Press Release: For immediate release
Contact Information
Shareen Leland, LMFT
Acting Chief Executive Officer
hello@star-vista.org
StarVista to Cease Operations Effective August 1, 2025
July 17, 2025 – Burlingame, CA, StarVista, a trusted provider of mental and behavioral health services in San Mateo County for 60 years, announces with deep sadness that it will cease operations effective August 1, 2025.
Due to ongoing financial challenges, StarVista pursued a merger in the last month with another nonprofit organization in San Mateo County. Together with our San Mateo County partners, we explored options to ensure the continuation of StarVista’s services under new stewardship. Unfortunately, the pursuit of other options was unsuccessful, and StarVista is now unable to continue operations.
“We are heartbroken to share this news,” said Shareen Leland, LMFT, Acting Chief Executive Officer of StarVista. “Our team, our potential merger partner, and our San Mateo County partners worked together in good faith to navigate StarVista’s complex situation. We are deeply grateful for their time, care, and thoughtful consideration of our programs, clients, and staff. While this was not the outcome we had hoped for, we remain committed to supporting a thoughtful transition.”
While StarVista programs will be ending, the StarVista Crisis Center and San Mateo County Pride Center will be moving to more sustainable homes within the county and will continue operations throughout this process. We will continue to share updates on the progress of these transitions. Community members in need of immediate mental or behavioral health support are encouraged to call or text 988.
Recent rumors have suggested that the closure of StarVista’s youth housing programs resulted in the loss of secure housing for its clients. Despite working with a very tight timeline and significant challenges, our team has collaborated extensively with San Mateo County partners to secure ongoing housing and services for youth in these programs. The youth remain safely housed, and we are committed to ensuring as smooth and thoughtful a transition as possible.
“To our staff, community, partners, and supporters, thank you,” said Shareen Leland. “Your unwavering belief in our mission has allowed us to serve hundreds of thousands of individuals and families in San Mateo County. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished together and deeply grateful for your support of our mission to help all ages and stages through life’s challenges.”