Riverside University Health System - Behavioral Health

09/01/2026

The California CARE Act is helping Riverside County connect with people who have been among the hardest to reach, creating new pathways to community-based mental health care and recovery.

The CARE Act is a California law that allows courts to order community-based mental health treatment for eligible individuals living with certain severe mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder.

The program centers self-determination and civil liberties. Anyone who is the subject of a CARE Act petition is provided free legal representation and support throughout the process.

By connecting people with treatment, services, and community support, the CARE Act is designed to help prevent more restrictive outcomes, including conservatorship or incarceration. To learn more, visit ruhealth.org/behavioral-health/care-act or call the CARES Line at 800-499-3008 to begin the process.

https://youtu.be/KT9zEZlqXUY?si=JwArFm1yN277k-PH

The CARE Act is changing how systems work together in California to...

08/31/2026

August 31 is National Overdose Awareness Day.

Overdose can affect people from every walk of life. Behind every statistic is a person who was loved, valued, and important. Every loss impacts families, friends, and communities.

Know the facts
• An overdose happens when the body has more of a substance, or combination of substances, than it can safely handle.
• Any drug can cause an overdose, including medications prescribed by a doctor.
• Overdose is preventable, and awareness and education can save lives.

Help reduce stigma by encouraging compassion, support, and access to care. If you or someone you know needs substance use prevention or treatment resources, contact the RUHS - Behavioral Health CARES Access and Referral line at 800-499-3008.

Let’s come together to remember those we’ve lost, support those in recovery, reduce stigma, and help prevent future overdoses. Every life matters, and every person deserves the opportunity to recover.

08/28/2026

Substance use disorders affect people from all walks of life. Prevention can stop problems before they start. Find help: samhsa.gov/find-help and help us spread the word about these resources by sharing!

08/24/2026

Do the youth in your community know that most of their peers don’t use substances? Learn about social norms: www.hidta.org/adapt/prevention-intervention-resource-center

08/20/2026

It’s ! Download SAMHSA's toolkit and share your : https://www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/substance-use-prevention-month

08/20/2026

Take a closer look at another BH Moment That Matters.

Meet Cheryl Coson, Senior Clinical Therapist with RUHS Behavioral Health's Workforce Education and Training (WET) Program. Cheryl is dedicated to supporting the people who care for our community by providing clinical supervision, leading the Clinical Licensure Advancement and Support (CLAS) Program, and delivering trainings that empower clinicians and community partners. Through mentorship, workforce development, and education, Cheryl helps build a stronger, more confident Behavioral Health workforce because when we invest in our workforce, we strengthen the care we provide to our entire community.

08/19/2026

Thank you to everyone who donated to our Parent Support & Training Department’s Fill-A-Backpack Drive! Because of your generosity, so many of our youth clients started the new school year with brand-new backpacks and the school supplies they need to feel prepared and supported.

Pictured here is Norma Davalos from RUHS Patient Access dropping off a generous load of donations. We appreciate your kindness and community spirit.

To learn more about our Parent Support & Training Department, visit:
https://www.ruhealth.org/behavioral-health/parent-support-training-program

08/17/2026

Shout-out to Prevention Specialists and everyone who is saving lives! What’s your ? Visit: www.samhsa.gov

08/10/2026

Are you passionate about improving eating disorder care in Riverside County? The Mindful Body & Recovery Program invites YOU to our next Guidance Council meeting!

🗓️ Thursday, August 20
🕑 2 to 3:30 P.M.
📍 Myers Conference Center, 3125 Myers Street, Entrance 3, Riverside

Together, we're working to:
Improve awareness & access to culturally responsive care
Reduce stigma around eating disorders
Identify barriers and service gaps in our community

Whether you're a community member, provider, or advocate, your voice matters in shaping the future of eating disorder treatment through RUHS Behavioral Health's Eating Disorder - Intensive Outpatient Program.

Register now: bit.ly/4lXve8y
Questions? Call 951-210-1750

08/05/2026

Come Along for a BH Moment That Matters.

Meet Christine Kendrick, a BHS III with the RUHS Behavioral Health Moms Program. Christine supports mothers on their journey toward recovery by helping them navigate substance use challenges, CPS involvement, housing, and family reunification. With services like the Child Lab and personalized support, the Moms Program helps remove barriers, strengthen families, and empower moms to build healthy, stable futures.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/saptservices