About Behavioral Health
California has a behavioral health care crisis, as more Californians need care, and there are not enough providers to deliver that care. As a last resort, those facing a mental health crisis turn to hospital emergency departments. The number of people going to an emergency department for mental health needs jumped 68% from 2010 to 2020; for children 12 to 17 that number climbed 31%. Creating a behavioral health care system means making access easier and more equitable, while ensuring patients receive care in the most appropriate setting.
Tackling San Diego’s Behavioral Health Crisis
As Southern California residents continue to face increased financial pressures, the demand for behavioral health services has grown significantly. With hospitals also under financial duress, it is becoming more challenging to meet the needs of those who struggle with mental health and substance use disorders. But with hospitals also under financial duress — 53% of all hospitals statewide lose money every day to deliver patient care — it is becoming more challenging to meet the needs of those who struggle with mental health and substance use disorders. At HASD&IC, we understand that behavioral health has a lasting impact on the entire health care system, evidenced by behavioral health being elevated to a top HASD&IC board priority by both the community and our hospitals.
5 Things To Know: State Debuts Provider Portal for Youth Mental Health
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has launched the California Child and Adolescent Mental Health Access Portal (Cal-MAP). This free phone- and web-based provider portal aims to increase timely access to mental health care for youth throughout California’s communities, especially in the state’s most underserved and rural areas. Cal-MAP’s team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and […]
5 Things To Know: Save the Date for Primary Care and Behavioral Health Integration Summit
On Jan. 28 and Jan. 30, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (PT), the 15th annual Primary Care and Behavioral Health Integration Summit — held virtually and at no cost to attendees — will showcase emerging ideas and practices on integrated behavioral health in San Diego County and around the country. Local and national […]
5 Things To Know: Public Comments Requested on Behavioral Health Transformation
The Department of Health Care Services invites Californians to provide public feedback on the County Behavioral Health Transformation [Draft] Policy Manual Module 1 — the first set of directions to counties on their behavioral health transformation. Comments will be accepted through Dec. 2.
5 Things To Know: Save the Date for Primary Care and Behavioral Health Integration Summit
On Jan. 28 and Jan. 30, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (PT), the 15th annual Primary Care and Behavioral Health Integration Summit — held virtually and at no cost to attendees — will showcase emerging ideas and practices on integrated behavioral health in San Diego County and across the country. Local and national leaders […]
5 Things To Know: BHCIP Grant Applications Close Dec. 13
The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is accepting applications for grants to fund construction, acquisition, and rehabilitation of facilities related to behavioral health. DHCS will competitively award up to $3.3 billion in “Bond Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Round 1: Launch Ready” grants to target gaps in the state’s behavioral health facility infrastructure. The application […]
5 Things To Know: Local Conference to Feature Expanding 5150 Criteria and CARE Court
The California Crisis Intervention Training Association (CACITA) Conference 2024 will be held on Oct. 30 at the Coronado Community Center. The event brings together behavioral health providers and public safety partners on key topics that impact both fields. The Expanding 5150 Criteria panel will discuss the impact of Senate Bill 43 (2023) on crisis response teams, […]
5 Things To Know: CARE Court Holds First Graduation Ceremony
San Diego County’s Behavioral Health Services and Public Defender departments, Superior Court, and other partners are celebrating an inspiring milestone for the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act program (better known as CARE Court): On Aug. 7, CARE Court held its first graduation ceremony.
5 Things To Know: Resources Address Upcoming Changes to Definition of “Gravely Disabled”
The Jewish Family Service Patient Advocacy Program has released a new resource to help community organizations understand changes to the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act that will take effect Jan. 1. Under Senate Bill 43, which was signed into law in October 2023, the definition of “gravely disabled” is expanded to include individuals with severe substance use disorders. The resource includes a short video as well as contact info for organizations that wish to schedule a training on this topic.
5 Things To Know: DHCS Adds New Resources on Proposition 1
Earlier this month, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) shared new resources about its Behavioral Health Transformation work, including updated fact sheets, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and other materials. Behavioral Health Transformation is an effort that will implement Proposition 1 and builds on other major behavioral health initiatives in California.