Step Forward North Coastal, situated in Oceanside, serves as a CalWORKs Behavioral Health Center that helps Welfare-to-Work participants overcome behavioral health barriers to employment. The center provides comprehensive outpatient services including behavioral health assessments, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, counseling in individual, group, and family settings, as well as case management, care coordination, and crisis intervention. Their approach strongly focuses on educational and employment services that prepare clients for self-sufficiency during their transition from welfare to work. As part of the Community Research Foundation, this program specifically addresses the unique challenges faced by CalWORKs participants. Funded by San Diego County's Behavioral Health Services, Step Forward North Coastal ensures accessibility by accepting Medi-Cal beneficiaries, Medi-Cal-eligible individuals, and uninsured persons, with a commitment that no one is turned away due to inability to pay. Participants enter the program through referrals from their designated Welfare-to-Work Case Managers, allowing for smooth integration with their existing Welfare-to-Work plans.