The Castellón de la Plana City Council has opened the doors of the San José Residence, a new center specializing in the care of individuals with severe mental health problems. The inauguration, organized by INSOEME, was attended by Mayoress Begoña Carrasco and the Councilor for Social Welfare, Clara Adsuara. The center has 37 places and began welcoming users last September.
During the visit, the Mayoress was welcomed by the CEO and founder of INSOEME, Pablo Ribes, and the residence director, Carmen García. Several authorities also attended, including the Director General for People with Disabilities of the Generalitat Valenciana, Bárbara Congost, and the Director General of Sociosanitary Infrastructure, Borja Ottobrino.
Carrasco highlighted the importance of this resource for the city, emphasizing that "without mental health, there can be no health" and that improving it means "making a better Castellón." She stressed the need for resources that offer "care, listening, and support" to both individuals and their families.
The residence represents an investment of approximately 1,450,000 euros by INSOEME and anticipates a staff of 30 to 35 professionals, thus contributing to the creation of specialized employment in Castellón. The Mayoress thanked the professionals for their "dedication, preparation, and commitment."
Carrasco advocated for public-private collaboration as key to expanding resources and offering better responses to citizens. She also recalled the municipal Social Inclusion Itinerary program, which currently involves 190 participants, and the launch of SASEM, a service with a social worker and psychologist for individuals with severe mental health problems, with plans to expand it in 2027.
The City Council is working on the first Municipal Mental Health Plan for Castellón, which will be presented in the first quarter of next year and involves the participation of professionals, entities, and the Jaume I University.
