Seeking mental health help and resources for substance use disorder can be daunting. The county is trying to make the process a little easier at the Lompoc Behavioral Wellness Service Center.
Adults and youth in the valley can now access resources for mental health and substance use all under one roof. The county’s new Lompoc center opened in early spring on Central Avenue, housing many services including the mobile crisis team, substance use disorder recovery, homeless outreach, and crisis services.
Call any time
Find the Lompoc Behavioral Wellness Service Center at 425 W. Central Ave. Walk-in appointments are welcome, or call the 24/7 Behavioral Wellness line for crisis response and other services at (888) 868-1649.
Rafael Valdovinos Jr., an associate clinician at the adult outpatient clinic, understands that people have already gone through a lot before they’ve even walked through his doors. Many individuals experience substance use disorder and mental health challenges concurrently. Giving them one place to turn can be beneficial.
“Distance creates a barrier,” Valdovinos told the Sun. “When someone walks out of your office, even if you’ve helped them make the phone call and you’ve helped them set the appointment, sometimes just getting to the other side of town can almost seem insurmountable. So being able to do that warm handoff and walk someone right next door to send an email, to make a phone call, and provide that in-person, warm handoff has made a big difference.”
In his experience, people are more receptive to treatment options after forming a relationship with a practitioner. Hearing an outside perspective can change a lot.
“Those of us that work in this industry, we do this because we care,” Valdovinos said. “Our community members are also a large part. … They continue to be open-minded to try new things in their life. To see that outcomes change for them, that’s what makes all the difference.”
The clinician encourages people to call the access line at (888) 868-1649 to learn about what options are available.
Suzanne Grimmesey views the new center as an opportunity to “bring everyone together.” She’s the department’s public information officer and knows it’s important to make accessing resources as seamless as possible.
When patients arrive at the Lompoc clinic, they walk up an outdoor stairwell before entering the spacious lobby. Grimmesey estimated that it’s the biggest out of all the county’s outpatient clinic lobbies.
“It feels very open, welcoming,” Grimmesey said. “So, a really nice entry into the service site.”
After an initial screening process, care providers offer individualized services for every patient, like individual or group therapy, psychiatry services, medicated assisted treatment, and case management.
The Lompoc Behavioral Wellness Service Center also houses members of the Justice Alliance Action Team, a countywide cross-disciplinary group that works at the intersection of behavioral health and criminal justice.
Though there’s been a behavioral wellness center in Lompoc for a “long time,” one North County provider historically encompassed Santa Maria and Lompoc. Grimmesey said it’s evident that there’s enough need in Lompoc for the county to support the independent service center.
“The more that we can talk about mental health, behavioral health, and the services provided,” she added, “the more we reduce the stigma and the more people that access care.”
Highlights
• Furry friends in Santa Maria can run around at the city’s newest dog park located on Carmen Lane between Jimenez Elementary and Depot Street. Bark Park is celebrating its grand opening with the public on April 18 at 9 a.m. Street parking is available on Carmen Lane.
• The Guadalupe Recreation and Parks Department is hosting a mother-and-son dance at City Hall on May 16. Head over for the DJ, charcuterie snacks and sweets, and a photo booth. Tickets cost $30 for couples and $15 for an additional child. Call 1-805-219-9606 by May 8 to register.
Reach Staff Writer Madison White at mwhite@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in April 16 – April 23, 2026.