County Behavioral Health Director Star Graber to retire this spring
Star Graber.
Graber concludes 39-year career with San Luis Obispo County
– The County of San Luis Obispo Behavioral Health Department Director Star Graber has announced her retirement, effective Friday, March 6, 2026.
Graber has served the County of San Luis Obispo for 39 years and has held her current role as Behavioral Health Director since August 2023. In that role, she oversees nearly 300 staff members across six divisions and 12 regional clinics that provide services to uninsured and Medi-Cal beneficiaries with behavioral health conditions.
Under Graber’s direction, the department navigated the state’s Behavioral Health Transformation and implemented changes to departmental policies, programs, and an annual budget of nearly $125 million. That budget supports numerous local nonprofit organizations and behavioral health services both within the county and throughout California.
Graber has been responsible for developing and implementing the department’s Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System, the county’s Medication Assisted Treatment program, and the Adult and Family Drug Treatment Court programs. Those programs have served hundreds of community members and their families. She also serves as an Addiction Studies instructor at Cuesta College and is recognized at the state and federal levels for her work in drug and alcohol treatment.
“Dr. Graber’s leadership and expertise have been instrumental in strengthening and expanding behavioral health services throughout San Luis Obispo County,” Health Agency Director Nick Drews said. “Her work has always been rooted in compassion, and her legacy is one of healing, trust, and genuine care. We’re incredibly grateful for her nearly four decades of service.”
Graber began her career with the department in 1986 as an Alcohol Services Counselor, where she conducted treatment, classes, and training with adults, children, and families affected by substance use disorders. She later served as a Drug and Alcohol Services Program Coordinator, overseeing the department’s Driving Under the Influence program, before advancing to Drug and Alcohol Services Prevention Program Supervisor and then Clinical Program Supervisor.
After becoming a Behavioral Health Division Manager, Graber spent nearly 40 years securing millions of dollars in federal and state grant funding to support substance use prevention, treatment, and co-occurring disorder treatment programs in San Luis Obispo County.
As director, Graber emphasized expanded treatment capacity and integrated care for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, providing both services concurrently.
Graber earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Oregon. She holds a master’s degree in counseling from California Polytechnic State University and a doctorate in psychology from California Coast University. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist.
