Mental Health Facility For Kids Opens In Banning

BANNING, CA — A new mental health facility serving children and their families has opened in Banning.

The Oasis Banning Center at 940 E. Williams Street, Suite 102, began welcoming families on Thursday. The center is operated by Oasis Community Services on behalf of Riverside University Health System, according to an announcement from parent organization Stars Behavioral Health Group.

The facility is serving children up through age 21, as well as their families. Support is also provided to parents and caregivers facing parental challenges, according to the announcement.

Services are provided in English and Spanish and include individual and group therapy, family counseling, case management, rehabilitative/skill-building services, and medication management and support if needed.

According to the announcement, the Oasis Banning Center is providing treatment to "strengthen young people’s coping skills to reduce stress and help them succeed in life and school."

Due to ongoing issues caused by the pandemic, children and youth are experiencing stress and anxiety and have been particularly vulnerable to symptoms of mental illness, according to the announcement.

“Many children and youth are experiencing heightened mental health issues as a result of COVID and its related stressors,” said Roberto Lopez, Oasis Community Services Administrator. “Untreated mental illness can lead to issues in school, problems with friends, learning disabilities, substance abuse, risky behavior and even suicide.”

Services at Oasis Banning Center are available to those with Medi-Cal or other Medi-Cal-based insurance who live in Banning, Beaumont, Calimesa, Cherry Valley, Highland Springs, and neighboring communities of Riverside County.

For more information about Oasis Banning Center, visit www.starsinc.com or call 951-588-2553.