TURN Behavioral Health Services (TURN), the public-facing name of Mental Health Systems (MHS), is a cornerstone of behavioral health and substance use disorder care in North County San Diego. For nearly five decades, we’ve helped break cycles of trauma, addiction, and homelessness, empowering individuals and families to rebuild their lives.
Who We Are
Founded in 1978, Mental Health Systems is a 501(c)3 nonprofit leading community-based behavioral health services across the state of California. Today, we operate under the name TURN Behavioral Health Services (TURN) to reflect our client-centered mission: Improving Lives.
In North County, our programs stretch from Oceanside to Escondido and include outpatient mental health clinics, residential treatment centers, substance use disorder care, youth and family programs, supportive housing, and reentry services. We serve people of all ages and backgrounds, including veterans, youth, families, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those involved in the justice system.
What makes TURN unique is that our services don’t stop at one type of treatment or modality. We integrate care across mental health, substance use, and housing because people’s lives—and challenges—don’t exist in silos.
Our Local Footprint
TURN operates programs across Escondido, Oceanside, Vista, MiraCosta, San Marcos, and beyond. Each year, we serve more than 6,000 North County residents and employ over 250 local staff. With more than $44 million in regional contracts, TURN is both a critical service provider and a significant economic contributor.
Our comprehensive offerings include:
- Mental Health Services: Outpatient clinics, therapy, medication management, and case coordination
- Substance Use Disorder Services: Residential and outpatient recovery programs rooted in evidence-based practices
- Supportive Housing: Navigation, case management, and housing placements for unhoused or at-risk individuals
- Youth & Family Services: School-based and community programs for children, adolescents, and their families
Staffed by licensed clinicians, case managers, peer specialists, and community health workers, our programs are collaborative, trauma-informed, and rooted in lived experience.
Why It Matters to the North County Economy
Behavioral health is a community issue and an economic one. A strong local economy depends on a healthy, resilient workforce. When mental health and substance use needs go unaddressed, the ripple effects are seen in the form of job loss, strained healthcare systems, housing instability, and public safety concerns.
TURN helps reduce these burdens by:
- Preventing costly emergency room and incarceration cycles
- Supporting people’s return to school, work, and daily life
- Advancing housing and employment/vocational stability
- Promoting long-term wellness for families and individuals
Every person who regains stability and reenters the workforce or contributes to their neighborhood health, strengthens North County’s social and economic fabric.
Why This Matters to North County Businesses
We believe North County’s for-profit companies are crucial partners in this effort. Imagine a region where every employee has easy access to quality behavioral health care, where TURN is the trusted Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider for the region’s workforce. Together, we can make that vision a reality.
Ways businesses can get involved:
- Hire and Train: Offer employment opportunities to individuals reentering the workforce after treatment or housing instability
- Refer and Support: Promote TURN services within your company—your team’s mental health is key to your success
- Host or Sponsor Events: Join us in awareness campaigns, wellness fairs, and community events
- Contribute: Donations of funds, supplies, or volunteer time directly support people on the path to recovery
- Advocate for Housing and Wellness: Be a voice for affordable housing and integrated care solutions
Together, We Will Build a More Resilient Region
Everyone is affected by mental health at some point in life, whether personally or through a loved one. When that time comes, we want the community to know: you can turn to TURN.
Let’s work together to create a North County defined by resilience, recovery, and opportunity.
To learn more or explore partnership opportunities, contact CEO and President, James C. Callaghan, Jr. through the North County Economic Development Council, or visit www.turnbhs.org.
Funded in part by the County of San Diego.
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