TrueCare, a nonprofit community health center serving North San Diego and Riverside counties, is proud to announce the relocation and expansion of its specialty behavioral health services to a new site, TrueCare Richmar Behavioral Health, located off Richmar Avenue (309 Richmar Ave., Suite 101, San Marcos, CA 92069).

Conveniently located near the CA-78 Freeway, the new location is thoughtfully designed to meet the growing need for behavioral health services in the community. The upgraded space features eight private consult rooms for individual therapy, as well as a large community room specifically designed for group therapy sessions. The new center also includes designated patient parking to ensure ease of access for all visitors.

“One in five Americans will experience a mental health crisis in their lifetime,” said Briana Cardoza Chief of Business Development at TrueCare. “This expanded space allows us to increase access to quality mental health care and better serve our patients in a safe, welcoming environment where they feel seen, heard, and valued every step of the way.”

At TrueCare, behavioral health services are delivered with compassion and a deep commitment to improving overall well-being. TrueCare’s licensed behavioral health specialists offer personalized, comprehensive care for a wide range of mental health conditions, including, anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD and trauma-related conditions, Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders, chemical dependency, and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders. Through assessments, therapy, and medication management, patients are guided on a journey toward healing, empowerment, and improved well-being.

TrueCare operates on an Integrated Behavioral Health Model (IBH), which brings together physical and mental health care within the primary care setting. This model is grounded in research around Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the long-term effects of toxic stress on brain development and chronic illness. By embedding behavioral health into every stage of care, TrueCare creates a streamlined care experience that improves outcomes and ensures that patient mental health is always a priority.

New patients can schedule a primary care visit at one of TrueCare’s locations today to receive a referral for a mental health services. Please note that TrueCare’s psychiatry services will continue at the current San Marcos Health Center on Valpreda Road for the time being. Patients with questions are encouraged to call or text (760) 736-6767. To learn more about TrueCare’s behavioral health services or to find a location near you, please visit truecare.org.

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Through this expansion, TrueCare aims to enhance balanced health care for our communities. The TrueCare Vista Way Health Campus is conveniently located just off the 78 freeway and near Tri-City Medical Center.

“At TrueCare, our passion for helping people access quality health care in the pursuit of health balance has been the cornerstone of our mission for over 50 years,” says Briana Cardoza, Chief Business Development Officer at TrueCare. “We believe in building trusting relationships with our patients, ensuring they feel supported and cared for at every step of their health journey. With the expansion of services at our Vista Way Health Campus, we can make an even greater impact on the lives of people in our communities.”

Recognized as a patient-centered medical home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance, TrueCare’s primary care providers address whole-person health. Realizing preventive care leads to better health outcomes, TrueCare providers prioritize building trusting relationships so patients feel empowered to get cancer screenings, manage diabetes, address heart health, and receive immunizations alongside a wide range of comprehensive services.

The growth of TrueCare’s services at the Vista Way Health Campus received generous community support at our recent ILLUMINATION gala, which raised over $400,000. This funding directly impacts local families and individuals by helping us enhance health care services.

TrueCare’s services and programs are available to everyone, including community members who are uninsured. TrueCare offers a sliding scale of low to no-cost services for self-paying patients who qualify, along with flexible payment options. The health center also accepts a wide variety of health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal, Medicare, and some commercial health plans.

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TrueCare Vista Way Acupuncture and Chiropractic underscores TrueCare’s ongoing commitment to breaking down barriers and ensuring equitable access to health care for everyone. The health center is conveniently situated near Tri-City Medical Center and easily accessible from the 78 freeway. Featuring over 1,300 square feet of space with three exam rooms, the modern site creates greater capacity for serving over 6,300 patients annually who are seeking specialty care to help them maintain healthy and active lifestyles.

The expansion of acupuncture and chiropractic care at Vista Way marks the beginning of TrueCare’s ambitious plans for making this location an additional access point for care within the community. In the ensuing months, the site is set to host an array of additional services including primary care, QuickCare, dental services, and more, streamlining health care for families and individuals under one roof.

“Our intention is to create a health center location that emphasizes TrueCare’s unwavering commitment to people and offers expanded care for our diverse communities far and wide,” says Michelle D. Gonzalez, President and CEO of TrueCare. “As we continue to expand our footprint, our promise of high-quality health care remains steadfast, encouraging everyone to find equitable medical resources with confidence.”

For more information, visit our TrueCare Vista Way Acupuncture & Chiropractic location page.

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Acela was very nervous about having surgery but knowing Dr. Mostofian was by her side helped her overcome her fears. With Project Access and Palomar Health, Dr. Mostofian was able to help Acela get the care she needed and set her on a path of healing. Now, Acela can live without pain or the shame and embarrassment that can accompany female health issues. Acela is grateful for the assistance she received from both TrueCare and Champions for Health.

TrueCare supports Dr. Mostofian’s work by giving her time to volunteer. Since 2008, Project Access has facilitated care for more than 9,600 uninsured patients like Acela, which is only possible through the dedication of volunteer specialty physicians.

