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.
DEA, HHS Extend Telehealth Prescribing Flexibilities
What’s happening: The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) extended existing waiver flexibilities for prescribing controlled substances via telemedicine through Dec. 31, 2025.
What else to know: This is the third extension.
CNN Hero of the Year to Speak at 2024 Behavioral Health Care Symposium
What’s happening: CNN’s 2023 Hero of the Year, Kwane Stewart, DVM, is a featured speaker at CHA’s upcoming 2024 Behavioral Health Care Symposium, being held in Long Beach Dec. 4-5.
What else to know: Dr. Stewart, a practicing veterinarian in California, will share his personal story about founding Project Street Vet, which offers free veterinary care, treatment, and support to the pets of individuals experiencing homelessness and/or financial hardship.
2024 Behavioral Health Care Symposium’s Early Bird Deadline Draws Near
What’s happening: CHA’s 2024 Behavioral Health Care Symposium is coming to Long Beach on Dec. 4-5 and will bring California’s hospital leaders together to discuss innovative ways to connect patients with community-based care, among many other things. Registration is open, and early bird tuition ends Nov. 11.
What else to know: California Surgeon General Diana E. Ramos, MD, MPH, MBA, will deliver the opening keynote, and sessions include how to tackle stigma toward people living with substance use disorders, collaborating to help patients with complex needs, and updates to California’s involuntary treatment and emergency services laws.
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.