5 Major Expansions And Key Updates At Kern Behavioral Health And Recovery Services (KernBHRS) In 2025
The landscape of public mental health and substance use treatment in Kern County, California, has undergone a significant modernization and expansion, with Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (KernBHRS) leading the charge. As of December 19, 2025, the department is actively rolling out several key initiatives, including new adult screening centers and major contractual agreements, solidifying its commitment to providing comprehensive specialty behavioral health services to its community, particularly for Medi-Cal recipients and the uninsured. This strategic pivot focuses on increasing accessibility, enhancing recovery support, and addressing the diverse needs of children, youth, adults, and older adults across the region.
The recent updates signal a robust operational strategy under new leadership, aimed at streamlining access to critical services like crisis intervention, outpatient counseling, and residential treatment programs. The department’s continuous efforts, highlighted by recent board approvals and facility expansions, demonstrate a clear focus on integrating mental health and substance use disorder treatment to foster long-term recovery and wellness for all Kern County residents.
The Leadership Driving KernBHRS's Mission: Director Alison Burrowes
The operational and strategic direction of Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services is currently steered by Alison Burrowes, who serves as the Director. Her leadership is instrumental in the department's ongoing expansion and commitment to high-quality care.
- Full Name: Alison Burrowes
- Current Role: Director of Kern County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (KernBHRS)
- Background and Experience: Ms. Burrowes possesses over 20 years of experience in the field of behavioral health.
- Previous Leadership Roles: Prior to her current directorship, she held several key executive positions within KernBHRS, including Deputy Director and Division Director.
- Expertise: Her professional background is rooted in social work, providing a strong foundation for a community-focused and compassionate approach to public health administration.
- Mission Focus: Under her direction, KernBHRS is focused on implementing the 2025 Recovery Plan objectives, which include increasing access to healthcare, behavioral health, and substance use services across the county.
Burrowes's extensive tenure and deep understanding of the county's needs ensure that KernBHRS's network of care remains tailored, effective, and responsive to the community's diverse challenges.
Major 2025 Service Expansions and Key Initiatives
The year 2025 marks a period of significant growth and strategic partnership for KernBHRS, with several fresh developments aimed at enhancing service delivery and capacity. These initiatives reflect a proactive approach to managing the increasing demand for behavioral health care.
1. Expansion of Adult Screening and Assessment Locations
In a major effort to improve accessibility, KernBHRS announced on October 17, 2025, the expansion of its Adult Screening and Assessment Locations in Bakersfield. This move is critical for providing immediate, accessible entry points for individuals seeking mental health services and substance use disorder treatment.
- North Bakersfield Location: Services are now expanded to the North area at the Henrietta Weill Memorial Child Guidance Clinic.
- Northeast Bakersfield Location: A new access point has been established at the Northeast Recovery and Wellness Center.
- Goal: To decentralize initial access points, making it easier for residents to begin the recovery journey without significant travel burdens.
2. New Agreement for Telecare Services (2025-2027)
The Kern County Board of Supervisors approved a crucial agreement with Telecare in June 2025, securing specialized behavioral health services for a two-year period, from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027. This partnership is a testament to KernBHRS's strategy of collaborating with experienced providers to maintain a high level of specialized care capacity.
3. Seeking Contractors for Inpatient Medical Detoxification
A key focus for 2025 is the procurement of highly qualified contractors to provide Inpatient Medical Detoxification Treatment Services for Kern County residents. This effort highlights the department’s recognition of the critical need for safe, medically supervised withdrawal management as the foundational step for many individuals beginning substance use recovery.
A Comprehensive Network of Care: Core Programs and Entities
KernBHRS operates a multi-faceted network of care designed to address the full spectrum of behavioral health needs, from prevention and early intervention to intensive residential treatment. The following entities and programs form the backbone of their service delivery:
Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Programs
A significant portion of KernBHRS’s funding and programming is governed by the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), which mandates comprehensive, community-based mental health services.
- Target Populations: MHSA programs are tailored to serve specific groups, including children, transitional-age youth, adults, and older adults.
- Annual Reporting: The department publishes a detailed Annual Report outlining continuing, new, and proposed mental health programs, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Services
The department offers a full continuum of care for individuals struggling with substance use disorders, focusing on both treatment and harm reduction.
- Residential Programs: These facilities provide structured care, 24/7 monitoring, and on-site behavioral health treatment for those requiring the highest level of support.
- Outpatient Programs: Offerings include individual and group counseling, family support, and intensive recovery planning, allowing individuals to maintain their daily lives while receiving treatment.
- Harm Reduction Initiatives: A crucial public health component, including the distribution of naloxone (Narcan), which is vital for preventing opioid overdose fatalities in the community.
Specialized and Integrated Services
KernBHRS also manages several specialized divisions and partnerships to ensure a holistic approach to recovery and wellness.
- Forensic Behavioral Health: A specialized division that works closely with the criminal justice system to provide mental health and recovery services to justice-involved individuals, often in collaboration with institutions like Kern Medical.
- Community Wellness Centers: These centers serve as hubs for mental health support, offering peer-led services, educational workshops, and social connection activities to foster a supportive recovery environment.
- Partnerships: The department works extensively with local providers and organizations, such as the Henrietta Weill Memorial Child Guidance Clinic and the Northeast Recovery and Wellness Center, to create a seamless network of referral and care.
- Targeted Support: Specialty behavioral health services are primarily directed toward Medi-Cal recipients and the uninsured population of Kern County, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent access to care.
The Future Outlook for Behavioral Health in Kern County
Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services is clearly positioned for a future defined by increased capacity and enhanced community integration. The strategic expansions in 2025, coupled with the stability of its leadership under Director Alison Burrowes, demonstrate a long-term commitment to addressing the complex challenges of mental illness and addiction.
The focus on Inpatient Medical Detoxification, the new Telecare agreement, and the expansion of Adult Screening and Assessment Locations all work in concert to build a more resilient and accessible system. By continuously updating its programs, adhering to the principles of the Mental Health Services Act, and recognizing outstanding contributions through events like the 2025 Inspiration Awards, KernBHRS is not just treating illness—it is actively building a culture of wellness and long-term recovery for all residents of Kern County.
For individuals or families seeking help, the expanding network of care, including outpatient services, residential programs, and crisis intervention, provides multiple pathways to support. The department’s ongoing efforts ensure that Kern County remains at the forefront of providing comprehensive public behavioral health and recovery services.
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