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: 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...
5 Things To Know: San Diego County Announces Key Leadership Transitions
San Diego County has begun the new year with continued transformation, bringing in new leadership for key positions — including the appointment of Nadia Privara Brahms to behavioral health services director effective Jan. 9. (Privara Brahms served as acting director for the past several months.)
5 Things To Know: CARE Court Will Expand Eligibility, Include Bipolar 1 Disorder Effective Jan. 1
California Senate Bill (SB) 27 will take effect on Jan. 1, introducing key updates to the CARE Act — including expanding eligibility to include individuals with bipolar I disorder with psychotic features. SB 27’s main goal is to strengthen the original CARE Act by enhancing access, coordination, and efficiency in delivering mental health and housing services.