Step Forward East, situated in El Cajon, is a CalWORKs Behavioral Health Center operated by the Community Research Foundation. The center specializes in helping Welfare-to-Work participants overcome behavioral health barriers that impact their ability to secure and maintain employment. Their comprehensive outpatient services include behavioral health assessments, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, various counseling formats, case management, care coordination, and crisis intervention. With a strong focus on educational and employment services, Step Forward East prepares individuals and families for self-sufficiency during their transition from welfare dependency to sustainable employment. Funded by San Diego County's Behavioral Health Services, the program ensures accessibility by serving Medi-Cal beneficiaries, those eligible for Medi-Cal, and uninsured individuals. No one is turned away due to inability to pay. Access to Step Forward East typically comes through referrals from participants' designated Welfare-to-Work Case Managers, allowing their services to integrate smoothly with existing Welfare-to-Work plans.