San Luis Obispo County reaches $8 million settlement in teen death

September 26, 2026 Ribbon cutting at San Luis Obispo County Crisis Stabilization Unit in 2018 By KAREN VELIE San Luis Obispo County and a contracted mental health group agreed to pay $8 million to the family of a teen who died at a county facility, though it would be eight to 10 hours before anyone noticed the 19-year-old had passed away. Following the deaths of several mentally ill patients, including Andrew Holland whose family previously received a $5 million settlement, in 2018 SLO County opened a crisis stabilization unit to help community members “experiencing a serious mental health issue.” The county outsourced management of the unit to Sierra Mental Wellness Group.

After staff complained for months about mismanagement at the facility, the teen’s death prompted four employees to hand in their notices. Several employees then contacted CalCoastNews, which exclusively reported on the failures at the unit and the the truth surrounding the teen’s death.

First reported by CalCoast News.