Bringing 250 new jobs to Aliso Viejo, Aliso Ridge Behavioral Health is a brand new 80,000 square-foot inpatient & outpatient psychiatric center. The building’s design concept features open and serene spaces to create a safe and therapeutic environment. The hospital will be open 24/7 and will offer free assessments for patients. The new addition to our community is our Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce Member of the Month. 
We spoke with Aliso Ridge Behavioral Health’s Regional Director of Business Development & Marketing Ernest Shahbazian. Here’s what he had to say about the new facility:
AVCC: Tell us about Aliso Ridge Behavioral Health.
Ernest Shahbazian: Aliso Ridge Behavioral Health is a 119-bed inpatient and outpatient mental health facility located at 200 Freedom Ln in Aliso Viejo. The facility will offer both inpatient and outpatient treatment options for children (age 6 and up), adolescents, and adults (including seniors).
Free-standing mental health facilities are rare, and there hasn’t been one built in the region in decades. Our goal is to provide a peaceful, safe, stable, and secure environment for those in need. The programs offered at Aliso Ridge Behavioral Health are meant to be holistic and compassionate.
Since the pandemic has heightened the issue of mental health, especially with our younger populations, we hope to be a resource for those looking for an evaluation or treatment options. We know that access to services and programs can be a challenge, so we want to connect you to the right treatment program, even if it isn’t at our facility.
AVCC: What has your experience been like working in Aliso Viejo?
Ernest Shahbazian: The Aliso Viejo community has been great! We have had a lot of engagement from our local city officials and law enforcement agencies to better understand our processes and programs. We appreciate that local leaders see the importance of behavioral health and how we can be a resource for residents and other medical facilities in the area.
We’ve also had wonderful interactions with our neighbors. For example, we are located next to the Belmont Village Assisted Living facility. Since the start, they have been supportive and helped us to connect with other leaders and groups in the area (including the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce). We are thankful to have their support as we prepare to open our doors to patients.
One of the challenges of mental health is the stigma that surrounds it. A question that is commonly brought up from the community is, “will patients be discharged out the door and into the community.” The answer is no. Once patients complete their inpatient treatment, we will discharge them to the appropriate program and location. It’s important that we engage the patient’s family and designated contacts to ensure a safe discharge location where they can be supported in their journey and recovery. For many of our patients, that may be a transition from an inpatient to an outpatient program. For others, it may be a transition to a long-term residential facility.
AVCC: How long have you been located in the Aliso Viejo area?
Ernest Shahbazian: Our facility has been in the works for about three years. However, it’s only been the past few months that the construction has been complete. We’re slated to open our doors in October (pending the various licensing and inspection processes that we must complete).
AVCC: What do you enjoy most about the Aliso Viejo community?
Ernest Shahbazian: From a personal standpoint, Aliso Viejo is a very family-oriented community, which has been a great experience for my family. My wife and one-year-old daughter have enjoyed the numerous parks, trails, events, and local businesses in the area. As a family, we value the thoughtful design of the city and the sense of pride and community in the area.
AVCC: How is Aliso Ridge Behavioral Health involved with the community?
Ernest Shahbazian: Our behavioral health facility is designed to serve the mental health needs of our community. Children and adolescents, in particular, lack mental health resources in the area. While there are fantastic hospitals for children and adolescents in the area such as Children’s Hospital, we know that the demand for mental health services is extremely high. And with the implications of the pandemic, it will likely be an ongoing issue.
Aliso Ridge Behavioral Health will also employ approximately 250 staff members. We are actively recruiting for roles through our website and partnering with local colleges and universities.
Lastly, we are actively reaching out to schools, churches, and other organizations for awareness. We want to help these groups understand how to direct their members that need help or may be in distress. This includes attending informational events, hosting webinars, and providing access to resources within our facility.
AVCC: How has the AV Chamber helped your business?
Ernest Shahbazian: The Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce has been a great way to network with other businesses and community leaders. Part of our mission is to understand and respond to our community’s needs. Engaging with others and listening to their concerns and needs helps us to design effective programs and services.
As an organization, the AV Chamber offers a lot of services to help local businesses. For example, we are planning to ask the AV Chamber to help plan our official opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony. This is a service that is included in membership and is extremely valuable for new businesses.
Ernest Shahbazian: Mental health is a difficult topic to address due to all the stigmas surrounding it. However, we encourage everyone to seek help if they or someone they love is in crisis. We are committed to working with you – and if we are unable to do so, we will make sure to connect you with the right resources in the community.
JOIN THE ALISO VIEJO CHAMBER
We hope that you will join us as we work together to promote and serve our community. This is a perfect opportunity to become a member of the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce! Please check out the benefits and perks of membership.
We Are Here To Help Our Members
During this time, please let us know if you have any specials or promotions. We would love to help get the word out for you! Please email the information and any flyer that you have to info@alisoviejochamber.com, and we will help with the promotion.