Peer-Run Mental And Behavioral Wellness Center Coming To Mid-Market

Peer-Run Mental And Behavioral Wellness Center Coming To Mid-Market1282 Market St., where a new peer wellness center will soon open. (Photo: Google Maps)
Brittany Hopkins
Published on January 25, 2016

As politicians and law enforcement agencies explore options for building a new mental health facility to support the city's criminal justice system, a private mental health agency is preparing to expand its early engagement and self-help services in the Mid-Market area.

By the end of February, Richmond Area Multi-Services, Inc. (RAMS, Inc.) plans to open a peer wellness center at 1282 Market St., formerly home to Western Dental.

RAMS, Inc. has been providing behavioral and mental health, as well as vocational services, to San Francisco residents since it formed in 1974 in the Richmond District, where it focused on serving Asian-Pacific Islanders and Russian-speakers who later immigrated to the area. With funding from multiple city departments, today RAMS offers a broad range of services in more than 30 languages and at more than 100 locations, including San Francisco General Hospital, high schools, clinics and residential communities across the city.

What differentiates this new peer wellness center from other mental and behavioral programs will be its focus on peers supporting peers. "People who are going to be providing services there are also going to be the recipients of services, or have had mental health challenges themselves or have had behavioral health conditions themselves," said Kavoos Bassiri, CEO of RAMS, Inc"Many times people feel that when people are clients or consumers of services, it's all about taking or about receiving things. But what they [clients] really want many times is giving, giving back and being of service to one another."

As a wellness center for mental health and substance abuse — not a treatment facility or a crisis center — RAMS, Inc. will focus on creating a welcoming environment with engaging activities, such as support groups, music therapy, meditation, art and computer classes, and more, Bassiri said.

With funding from the state's Mental Health Services Act, all of these services will be offered free of charge. Clients will be referred to the center through their healthcare providers and can also visit through drop-in services.

The agency's plans for 1282 Market St. were approved by the Health Commission earlier this month, and Bassiri says there was a lot of support for the opening, and no opposition from city agencies and community members in attendance. The only concerns raised were around safety and security, especially for the program's staff and clients, given how active the area is and their plans to allow drop-ins.

"We mentioned that we are a wellness center, we're not trying to have security out there or police," said Bassiri. We're just going to be very thoughtful about how we welcome people ... We don't want it to feel like a barrier, like they can't come in."

They are eager to hear any feedback from neighbors once the program is up and running, however. Bassiri invites anyone with concerns or feedback to reach out by email ([email protected]) or phone (415-800-0699). RAMS is also forming an advisory committee to support the new center, so contact them if you're interested.