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.
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.
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.
2025 HASD&IC Annual Meeting: A Respite from the Ongoing Storm
In two weeks, we’ll come together for the 2025 HASD&IC Annual Meeting — a gathering for hospital leaders, policymakers, and community partners to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing our hospitals and health systems. This annual meeting is not only a valuable opportunity to hear from local leaders and policy experts, but also a chance to gain new insights, find inspiration, and prepare for what lies ahead.
Strengthening the Behavioral Health Continuum
Hospitals across our region continue to witness firsthand the profound impact behavioral health has on the well-being of our communities. The findings in our upcoming behavioral health environmental scans echo what we hear regularly from care providers and community partners: Demand for behavioral health services continues to grow even as workforce shortages, limited treatment availability, bed closures, and care coordination challenges persist.
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: