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.
5 Things To Know: San Diego American Indian Health Center to Host Substance Awareness Event
Attendees at this year’s “Raising Awareness” event, to be held at the Ballard Parent Center from noon to 4 p.m. on July 26, will be able to connect with community members and learn about substance use and opioid overdose prevention resources. Presenters at the event will include San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan and Bear Roots Founder Stephanie Carrasco, as well as representatives from the California Consortium for Urban Indian Health and the County of San Diego Behavioral Health Services.
5 Things To Know: CDPH Seeks Feedback on BHSA Population-Based Prevention Program Guide
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has released the first phase of its Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) population-based prevention program guidance, covering requirements, statewide goals, and state-level prevention strategies. Feedback — which will help inform the program’s planning, development, and implementation — will be accepted through July 11 and can be shared through the online survey. Following this round of feedback, CDPH will release Phase 2 guidance addressing operational and administrative components.
5 Things To Know: Upcoming Regional Collaborative Promotes Expanded Access to Medication-Assisted Treatment
At the CA Bridge Program’s free virtual regional collaborative on June 3 from 9-10:30 a.m. (PT), attendees can connect with both regional and statewide leaders in the substance use disorder treatment field and learn how to influence Behavioral Health Services Act priorities for their county. Registration is open via Zoom.
Advancing the Fight for Better Mental Health Resources
May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time when all who are committed to helping those living with mental health conditions can pause to reflect on the meaning of their work. This is also a time for us to continue fostering greater awareness, empathy, and understanding for those in need of care.
5 Things To Know: Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Residency Training Program to Launch in July
The Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Residency Training Program offers up to $250,000 per slot to help grow residency and fellowship programs, strengthening California’s behavioral health workforce and improving access to care. For more information, visit the program’s website.
5 Things To Know: Presentation Details Behavioral Intervention for Substance Use Disorders
The San Diego County Substance Use and Overdose Prevention Taskforce will hold a free online presentation on June 13 from 10 a.m. to noon (PT) to talk about contingency management — an evidence-based behavioral intervention that uses tangible rewards to reinforce positive behaviors — and its effectiveness in supporting recovery and reduce overdose risk. Registration is open.
5 Things To Know: DHCS Seeks Public Comment on Behavioral Health Services Act County Policy Manual
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has released significant updates to the Behavioral Health Services Act County Policy Manual and opened the public comment period for the Module 3 draft. This draft provides clear guidance on integrated plan submission and approval processes, budget templates, integrated plan templates, and measures for population goals. It will support counties as they prepare to submit their first integrated plans in 2026. Online comments and feedback are encouraged and accepted until 4 p.m. (PT) on April 25.
5 Things To Know: San Diego, Imperial Counties Host Mental Health Awareness Walks
To raise awareness and fundraise to support powerful change in our community around mental health, the National Alliance on Mental Illness is hosting walks on April 12 at the Imperial Valley Mall and April 26 at Liberty Station. Free registration for the San Diego and Imperial events is open for those interested in participating.
5 Things To Know: Public Comment Requested on Mental Health Services Act Annual Update
From April 1 through May 1, San Diego County is holding a 30-day online public review and comment period for the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Fiscal Year 2025-26 Annual Update. Final comments will be heard at the Behavioral Health Advisory Board’s May 1 meeting. The annual update will go before the San Diego County Board of Supervisors on June 3, subject to change, for review and approval, as required by the Mental Health Services Oversight & Accountability Commission, also known as MHSOAC. This will be the final MHSA Annual Report completed before San Diego County Behavioral Health Services shifts to the new Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) Integrated Plan. Planning is underway to assess the impact and implement the BHSA’s various new requirements.
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.