Opens in a new tab
Join Our Team|Articles & News|Contact Us
CBEM logo

CBEM - A Proud Member of the Redwood Family

Empowering people to lead safe and healthy lives through innovative social services.

CBEM specializes in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through 24/7, community-based crisis intervention across California. We work alongside individuals, families, caregivers, Regional Centers, and providers to identify immediate needs, promote safety, coordinate care, and support ongoing stability. This person-centered, trauma-informed approach provides a strong foundation for responsive mental and behavioral health services that can be adapted to the needs of different populations, partners, and communities.

Who We Are

Leaders in Crisis Prevention, Stabilization & Behavioral Support

For more than 17 years, CBEM has partnered with California Regional Centers to deliver high-quality, person-centered crisis intervention and prevention services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our experience has demonstrated that proactive, evidence-based support can reduce hospitalizations, improve stability, and enhance overall quality of life.

CBEM was founded on a simple but powerful mission: Empowering people to lead safe and healthy lives through innovative social services.

CBEM specializes in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through 24/7, community-based crisis intervention across California. We work alongside individuals, families, caregivers, Regional Centers, and providers to identify immediate needs, promote safety, coordinate care, and support ongoing stability. This person-centered, trauma-informed approach provides a strong foundation for responsive mental and behavioral health services that can be adapted to the needs of different populations, partners, and communities.

CBEM sign outside on brick wall

What We Do

CBEM provides 24/7 crisis intervention for individuals with IDD in California and scalable behavioral and mental health services for diverse communities nationwide.

close up of two people holding hands

Mental Health Services and Crisis Intervention for Individuals with IDD

CBEM provides a coordinated continuum of crisis support that connects prevention, 24/7 crisis response, stabilization, and continued care. Our teams work with individuals, families, caregivers, and service providers to identify early signs of distress, develop practical strategies, respond to active crises by phone or in person, and promote safety and stability in the least restrictive setting. As needs change, we reassess strategies, coordinate additional resources, and strengthen the support network to reduce recurring crises and sustain long-term stability.

Where We Are

Since 2008, CBEM has grown from a five-person team serving one Regional Center in San Francisco to a statewide organization serving individuals across California:

  • 14 Regional Center partnerships, from the North Coast to Southern California
  • 18 offices across the state
  • More than 50 counties served
  • 6,500+ individuals served since 2008

Who We Support

Supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across California, CBEM offers 24/7 community-based crisis intervention that promotes stability, independence, and well-being.

If an individual is experiencing behavioral or mental health challenges that affect their safety, stability, daily functioning, or quality of life, they may benefit from additional support.

Accessing CBEM services begins with a referral from a participating California Regional Center.

  • Individuals served by participating California Regional Centers within CBEM's service areas may be referred without additional diagnosis, age, or severity requirements.
  • Once a referral is received, CBEM collaborates with the individual, Service Coordinator, and support team to better understand the person's needs and determine whether our services are the right fit.
woman raising hand

Learn More About CBEM

Whether you're exploring services for yourself, a family member, or someone you support professionally, the CBEM team is here to help.

We can assist with understanding available programs, navigating state and local service systems, and connecting individuals with the resources and supports that best fit their needs.

Helpful Resources

  • Call 911 if someone is at immediate risk of harm
  • Call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day
  • Call or text 211 for help in connecting with local human and social services
  • Contact your CBEM office directly if you are currently enrolled in services