For Immediate Release: January 10, 2022
VENTURA, Calif. - Ruben Alonzo has been appointed the Director of Patient Services at Vista del Mar Hospital. Located in Ventura, the hospital provides inpatient stabilization treatment for immediate mental health and chemical dependency crises and outpatient programs to address long-term mental health recovery. Vista Del Mar Hospital is also the only psychiatric hospital that provides inpatient services to adolescents in Ventura County.
Alonzo brings over 15 years of social work experience in child welfare, medical, and mental health. "Ruben has partnered with public and private sectors, health organizations, and government agencies. This collaboration with management, treating psychiatrists, and clinical staff will serve him well in his new role at Vista del Mar Hospital," said Dan Powell, Chief Executive Officer at Vista del Mar Hospital. "I am thrilled to welcome him to our leadership team."
Alonzo's work within the mental health and medical fields includes both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services, home health, hospice, and Medi-Cal managed care. He has worked as a private contractor with multiple agencies servicing patients with skilled needs and end-of-life issues. His years at Kern Health Systems, a Medi-Cal managed health care plan, have given him a wealth of knowledge in the health insurance industry. As a Psychiatric Social Worker at Ventura County Medical Center, he coordinated admission and discharge planning for acute patients in the Inpatient Unit and Outpatient Unit/Crisis Stabilization Unit. He provided group therapy and psycho-education for acute patients and their families.
Alonzo was employed for Child Protective Services (CPS) for Kern County, where he worked with children experiencing trauma from abuse and neglect. He collaborated with medical professionals, law enforcement, judicial representatives, foreign and local governments, and Tribal Nations. He was appointed as the sole immigration liaison between Kern County and foreign consulates.
After completing his undergraduate degree in Sociology at California State University Northridge, Alonzo earned his Master of Social Work (MSW) at California State University Long Beach. He holds several certificates and registrations, including the Gold Certificate "Working in Contemporary Native Nations, Native Law and Policy," University of California Los Angeles; Vista del Mar Hospital -- 801 Seneca Street, Ventura, CA 93001 --- www.vistadelmarhospital.com Contact: Jeanette Villanueva, Director of Business Development; Cell (805) 846-9060; jeanette.villanueva@aurorabehavioral.com Associate Clinical Social Worker, Board of Behavioral Sciences; and Certified Case Manager, Commission for Case Manager Certification.
Born and raised in Ventura County, Alonzo is pleased to return home. "I have never seen a greater need for mental health services than during this pandemic. I am excited to join Vista del Mar Hospital and be part of the team to do my part in serving our community,” said Alonzo.