Logo courtesy of the City of Gridley 

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Plans for a new 10,000-square-foot behavioral health clinic on Sycamore Street were outlined for the Gridley City Council last week, offering the most complete public update to date on the county-funded project.

City Planner Christopher Smith told the council that Butte County is constructing the outpatient facility next to the existing behavioral health office and Veterans Memorial Hall.

“This was a piece of land they already owned,” Smith said.

The project is expected to cost about $7 million and is funded through Community Development Block Grant disaster recovery funding.

According to Smith, the facility is one of several behavioral health projects planned throughout the county and is intended primarily to serve Gridley-area residents. The county’s goal is to complete construction by July 2027.

The county also held several public hearings to gather input on desired services, although attendance was limited to one or two residents at each meeting. Those who participated requested crisis response staffing, substance use services and on-site screening for telehealth appointments.

The clinic would increase staffing from 11 to 14 employees and operate strictly as an outpatient facility.

“Nobody will be staying overnight,” Smith said.

The clinic is expected to serve Medi-Cal and Medicare patients, as well as individuals without insurance who need assistance enrolling in coverage.

Patients would not be required to live in Gridley. Smith noted that some individuals seek services outside their home communities for privacy reasons.

Under state law, behavioral health facilities must provide crisis care to individuals traveling through the area who may need immediate assistance. After stabilization, staff are required to coordinate a “warm handoff” to the patient’s home county.

The new site also is expected to collaborate with Orchard Hospital’s youth behavioral health facility.

Council members raised questions regarding parking, law enforcement response and the range of services planned for the site.

Most parking will be located behind the building, and Smith noted that the city worked with the county during the review process to address neighborhood concerns.

Councilmember Catalina Sanchez said she requested the update after seeing questions and concerns circulating and wanted residents to have clear and accurate information about the project.