About Bonita House
We offer a full continuum of care for those experiencing mental health and co-occurring substance use challenges across Alameda County, from crisis response to long-term recovery.
From One House to a Countywide Network
Bonita House launched Berkeley’s first psychiatric residential treatment program of its kind in 1971. What began as a single house grew steadily over five decades into one of Alameda County’s most trusted mental health and social services organizations, now serving 2,000+ people each year. Today, our programs reach people in homes, shelters, jails, hospitals, schools, parks, and on the streets across the county.
From the beginning, Bonita House was built for people the mainstream system was not reaching: people living in poverty, without stable housing, whose mental health challenges were inseparable from histories of trauma, discrimination, and systemic neglect. That focus remains the same more than 50 years later.
Our Misssion
To build community, dignity, hope, and wellness through services that support recovery and self-sufficiency.
What We Stand For
We envision a future where every person living with mental health and co-occurring substance use challenges has the opportunity, support, and dignity to thrive. Our community embraces mental health as an essential part of overall well-being, eliminating stigma and ensuring that each individual receives compassionate, culturally responsive care without barriers.
Through a seamless continuum of strengths-based, client-centered, and trauma-informed services, we aim to create environments where recovery is expected, self-sufficiency is possible, and every person can live a meaningful, connected life. We imagine communities where stable housing, employment, transportation, and other vital conditions for health are accessible to all, and where high-quality care is delivered when, where, and how people need it.
Bonita House recognizes that this vision is made possible only through a healthy, supported, and highly skilled workforce. We are committed to nurturing an organizational culture where employees feel valued, equipped, and sustained—where continuous learning, well-being, and professional growth are integral to delivering exceptional care.
Our five pillars guide every decision we make and every interaction we have, from how we design our programs to how we greet someone walking through our door for the first time.
Compassion
We lead with empathy, especially with people who have been turned away before. Every person deserves to be heard without conditions.
Respect
Every person we serve has inherent dignity. We honor that by listening carefully, following each individual’s lead, and treating people as whole human beings, not as their diagnosis.
Progress
Recovery is not a destination. It’s a direction. We celebrate every step forward, however small, and we don’t stop showing up when the process is slow or hard.
Resilience
We stand alongside our clients as they find and build on their own strength, at their own pace and on their own terms.
Embracing Differences
Alameda County is one of the most diverse places in the country, and our community reflects that. We build teams and programs that honor the cultures, languages, and lived experiences of the people we serve.
54 Years of Service to Alameda County
Growth, community partnerships, expanding care. Here are some of the milestones that shaped who we are today.
1971
Founding
First psychiatric residential treatment program of its kind in Berkeley, CA.
1993
Dual Diagnosis Focus
Redesigned all programs to exclusively serve adults with co-occurring disorders.
2007
Integrated Care
Began integrating primary care into behavioral health services.
2019
CATT Launch
Launched 24/7 Community Assessment & Transport Team crisis response.
1971
Founding
First psychiatric residential treatment program of its kind in Berkeley, CA.
1993
Dual Diagnosis Focus
Redesigned all programs to exclusively serve adults with co-occurring disorders.
2007
Integrated Care
Began integrating primary care into behavioral health services.
2019
CATT Launch
Launched 24/7 Community Assessment & Transport Team crisis response.
1971
Founding
First psychiatric residential treatment program of its kind in Berkeley, CA.
1975
Vocational Rehab
Opened Junkman’s Palace Café — first vocational rehab program of its kind in Alameda County.
1993
Dual Diagnosis Focus
Redesigned all programs to exclusively serve adults with co-occurring disorders.
1996
Creative Living Center
Berkeley Creative Living Center merged with and became a Bonita House program.
2007
Integrated Care
Began integrating primary care into behavioral health services.
2016
Casa Ubuntu
Awarded contract to open Casa Ubuntu Wellness Center in East Oakland.
2019
CATT Launch
Launched 24/7 Community Assessment & Transport Team crisis response.
1975
Vocational Rehab
Opened Junkman’s Palace Café: first vocational rehab program of its kind in Alameda County.
1996
Creative Living Center
Berkeley Creative Living Center merged with and became a Bonita House program.
2016
Casa Ubuntu
Awarded contract to open Casa Ubuntu Wellness Center in East Oakland.
Our Leadership Team
Bonita House is guided by a dedicated team with deep roots in behavioral health, community service, and social equity.
Laura Weissberger, LCSW
Executive Director
Jamie Knight
Director of HR
Cleo Thomspon
Jeff Beal, LCSW
Clinical Director of Crisis Services
Join Our Team
We’re always looking for passionate people who want to make a difference in their community. Check out our open roles!
