Behavioral Health

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: 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: 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.

5 Things To Know: Bridge Housing Funds Will Establish Recuperative Care Beds

San Diego County Behavioral Health Services has been awarded $12.4 million in state funding for bridge housing services. The funds will be used to create 49 new recuperative care beds for people who are experiencing homelessness and have a behavioral health condition. The award was part of a series of competitive grants issued by the Department of Health Care Services as part of its Behavioral Health Bridge Housing funding. The new beds will be located in a county-owned facility and at community-based providers that contract with the county.