About Behavioral Health
Many Californians can’t get the behavioral health care they need due to a shortage of resources. In fact, 92% of hospitals that provide psychiatric inpatient care report they are unable to admit new patients because discharging current patients to step-down care is so difficult. This congestion means patients are in more restrictive settings than they need, which leads to emergency department overcrowding. To address California’s behavioral health crisis, strategies must mirror those in primary care — where the goal is to prevent illness and provide the right care in the right setting.
2025 Emergency Services Forum Returns to Newport Beach
What’s happening: In just over six weeks, the Emergency Services Forum returns to Newport Beach, where emergency services professionals will gather for a day of learning, discussion, and networking.
What else to know: The forum, held May 5 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., is open for registration. The deadline for booking at the discounted hotel room rate is April 14.
New CDPH All Facilities Letters Provide Additional Guidance for General Acute Care, Psychiatric Hospitals
What’s happening: On Feb. 24, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released four new All Facilities Letters (AFLs) on laws that became effective Jan. 1. These AFLs affect general acute care and acute psychiatric hospitals, and other health care facilities.
What else to know: For more information, visit the CDPH’s web page https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHCQ/LCP/Pages/LNCAFL25.aspx.
2025 Behavioral Health Care Symposium
The 2025 Behavioral Health Care Symposium returns to Sacramento!
2025 Emergency Services Forum
Join us for the 2025 Emergency Services Forum, returning to beautiful Newport Beach! This conference is dedicated to the uniqueness of hospital ED management and its intersection with emergency services and the community. We’re finalizing an exceptional lineup of speakers and engaging topics. The 2024 Emergency Services Forum sold out – this is an event you and your colleagues don’t want to miss!
Federal Funding Will Bolster Medi-Cal Reimbursement for Inpatient Psychiatric Care
What’s happening: On Dec. 16, California was approved for the large BH-CONNECT behavioral health demonstration project, which is estimated to bring $5 billion of new federal Medicaid dollars for California over the next five years.
What else to know: During this time, BH-CONNECT will use the funds to test new approaches to behavioral health treatment, housing, and workforce development.
Infographic: The Facts About Behavioral Health Care
Issue Brief: Steps to Address Behavioral Health Care Challenges
Solutions must mirror those in primary care, where the goal is to prevent illness and provide the right care in the right setting.
Key Messages: Learn What’s Driving Challenges in Behavioral Health Care
Due to a shortage of behavioral health resources, many Californians struggle to find the treatment they need.
Treating Opioid Use Disorder in Acute Care Hospitals
Opioid abuse is a long-standing problem in California.
The substance use disorder (SUD) crisis might seem insurmountable, but the CA Bridge Program has developed a model of care that saves lives and helps patients with SUDs get back on track. The 24/7 program is built upon three pillars: rapid access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT), welcoming and destigmatized care and specially trained substance use navigators (SUNs) that connect patients to ongoing care and support.