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County Department of Behavioral Health Enhances Access with Expansion in Needles

The San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) joins Pacific Clinics, a leading provider of mental health services, in announcing the opening of a new Clubhouse in Needles, California. Located on the scenic Colorado River across the bridge from Arizona and by the tip of Nevada, this marks an important milestone in providing the local community with vital peer support, community resources, and wellness navigation.

Clubhouses are an evidence-based model recognized worldwide for effectively supporting individuals facing mental health challenges. With over 350 locations across 32 countries, clubhouses provide peer support and create safe spaces for individuals to build relationships, access resources, and engage in wellness activities. Since 2002, Pacific Clinics has been an integral partner to San Bernardino County in offering clubhouse services, currently operating four locations and opening two more in 2025.

“We are thrilled to bring the Clubhouse Program to Needles with a dedicated physical location. This new space allows us to deepen our commitment to the community by offering vital programs and resources that make a real difference in people’s lives. We look forward to continuing to support and empower Needles residents through this incredible opportunity”, stated Pacific Clinics Regional Executive Director Maria Murillo.

The journey to establish a clubhouse in Needles began in 2016, during a community stakeholder process where DBH received a request from the local community for such a resource. Recognizing the need, funding was secured in 2020 through the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), with the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approving a contract amendment to fund the addition of the Needles Clubhouse to Pacific Clinics’ existing services.

Since late 2020, Pacific Clinics has also adapted to the community’s needs by offering virtual services, including phone peer support, Zoom groups, and outreach. In addition, they have provided ongoing in-person food distributions, delivering essential resources to the community. In fiscal year 23/24, 12 food distributions were held, providing 26,223 pounds of food to 1,320 individuals.

Throughout this process, Pacific Clinics has worked closely with the Department of Behavioral Health, city leaders, community members, and other stakeholders to ensure that the clubhouse meets the unique needs of the Needles community. A special thank you to the community, Mayor Jernigan, City Manager Patrick Martinez, the Planning Commission, the City Council, and all the stakeholders who contributed to making this new resource a reality.

“With San Bernardino County being the largest county geographically, it is a priority for the department to meet all residents where they are. That is why opening a Clubhouse in Needles has been such a special and important project these past few years”, said DBH Director Dr. Georgina Yoshioka.

This Clubhouse already has members dedicated to and involved in helping shape the future of this community space, and the Department of Behavioral Health looks forward to supporting this effort.

The City of Needles has demonstrated remarkable resilience, honoring its rich history while adapting for future success. Pacific Clinics is proud to be part of this vision and to contribute to the continued growth of this “Jewel of the Desert.”

Visit this location at 1060 E Broadway St, Needles, CA 92363. Hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information about the Department of Behavioral Health, please visit https://wp.sbcounty.gov/dbh/