Berkeley Seeks $400,000 Increase for Temporary Psychiatrist Staffing Contract

BERKELEY, Calif. — October 27, 2026. Berkeley proposes adding $400,000 to its existing contract with Jackson & Coker for locum tenens psychiatrists, increasing the cumulative contract ceiling to $1,814,480.

What the council is considering

The proposed contract amendment would keep the current end date of June 30, 2027. Locum tenens services can fill gaps when permanent clinical staff are unavailable, but specific clinical coverage, appointment access and eligibility still depend on the city’s health and behavioral-health programs.

Current status and resident impact

The council item does not establish a new public mental-health clinic, a guaranteed appointment for every resident or evidence that the full $1.81 million has been spent. People needing services should contact Berkeley’s health and community services department.

Berkeley’s October 27 meeting is listed for 6 p.m. at the School District Board Room, 1231 Addison Street, with remote participation also available. Residents can review the agenda and related staff reports before treating a recommendation as an enacted measure.

Official source: City of Berkeley, October 27, 2026 City Council agenda.

Published October 27. As of writing, final action on this individual agenda item was not independently verified; check adopted minutes for its final disposition.

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