Berkeley CareBridge:
Real support today, and a path forward tomorrow.
CareBridge is free, voluntary, and participant-centered, delivered by the City of Berkeley in partnership with Options Recovery Services and community partners.
A supportive bridge from crisis to stability—strengthening health, housing, and connection, breaking cycles of recidivism, and building a safer Berkeley for everyone
About the Program
Berkeley CareBridge is a six-month post-arrest diversion and reentry support program that helps individuals stabilize after release from custody and reduce the likelihood of re-arrest. The program offers behavioral health support, case management, basic needs assistance, and connections to long-term housing and services.
The ultimate goal is to reduce recidivism by
providing structured, coordinated support
during the critical months following a law-enforcement
encounter.
Berkeley CareBridge provides immediate stabilization and supportive reentry services for adults in Berkeley who have had contact with the justice system within the past three years and would benefit from behavioral health or substance use support. We offer a safe place to stay, meals, behavioral health services, and navigation—grounded in dignity and compassion.
Our team helps you meet urgent needs now while developing a realistic plan for housing, health, recovery, employment, and long-term stability.
What we Offer: (CARE)
Comprehensive Access
- A safe place to stay for up to six months
- Daily meals
- Stabilization & Basic Needs
- Connection to medical, mental health, and substance use services
Assistance & Navigation
- Support & Navigation
- One-on-one case management
- Help obtaining ID, benefits, and important documents
- Linkages to housing, employment, education, and income resources
Recovery Support
- Health & Recovery
- Access to behavioral health services
- Support for substance use treatment
- Harm reduction–based care
Engagement
- Planning for Long-Term Success
- Help building a realistic plan for:
- Housing
- Health
- Recovery
- Employment
- Stability
- Support & Navigation
Program Benefits (CareBridge Values)
- Belonging – Reconnecting participants with community, support, and people who care
- Resilience – Stabilization that helps regain steady footing after crisis
- Inclusion – Access to services and supports without judgment or barriers
- Dignity – Compassionate, trauma-informed care that respects lived experience
- Growth – Support for recovery, skills-building, and employment readiness
- Empowerment – A plan centered on participant goals for long-term stability
Service Eligibility:
- Must be 18+
- Individuals arrested for a misdemeanor
- Individuals exhibiting mental health or substance use behaviors
- Individuals must be nonviolent and need no medical attention
Ineligibility Limits:
- If current offense would require registration under PC 290
- Arrests for Domestic Violence (DV) crimes, including restraining order violations
- Arrests for stalking offenses- PC 646.9
- Arrests for Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Individuals with out of county warrants or felony warrants
Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) for additional info
As well as our downloadable and printable Informational Program Brochure
For more information and/or questions, please Email:
carebridge@berkeleyca.gov
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The Other Services Available at Options Recovery
The Academy of HOPE is only one way that we’re working to help people break free from substance use disorder in the Bay Area. We also provide: