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. The caregivers at hospitals know the obstacles people with behavioral health conditions face and the challenges in getting them the treatment they need. While hospitals embrace the essential role they play in addressing this crisis, more needs to be done. Solutions like payment reform, resource allocation, more outpatient and community-based services, a bolstered behavioral health workforce, and a statewide set of standardized core services will help Californians with behavioral health conditions access the care they deserve.
About Behavioral Health
Turning the Tide on Mental Illness & Substance Use Disorders
California’s county-by-county system of behavioral health care needs reform to include a standardized set of core services. The attached issue brief outlines steps to achieving a behavioral health care system that puts patients first.
California’s Behavioral Health Crisis
Millions of Californians aren’t getting the care they need for mental health or substance use disorders.
It’s Time for California to Turn the Tide on Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders
CHA has developed the attached key messaging document to share the principles that guide our strategy related to behavioral health.