Sobering Center Services

San Mateo County Health, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) is seeking proposals from qualified firms (hereinafter referred to as “Proposers”) to provide Sobering Center Services. Proposers must meet the minimum qualifications and requirements as set forth within this Request for Proposal (RFP) and be capable of providing the services identified in the Scope of Work herein. SMC/BHRS expects the successful Proposer(s) to provide the services in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Sample Contract.

BHRS provides a continuum of services for children, youth, families, adults and older adults for the prevention, early intervention and treatment of serious mental illness and/or substance use conditions. We are committed to supporting treatment of the whole person to achieve wellness and recovery, and promoting the physical and behavioral health of individuals, families, and communities we serve.

San Mateo County launched its Sobering Center Services in 1992 with StarVista through StarVista’s First Chance Sobering Station program. The 24/7 program provided sobering center services as an alternative to jail or emergency services for individuals transferring from the emergency department, voluntary admissions, and those arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), public intoxication, or drug-related intoxication and offered - substance use assessment, - case management services. StarVista’s Sobering Station also offered linkage to appropriate support and ancillary services including housing shelter services, Alcohol Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Alanon, family counseling, residential and outpatient treatment and mental health counseling.

Since the unexpected closure of StarVista on May 21, 2025, San Mateo County’s sobering center program has been shut down. Because of this, San Mateo County needs to provide a sober center program that is designed and staffed to provide a safe, voluntary, low-barrier, trauma-informed, harm-reduction-oriented, less-than-24-hour setting where adults experiencing acute alcohol and/or drug intoxication can recover safely, be monitored for emergent medical or behavioral health needs, and be connected to substance use, mental health, medical, housing, and other stabilizing services.