Sacramento’s Initiative to Enhance Access to Behavioral Health Services

The City of Sacramento is actively collaborating with various departments and Sacramento County to improve access to services, treatment, and shelter for individuals facing behavioral health struggles. During a workshop on October 13, 2026, requested by Mayor Kevin McCarty, the Department of Community Response highlighted existing resources from State and County programs, as well as ongoing challenges in treatment access.

Brian Pedro, Director of the Department of Community Response, noted that approximately 300,000 residents in Sacramento County live with mental illness, with around 12,000 exhibiting high-acuity disorders. Despite a reported 50% decrease in unsheltered homelessness over four years, the city faces hurdles in connecting those with severe behavioral health needs to appropriate care. Mayor Pro Tem Eric Guerra emphasized the importance of improved coordination among various healthcare and emergency services to provide timely treatment to the most vulnerable populations.