels of care. The center will complement clinical and youth‑focused facilities planned for construction nearby.

The Peer Respite Center is a critical component of the Tribe’s continuum of care, addressing identified gaps in post-treatment recovery support and helping prevent unnecessary hospitalization or re-hospitalization. The facility will enhance local capacity by providing a structured, home-like environment where individuals can stabilize, receive peer-based support, and reconnect with family, culture, and community.

Developed in alignment with BHCIP program requirements, the project supports the Tribe’s long-term expansion of behavioral health infrastructure and will operate in coordination with the Wah-sekw Won Yurok Health and Wellness Center and Youth Center to create an integrated system of care.

“Working in unison, these three facilities will provide treatment close to home, helping people stay connected to family while benefiting from a broad range of supportive services,” said Joseph L. James, Chairman of the Yurok Tribe. “The Peer Respite Center reflects our commitment to building a sovereign, community-driven behavioral health system that meets the needs of our people today and for generations to come.”

The Peer Respite Center will serve Tribal members and other Native individuals experiencing behavioral health needs within the region, with a focus on culturally responsive, trauma-informed support services.

Funded through the State of California’s Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond, the project will be implemented in accordance with DHCS requirements and applicable federal and Tribal compliance frameworks. The facility is expected to be operational by June 2031.

Wellness and Youth Centers

Located near Weitchpec, the Wah-sekw Won Yurok Health and Wellness Center will encompass approximately 26,000 square feet and include 53 inpatient beds, with accommodations for both men and women. This facility will provide inpatient behavioral health services, including mental health and substance use disorder treatment, as well as outpatient services such as behavioral health counseling and primary care. Services will be available to Yurok Tribal members, all Native Americans and the broader community.

The model of care is designed to deliver comprehensive, holistic services that address physical, mental, social, and cultural health needs across the lifespan—from infants to elders.

The Tribe anticipates breaking ground on the Health and Wellness Center this summer, with construction completion targeted for Spring 2028. All project development and implementation will be conducted under the sovereign authority of the Yurok Tribe and in accordance with applicable Tribal laws, policies, and governance processes.

Concurrently, in Weitchpec, California, the Yurok Youth Behavioral Health Center will be developed utilizing an Alcove-Based Model of Care, designed to support small-group, trauma-informed, and culturally grounded healing environments. The Tribe anticipates breaking ground on the Youth Center this summer.

The 10,500-square-foot Youth Behavioral Health facility will provide access to Yurok Behavioral Health staff, licensed therapists, and external service providers. The center will include a dedicated computer station for telehealth and virtual medical appointments, a calming space for youth, a pantry, a game room, and a classroom to support mutual support groups and parenting education. In addition, the site will feature an outdoor amphitheater and a traditional sweathouse to promote cultural engagement and holistic wellness.

The Tribe anticipates breaking ground on the Health and Wellness Center this summer, with construction completion targeted for Spring 2028. All project development and implementation will be conducted under the sovereign authority of the Yurok Tribe and in accordance with applicable Tribal laws, policies, and governance processes.

Concurrently, in Weitchpec, California, the Yurok Youth Behavioral Health Center will be developed utilizing an Alcove-Based Model of Care, designed to support small-group, trauma-informed, and culturally grounded healing environments. The Tribe anticipates breaking ground on the Youth Center this summer.

The 10,500-square-foot Youth Behavioral Health facility will provide access to Yurok Behavioral Health staff, licensed therapists, and external service providers. The center will include a dedicated computer station for telehealth and virtual medical appointments, a calming space for youth, a pantry, a game room, and a classroom to support mutual support groups and parenting education. In addition, the site will feature an outdoor amphitheater and a traditional sweathouse to promote cultural engagement and holistic wellness.