To learn more about Acela’s story, check out Giving Back Magazine’s January 2024 issue…Read more
 

 

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As an organization, TrueCare has been a trailblazer in becoming a breastfeeding-friendly health center. Over the past four years, our teams in Women’s Health, Pediatrics and the Women, Infant & Children (WIC) program have worked diligently to implement the “9 Steps to Breastfeeding Friendly: Guidelines for Community Health Centers and Outpatient Care Settings.” The guide outlines evidence-based best practices for supporting breastfeeding in the health care setting. Recognition as a Breastfeeding Friendly Health Center acknowledges TrueCare’s commitment to supporting breastfeeding for both patients and employees by making policy, operational, and environmental changes to remove barriers faced by breastfeeding parents.

“As California adopts historic health care reforms, including for birthing care, TrueCare’s commitment to lactation is an important part of addressing maternal mortality and improving infant birth outcomes, particularly for those at high risk,” says Executive Director Karen Farley of the California WIC Association. “We hope this level of care that includes tangible breastfeeding interventions will be adopted widely across the state by other health centers as well.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommend infants be breastfed exclusively for the first six months of life, and up to two years or longer. Studies show breastfeeding provides health benefits for babies and mothers, including lower risks of asthma, obesity, diabetes, infections, SIDS, high blood pressure, and ovarian and breast cancers.

“TrueCare is proud to champion the invaluable health benefits of breastfeeding,” said Michelle D. Gonzalez, President and CEO of TrueCare. “This recognition reflects our mission to provide high-quality preventative care and health education to the families we serve. It takes a village, and at TrueCare, we stand together for the well-being of our patients and employees, empowering their choice to breastfeed.”

To achieve this prestigious status, TrueCare implemented comprehensive lactation policies and procedures across all organizational departments that provide services to pregnant and postpartum women and their infants. Employees also benefit from these lactation policies, which include flexible break times and private spaces for pumping, as well as a breast pump loan program and access to TrueCare’s international board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLC).

“We believe breastfeeding is vital to the health of the community we serve,” says Mary Sammer, Vice President of Nutrition Services at TrueCare. “We are committed to removing barriers for those who choose to breastfeed and to ultimately improve health for all while advocating for breastfeeding as the gold standard for infant nutrition.”

As a community health center, TrueCare provides an integrated approach to breastfeeding education and support. Beginning in pregnancy, mothers receive evidenced-based education so they can make an informed decision about feeding their baby. Lactation support includes an infant feeding assessment at the first pediatric newborn visit and beyond, until lactation and infant growth is well established.

“Together, our providers and health staff have built a culture for comprehensive pediatric care that includes taking steps to establish appropriate infant feeding behaviors,” adds TrueCare Pediatrician Dr. Maria Sebiane. “Early and ongoing nutrition support combined with our quality, culturally sensitive medical care provides our patients the education, assessments, interventions and referrals that they need, based on their individual situation, so we can truly be a full-service resource for families in our communities.”

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The partnership between Fresh Start Surgical Gifts and TrueCare represents a shared commitment to making health care comprehensive, accessible, and inclusive. TrueCare’s dedication to ensuring everyone in the region’s diverse communities has access to health care aligns perfectly with Fresh Start’s mission to transform the lives of disadvantaged children. By joining forces, these organizations aim to reach even more children in need and provide them with life-changing medical care and support.

“We are overjoyed to team up with TrueCare, a true champion in breaking down barriers to health care,” said Michelle Pius, Fresh Start Surgical Gifts’ Chief Development Officer & Global Partnerships. “With their invaluable support, we are thrilled to extend our reach to children in need of a medical transformation and bring even more smiles to the faces of the children we help through these screening clinics. Together, we are making dreams come true for these children, offering them a brighter and healthier future with this fresh start.”

Fresh Start Surgical Gifts and TrueCare believe that every child deserves a fresh start, regardless of their socioeconomic background, insurance status or income. This partnership exemplifies their commitment to making this vision a reality.

“Our partnership with Fresh Start Surgical Gifts stems from our shared belief in equal health care for all no matter what it takes, and these screening clinics will help families find the care they need for their child,” said Sonia Gonzalez, Director of Community Engagement at TrueCare. “Together with Fresh Start, we’re opening our doors to provide a unique opportunity for life-changing care for children in need in our communities, and ensuring they feel welcomed, valued, and healthy from the inside out.”

Since 1991, Fresh Start Surgical Gifts has been dedicated to improving the lives of children. They have successfully helped over 8,900 children by hosting twelve surgery weekends per year. The organization’s impact extends across multiple regions in the U.S., with its headquarters based in San Diego and additional locations in Chicago and now San Antonio. Fresh Start continues to accept applications on an ongoing basis, providing children the opportunity to receive care in San Diego, San Antonio, or Chicago.

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Dr. Otañez was born and raised in Tijuana by his maternal grandmother and aunts. Both of his parents passed away when he was young. Their illnesses motivated him to pursue a career as a doctor. After working three jobs to study medicine, he became a pediatrician in 2010. Soon after, he was accepted into UCLA’s program for bilingual international medical graduates so he could practice family medicine in California. After 12 years of setting his sights on a residency at UCSD, his goal was achieved. Fast forward to today, he wears two hats at TrueCare – as a physician and administrator. When asked what motivates him, he says, “I like to help people. I love what I do. It’s very rewarding.”

TrueCare President and CEO Michelle D. Gonzalez adds, “Dr. Otañez is truly a special person with a beautiful and inspiring story. We are proud to have him as a passionate provider and health care leader in our TrueCare family.”

To learn more about Dr. Otañez’s story, check out the issue…read more
 

 

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