San Joaquin County Breaks Ground on $261 Million SJ BeWell Campus: A Transformative Investment in Regional Behavioral Healthcare
Stockton, CA - September 15, 2025 – San Joaquin County has embarked on a landmark project poised to redefine behavioral healthcare access in California’s Central Valley.On September 10th, county officials, state representatives, and leading healthcare providers gathered to officially break ground on the SJ BeWell Campus, a $261 million state-of-the-art facility designed to address the growing need for thorough mental health and substance use disorder services. this aspiring undertaking, over two years in the making, represents a important investment in the well-being of the community and a proactive approach to a critical public health challenge.
Addressing a Critical Need: The Evolution of Behavioral Healthcare in San Joaquin County
For years, San Joaquin County has faced increasing pressure on its existing behavioral health resources. Limited capacity, fragmented services, and accessibility barriers have contributed to individuals experiencing crises often seeking care in emergency rooms – an unsustainable and often suboptimal solution.Recognizing this urgent need, the County initiated a strategic planning process, culminating in the vision for the SJ BeWell Campus.
“This isn’t simply about building buildings; it’s about building a healthier future for San Joaquin County,” explains Paul Canepa,Chair of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors. ”The SJ BeWell Campus will ensure our residents have access to compassionate, effective care close to home, alleviating the strain on our hospitals and emergency services. We are moving forward with a vision that truly puts people first.”
A Comprehensive Continuum of Care: The SJ BeWell Campus Design
Spanning 18.6 acres adjacent to San Joaquin General hospital in French Camp,the SJ BeWell Campus will operate on a “whole health” model,integrating behavioral health and primary care services. The campus is strategically divided into two interconnected areas: a South Campus focused on immediate and intensive care, and a North Campus dedicated to stabilization and long-term support.
South Campus – Immediate & Intensive Care (Expected Completion: July 2027)
this phase will deliver over 200,000 square feet of dedicated space, including:
* Community and Outpatient Services Building (76,000 sq ft): Providing a wide range of individual and group therapy, case management, and support services. Operated in partnership with local community organizations, this building will serve as a central hub for ongoing care.
* Urgent Care Services Building (35,250 sq ft, 42 beds): Offering 24/7 crisis intervention, psychiatric evaluation, and short-term stabilization for individuals experiencing acute mental health or substance use crises. This will be operated by SJ Health centers,ensuring seamless integration with existing primary care networks.
* Residential Treatment Program Buildings (Two Buildings, 132 Beds Total): Providing structured, supportive living environments for individuals requiring more intensive, longer-term treatment. These programs will focus on developing coping skills, relapse prevention strategies, and autonomous living skills.Offering 241 treatment slots overall.
north Campus – Stabilization & Long-Term Support (Expected Completion: 2029)
The North campus will focus on facilitating a smooth transition back to community living, featuring:
* Supportive Transitional Housing (150,360 sq ft, 252 Beds): Offering safe, affordable housing coupled with comprehensive support services, including case management, job training, and peer support groups. This crucial component addresses a significant gap in the region’s behavioral health infrastructure.
A Phased Approach to Implementation & Long-term Vision
The project will be rolled out in two phases. Phase 1, focusing on the South Campus facilities, is slated for completion in July 2027, with subsequent buildings coming online at six-month intervals. Phase 2 will introduce the North Campus, expanding the campus’s capacity and offering a broader range of community amenities and supportive services. Full campus operationalization is projected for 2029.
Genevieve Valentine, Director of San Joaquin County Health Care Services, emphasizes the transformative nature of the project: “The SJ BeWell Campus represents a new chapter in care delivery. It is more than buildings; it is a promise to deliver compassionate, innovative care in a setting designed to heal.”
equity and Accessibility: Core Principles of the SJ BeWell Campus
County leaders are committed to ensuring the SJ BeWell Campus is accessible to all residents, nonetheless of background or socioeconomic status. Supervisor Sonny Dhaliwal highlights the project’s equity dimension: “The SJ BeWell Campus is about removing barriers to
