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: 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.
5 Things To Know: San Diego County Solicits Behavioral Health Services Act Feedback
As California counties prepare to implement the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) on July 1, 2026, the County of San Diego's Behavioral Health Services Department is seeking community feedback on behavioral health programs and services through virtual input sessions and an online survey.
5 Things To Know: FAQs Address Key Behavioral Health Funding and Legislation
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has released FAQs on key behavioral health funding and legislation, including:
5 Things To Know: Free Digital Suicide Prevention Resources Available for Youth, Families
In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative has shared a robust set of digital resources for children, youth, and families.
5 Things To Know: Free Children’s Mental Health Consults Available to Hospitals
5 Things To Know: San Diego County Event Aims to Raise Awareness of Overdose Prevention
On Aug. 21 from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the San Diego County Administration Center will host a resource fair in observance of International Overdose Awareness Day. The event will highlight prevention, treatment, and support, emphasizing that overdose is preventable and addiction is treatable.
5 Things To Know: California Agencies to Convene for CARE Act Working Group
The California Health and Human Services Agency, along with the Department of Health Care Services and the Judicial Council of California, will host the next Community Assistance, Recovery & Empowerment (CARE) Act Working Group meeting on Aug. 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (PT) in Sacramento and via Zoom. The event will include a...
5 Things To Know: New Behavioral Health Workforce Funding Available
The Policy and Innovation Center has released two requests for proposals addressing new behavioral health funding opportunities: the Nurse Practitioner Expansion Grant Program and the Social Work, Therapy, and Counseling Internship Program. Both programs are part of the ELEVATE Behavioral Health Workforce Fund, which includes the San Diego Pay it Forward Loan Program and two...