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.
Key Messages: Reforms Needed as Staffing Ratios Reduce Psychiatric Bed Capacity
Recent regulations that established new staffing requirements for inpatient psychiatric hospitals have made it harder for Californians experiencing a mental health crisis to get the care they need.
Infographic: How Inpatient Psychiatric Care Works
Issue Brief: Californians in Mental Health Crisis Deserve to Get the Care They Need
Recent regulations that established new staffing requirements for inpatient psychiatric hospitals have made it harder for Californians in mental health crisis to get care.
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.