---
title: "How One NorCal hospital bridges mental health gaps | Sutter Health"
description: "Sutter's Herrick Campus grew from inpatient-only care in the 1980s to a full range of mental health services, including a rare Bay Area eating disorder program."
url: "https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/community-impact/bridging-gaps-in-mental-healthcare"
---

1.  [Home](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/) /
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3.  Bridging Gaps In Mental Healthcare

# How a NorCal hospital is bridging gaps in mental healthcare

Sutter's Herrick Campus grew from inpatient-only care in the 1980s to a full range of mental health services, including a rare Bay Area eating disorder program.

May 8, 2024 by Marycon Young

![Woman in a pink suit looking in the mirror](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/Vitals/community-impact/GettyImages-1415017047-scaled-015e9efd.jpg?h=1708&iar=0&w=2560 "How a NorCal Hospital Is Bridging Gaps in Mental Healthcare")

Three decades ago, mental health was a topic wrapped in stigma and underserved by the medical community. Fast forward to today, and the conversation around mental health has dramatically shifted — thanks, in part, to places like the [Herrick Campus](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-location/facility/alta-bates-summit-medical-center-herrick-campus "Herrick Campus") at Sutter’s Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. Back in the late [1980s](https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/June-2020/The-Evolution-of-the-Mental-Health-Movement "1980s") when Luana Shiba-Harris joined Herrick, the facility was only equipped to handle inpatient services.

“When I started, that’s all we had,” recalls Shiba-Harris, now the manager of outpatient behavioral health services.

Seeing a gap, Shiba-Harris and her team got to work expanding their programs to include outpatient services, paving the way for more comprehensive care. This was a big move and it’s had a big impact. Today, Herrick offers a robust blend of inpatient and outpatient services that reflect the growing need for mental health care — a need that touches nearly [one in five adults](https://www.nami.org/mhstats "one in five adults") in the U.S.

## **From adolescents to adults: Comprehensive care for all ages**

![Portrait of Luana Shiba-Harris](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/Vitals/community-impact/Luana-4-e1715126328774-244x300-4097d69d.jpg "Luana Shiba-Harris")

What really makes Herrick stand out is its dedication to offering tailored care across all stages of life. Whether it’s a teenager grappling with anxiety or an adult struggling with depression, Herrick provides programs that cater to different ages and needs. 

One standout initiative is the Eating Disorder Program. Given that eating disorders affect [9% of the U.S. population](https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/statistics/ "9% of the U.S. population") , Herrick’s program is vital. It’s the only one in the Bay Area to offer specialized inpatient psychiatric care for these disorders. This program helps patients heal physically and supports their mental and spiritual recovery, ensuring a holistic approach to health.

## **More than just healthcare — A vision for the future**

Shiba-Harris has big dreams for the future of mental health care. She envisions a system where mental health is integrated seamlessly with physical health, reducing stigma and making care accessible for everyone.

“We’re aiming to treat mental health as a fundamental part of overall health,” she explains. This vision is taking shape through Sutter Health’s Ambulatory Expansion Plan for Behavioral Health, which leverages technology and team-based care to improve early screening and ongoing management.

## **Why this matters now**

As we mark [Mental Health Awareness Month](https://mhanational.org/mental-health-month "Mental Health Awareness Month") , it’s vital to spotlight the advances being made in mental health services, and Herrick’s progress is a perfect example of this. Sutter Health isn’t just responding to the needs of today; it’s anticipating the challenges of tomorrow, with five inpatient centers and eight outpatient facilities across Northern California dedicated to mental health and addiction care.

For anyone interested in what Herrick Campus is doing or if you or someone you know needs help, there’s more information available at [Sutter’s Alta Bates Summit Medical Center](https://www.sutterhealth.org/absmc "Sutter’s Alta Bates Summit Medical Center") .

The evolution of Herrick Campus is not just a testament to how far we’ve come in understanding and treating mental health but also a reminder of the importance of continuous improvement and innovation in healthcare. As the conversation around mental health continues to evolve, so too will the services and support offered by pioneers like those at Herrick.

## Need immediate help in a crisis?

_Dial or text **988** if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis and get connected to a trained crisis counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week._

## Topics

[Mental health](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/search?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Mental+health%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=articles)

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## Behavioral health care

Your mental health is a vital part of your overall well-being. If you’re struggling with addiction, eating or mood disorders or other challenges, our behavioral health specialists can offer care, comfort and support.

[Learn more about Behavioral health care](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/behavioral-health-care)

## Related articles

### [Statement on Sutter Health Bond Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Grant Funding Awards from President & CEO Warner L. Thomas](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/media-resources/press-releases/statement-on-sutter-health-bond-behavioral-health-continuum-infrastructure-program-bhcip-grant)

### [Breaking the Silence: Improving Access to Mental Health Services](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/community-impact/breaking-the-silence-how-one-health-system-is-improving-access-to-mental-health-services)

### [Finding Strength in Being Fully Herself](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/our-people/finding-strength-in-being-fully-herself)

### [Tag Team Approaches Helping Earn Wins for Mental Healthcare](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/community-impact/tag-team-approaches-helping-earn-wins-for-mental-healthcare)

[See all from Community impact](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/community-impact)

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