About Behavioral Health

An estimated 7.5 million people in California experience a mental health disorder in any given year, but only one-third of adults who experience mental illness are getting treatment due to a lack of behavioral health care workers. Despite major improvements in health care coverage over the past decade, substantial discrepancies persist in available behavioral health care among commercial health plans and public programs. For this reason, many people experiencing mental health crises frequently turn to hospital emergency departments for treatment, and this number is increasing. From 2011 to 2020, there was a 68% increase. Caregivers at hospitals know the obstacles people with behavioral health conditions face and the challenges in getting them treatment and embrace the essential role they play in helping those in crisis. Strategies must mirror those in primary health care where the goal is prevention and early intervention, along with offering a continuum of services that will help Californians with behavioral health needs avoid acute care, hospitalization, incarceration, conservatorships, and institutionalization.
A Safe, Welcoming Space for Behavioral Health Patients
Gone are the dreary psychiatric facilities with sterile interiors and small windows. With large windows and white-oak floors, the new home of UCSF’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences aims to promote transparency and normalize mental health care.
Deadline Extended for Mental Health Funding Opportunity
The request for applications deadline for the expansion of emergency psychiatric assessment, treatment, and healing (EmPATH) units in eligible California hospitals has been extended to 3 p.m. (PT) on Feb. 24.
Funding Opportunity Available to Hospitals Treating Mental Health Patients in their Emergency Rooms
The Mental Health Services Oversight & Accountability Commission (MHSOAC) has issued a request for applications to expand emergency psychiatric assessment, treatment, and healing (EmPATH) units in eligible California hospitals.
Important Legal Changes to Psychiatric Holds in 2023
This webinar will provide a review of new state laws affecting all hospitals that treat patients on an involuntary psychiatric hold including hospital emergency departments and inpatient psychiatric services. It will describe the intersection of hospital EMTALA requirements and the involuntary psychiatric hold process. Audience:Health Care Executives, Case Managers, Social Workers, Risk Managers, Emergency Department […]
HHS Proposes Confidentiality Protections for Substance Use Disorder Patient Records
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has issued a proposed rule on changes to the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records.
Only Days Remain to Register for Behavioral Health, Emergency Services Conferences
Attendees of two different conferences in Riverside — one for behavioral health and the other for emergency services — have only days left to register for the events.
California Surgeon General to Speak at CHA’s Behavioral Health Care Symposium
The California surgeon general is scheduled to speak next month at CHA’s Behavioral Health Care Symposium.
Hear from State’s New Surgeon General at Next Month’s Behavioral Health Care Symposium
CHA’s annual Behavioral Health Care Symposium is set for Dec. 5 and 6 in Riverside.
HRSA Announces Multiple Funding Opportunities
Several new funding opportunities are available from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA).
Behavioral Health, Emergency Services Conferences Set for December
Two separate conferences set for Riverside in December will focus on behavioral health and emergency services.