ABOUT JANUS
The Janus
Mission
For over 50 years, Janus has remained dedicated to its mission: to provide supportive, hope-inspiring and successful Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment services in a professional and compassionate environment while assisting individuals and families on their journey toward wellness and recovery.
Janus
Milestones
1976
1981
1992
In 1976, Janus of Santa Cruz was founded Dr. Robert G. O’Briant, who introduced a highly effective approach for treating alcoholism in a social model setting.
In 1981, Janus became a non-profit organization and has continued to add, expand, and improve programs over the years.
In 1992, Janus launched the Janus Perinatal Program with financial support from the Mondanaro and Baskin families. This is the only residential program for pregnant and post-partum women and their children in Santa Cruz County.
1998
2004
2006
In 1998, Janus recognized the need for more safe and sober housing for people leaving treatment and began opening Sober Living Environments (SLE). Janus now operates three SLEs with a capacity for 38 men and women who have a place to live following treatment, where they can practice and be supported in sober living.
2010
In 2004, the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency asked Janus to take over the County’s only Methadone Clinic (Narcotic Treatment Program). With Janus leadership, the Clinic was soon serving a full census of 330 patients and was successfully serving a critical and largely unmet need in the community. Strong program outcomes coupled with effective fiscal management set the stage for deeper community impact.
2013
In 2006, Janus received Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation for the Methadone Clinic and in 2010 for the Residential and Perinatal Treatment Programs. CARF accreditation insures that people entering our programs will receive the highest level of safe and successful care guided by the most recent effective treatment methodologies.
2019
In 2010, the perinatal program was awarded a three-year grant from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (SAMHSA) of the Federal Department of Health and Human Services to develop services that would positively impact the County’s Latina population. This grant funded the development of a sophisticated outcomes tracking system which is unique among substance abuse programs in the county.
In 2013, a second Methadone Clinic was opened in Watsonville for 125 patients. Buprenorphine was added as a medication to assist patients in managing their addiction. Since 2013, Janus expanded licensed capacity to 545 patients in North County and 230 patients in South County.
In 2019, janus was awarded a similar 5-year grant for Pregnant and Parenting women from the SAMHSA. This funding further allowed for continue expansion for services for pregnant women who are experiencing SUDs. The grant also assists in funding positions, training staff developing data collection and reporting systems, and improving systems of care for Janus clients.
2021
2022
2023
In 2021, Janus re-organized and defined all departments in the company and went through a trauma-informed transformation. During this transition Janus focused on Behavioral Health integration into all service lines. The restructuring led to clear and direct service lines, increase in high-quality client care, and improved employee satisfaction. Janus continues to grow and meet the needs of the community.
In 2022, the California Department of Healthcare Services (DHCS) awarded Janus Round 1 of Behavioral Health Continuum of Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) funding for the Janus Women and Families Recovery Center (Centro de Recuperación Janus para Mujeres y Familias).
Also in 2022, Janus launched an Open Access model and Withdrawal Management to expand timely, equitable access to care to meet clients where there at. In 2025, Janus expanded these services to include a Narcotics Treatment Program.
In 2023, Janus was selected as a Center of Excellence through a DHCS and Sierra Health Foundation–supported initiative to expand Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) services and support IMS implementation and certification statewide.
Also in 2023, Janus received $500,000 in local SUD funding secured by Congressman Jimmy Panetta to support rehabilitative services for Substance Use Disorders.
2024
2025
50th Anniversary
In 2024, the Sobering Center officially opened in partnership with Santa Cruz County Sherrif’s, located at 265 Water Street. Offers an alternative for public intoxicated individuals from Jails and Local Emergency rooms.
In October 2025, Janus acquired LITE House (formerly Gemma House), expanding its services to support women in sobriety as they navigate re-entry after incarceration and/or treatment. LITE stands for Living Independently Through Empowerment.
Also, in 2025, Janus CEO Amber Williams was named the first Champion in the Steinberg Institute’s 2025 series.
In 2026, Janus acquired the former Rodeway Inn property to develop a transformative 120-bed residential facility for men with substance use disorders.
In September 2026, Janus will celebrate 50 years of hope, healing and community.
Licenses and
Accreditations
Janus of Santa Cruz is licensed by the State of California Department of Health Care Services to provide the following treatment programs:
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Residential Detoxification for Adults
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Residential and Day Alcohol and Drug Treatment for Adults
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Residential and Day Alcohol and Drug Treatment for Pregnant Women
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Outpatient Alcohol and Drug Treatment
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Opiate Addiction Treatment / Methadone and Buprenorphine
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Licenses:
Janus of Santa Cruz dba: Janus Community Clinic
DHCS Licensed Narcotic Treatment Program
#44-05
Exp. 6/30/2027
DEA Registration # RJ0316174 / ZJ0316174
Janus of Santa Cruz Residential Treatment & Special Care Unit
DHCS Licensed and Certified
#440003BN
Exp. 8/31/2027
Janus of Santa Cruz dba: Janus South County
DHCS Licensed Narcotic Treatment Program
#44-06
Exp. 6/30/2027
DEA Registration # RJ0451170 / ZJ0451170
Janus of Santa Cruz Outpatient Client Services
DHCS Certified
#440003AN
Exp. 8/31/2027
Janus of Santa Cruz
dba Mondanaro-Baskin Center for Women and Children
DHCS Licensed and Certified
#440003DN
Exp. 8/31/2027
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