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 County Behavioral Health Provides Update on New Wellness Campus
During the Aug. 19 Board of Supervisors meeting, San Diego County Behavioral Health leadership presented an update on the new behavioral health wellness campus. The project will create a centralized, 120,000‑square‑foot behavioral health treatment campus on approximately 8.24 acres of county‑owned property on Rosecrans Street. It will offer crisis stabilization services, outpatient mental health care,...
5 Things To Know: Save the Date for San Diego’s 2026 Walk for Sobriety
The McAlister Institute invites the community to save the date for the annual Walk for Sobriety on Sept. 5. This community-centered event at Liberty Station will honor recovery, reduce stigma, and bring help and hope to those in the region who are impacted by addiction.
5 Things To Know: HCAI to Host Behavioral Health Workforce Funding Webinar
Hospitals providing behavioral health services are urged to register for a Department of Health Care Access and Information webinar on June 9 at 2:30 p.m. (PT) to learn about the Medi‑Cal Behavioral Health Recruitment and Retention Program.
5 Things To Know: CDPH Releases AFL on Staffing Ratios for Acute Psychiatric Hospitals
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has released All-Facilities Letter (AFL) 26-17, which informs acute psychiatric hospitals of the nurse staffing ratios that took effect on June 1.
5 Things To Know: Resources Available from Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative
In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative has published a collection of resources, including a digital toolkit, upcoming events, guides, and videos.
5 Things To Know: East County to Celebrate Opening of Crisis Stabilization Unit
The East Region Crisis Stabilization Unit is a new behavioral health facility serving adults (18+) at 200 S. Magnolia Ave. in El Cajon. The community is invited to RSVP to celebrate this new East County resource with a ribbon-cutting event on April 20 from 10 a.m. to noon. Guests will learn about available behavioral health...
DHCS to Host Webinar on Real-Time Behavioral Health Data Sharing Requirements
On March 30 at 11 a.m. (PT), the Department of Health Care Services will host a webinar on recently announced real-time behavioral health data sharing requirements for managed care plans, county mental health plans, Drug Medi-Cal organized delivery systems, and Drug Medi-Cal counties.
Behavioral Health Board to Discuss Letter on Youth Optimal Care Pathways
The Behavioral Health Advisory Board (BHAB) will discuss a San Diego County Board of Supervisors draft letter on the Youth Optimal Care Pathways program at its meeting on March 5 from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at the County Administration Building. The letter is expected to support an agenda item that will be covered during the...
5 Things To Know: New Tool Highlights Severe Behavioral Health Workforce Shortage in Imperial County
The Department of Health Care Access and Information has released a modeling tool that consists of a role- and geography-specific analysis of the current and future behavioral health workforce, including anticipated gaps and available supply. Related professions were categorized into three roles: associate-level clinicians, non-prescribing licensed clinicians, and psychiatrists. While San Diego County was identified...
5 Things To Know: Recorded Webinar Highlights Behavioral Health Resources for Justice-Involved Individuals
A recording of a recent webinar designed to help counties gain actionable strategies to maximize resources for justice-involved behavioral health populations is now available. The webinar — which was hosted by the California Health and Human Services Agency’s Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act Team — may be helpful for county behavioral health departments...