Behavioral Health

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.

CHA Analysis Reveals How Insurer Practices Impede Patient Care

What’s happening: CHA developed a detailed analysis of how insurance company practices negatively affect patients, which is a key proof point supporting a comprehensive strategy to hold insurers accountable for patient care in California. 
 
What else to know: One of CHA’s priorities this year is to create greater accountability (network adequacy, prior authorization, medical necessity, payment practices, and parity) for insurers operating in California.  

CMS Announces New Payment Model Targeting Behavioral Health

What’s happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced a new Innovation in Behavioral Health (IBH) Model on Jan. 18.  

What else to know: The Notice of Funding Opportunity will open in spring 2024, and up to eight states will be selected to participate. 

Off and Running Toward Better Behavioral Health Care

In less than two months, Californians will head to the polls — or the post office for those who prefer mail-in ballots — for the 2024 primary election. A ballot question, Proposition 1, will ask voters to weigh in on whether or not to support a sweeping modernization of the state’s mental health system. This proposal will refocus billions of dollars in existing funds to prioritize Californians with the deepest mental health needs, living in encampments, or suffering the worst substance use disorders. 

2024 Behavioral Health Care Symposium

Join us at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach on December 10-11 for two days of relevant topics on behavioral health care in California from speakers you want to hear. If you thought the 2023 Symposium in Sacramento was good – just wait til this one. And this year you get to enjoy the great Pacific Ocean. Long Beach is a vacation destination so put this date on both your work and play calendars!

CHA Joins Advisory Group for California’s New 988 System

What’s happening: 988 replaced the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number in 2022. CHA’s Kirsten Barlow has been appointed to California’s 988-Crisis Policy Advisory Group tasked with developing a comprehensive five-year plan for the system.   

What else to know: Barlow will ensure the hospital voice is part of the conversation shaping the future of a system designed to help people at risk of suicide, or with mental health or substance use disorder challenges.  

CHA Stands with Governor Newsom on Behavioral Health Ballot Proposition

What’s happening: Gov. Gavin Newsom launched the Yes on Proposition 1 campaign on Jan. 3. The $6 billion bond measure would reform California’s Mental Health Services Act and create more than 10 thousand new behavioral health treatment beds across the state.    

What else to know: Kirsten Barlow, CHA vice president, policy, attended the Yes on Proposition 1 Kickoff event in Los Angeles. Barlow’s focus area is behavioral health. Prop. 1 will be on the March 5 primary ballot.