A SAFE ALTERNATIVE DESTINATION

Sobering Center Services

Short-term, supportive care for eligible adults who are publicly intoxicated and can be safely diverted from an emergency department or jail.

Clean furnished room representing a safe short-term setting

CONTRACTED NETWORK

3 counties

Eligibility, authorization, service availability, and current capacity apply.

THE SHORT ANSWER

What is Sobering Center?

Sobering Centers are a CalAIM Community Support that provide a safe environment for an intoxicated person to become sober. Services are typically delivered in real time and may include screening or medical triage, a temporary bed, hydration and food, basic care, education, and warm handoffs to ongoing services.

Who may be a good fit?

This service may be appropriate for a conscious, cooperative adult without medical distress who would otherwise be transported to an emergency department or jail. Emergency symptoms, severe withdrawal risk, violence, or an inability to participate require a more appropriate emergency response.

PERSON-CENTERED SUPPORT

What Anchor can help coordinate

01

A safe, monitored short-term setting

02

Screening and medical triage

03

A temporary bed, hydration, and food

04

Basic wound or hygiene support when available

05

Substance-use education and counseling

06

Warm handoffs to treatment, health care, and housing resources

HOW TO START

A clear referral path

Send the referral through Anchor’s secure intake hub. Our team reviews the member’s plan, county, requested service, documentation, and urgency, then coordinates the appropriate authorization path.

Go to the referral intake hub →

1. Send the referral
Include member demographics, health-plan information, requested service, relevant documentation, and a reliable contact.

2. Anchor screens the request
Complete referrals are typically screened in under two business hours.

3. We coordinate the next step
Eligibility and authorization are confirmed with the managed care plan before services begin.

WHERE WE ARE CONTRACTED

Sobering Center service areas

Anchor’s contracted network for this service includes the counties below through Health Plan of San Joaquin / Mountain Valley Health Plan. We list contracted areas even when current placement capacity is limited.

El DoradoSan JoaquinStanislaus

Coverage is not a guarantee of eligibility, authorization, or immediate availability. Contact intake for a member-specific check.

Questions about Sobering Center

How long does a Sobering Center stay last?

Sobering Center services are short term and generally last less than 24 hours. The goal is safe stabilization and connection to the next appropriate service.

Is a Sobering Center the same as detox?

No. A Sobering Center is an alternative destination for short-term stabilization and linkage. It does not replace medically managed withdrawal, inpatient treatment, or emergency care.

Can someone walk in without a referral?

Access pathways vary by county, health plan, and program. Because services are often coordinated in real time, contact Anchor or the appropriate local response partner for the current pathway.

Where is Anchor contracted for Sobering Center services?

Anchor’s contracted network includes El Dorado, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus counties through Health Plan of San Joaquin / Mountain Valley Health Plan, subject to authorization and current capacity.

Program descriptions reflect current California DHCS guidance and Anchor’s contracted network. Health-plan policies and authorizations control member-specific access. Review DHCS ECM and Community Supports resources.

Start with Anchor’s intake team

Send a secure referral and we’ll identify the appropriate service, authorization route, and next step.