The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is now accepting applications for its Behavioral Health Pilot Project (BHPP). General acute care hospitals are eligible to receive $50,000 for one year to integrate trained behavioral health counselors into emergency departments.
According to DHCS, all general acute care hospitals that can provide behavioral health services are highly encouraged to apply, as there is adequate funding to help build capacity in all facilities for improved treatment of substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health disorders.
The Legislature approved funding for the BHPP and expansion of the California Bridge Program, which was initiated under the California Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Expansion Project. The MAT Expansion Project’s goal is to further develop emergency department-based behavioral health services in California’s acute care hospitals.
Applications are due by 4 p.m. (PT) March 20. More information and the request for applications can be found here.