During a recent government meeting, officials from Sacramento County highlighted ongoing efforts to address significant gaps in youth substance use treatment services. The county is actively developing plans to enhance these services, with hopes that community-based organizations will also contribute to this initiative.

A key focus of the discussion was a $2 billion set aside for shelter housing, with officials expressing a desire for more information on how this funding will be administered. They emphasized the critical need for increased investment in shelter beds, particularly in light of ongoing challenges in behavioral health services.

The meeting also addressed recent changes in documentation requirements for behavioral health services, aimed at reducing administrative burdens on clinicians. While some progress has been made, officials acknowledged that the changes have not fully met expectations.

Additionally, the county is implementing enhanced care management to support individuals with serious mental illnesses or substance use disorders. This initiative aims to streamline the contracting process for behavioral health providers by serving as a central hub for managed care plans.

Another significant topic was the introduction of a mobile crisis benefit, which was mandated by the state following the pandemic. This program allows counties to receive federal funding for mobile crisis services, ensuring that these resources are available to all residents of Sacramento County, not just those with Medi-Cal coverage.

Finally, officials teased an upcoming initiative called Behavioral Health Connect, indicating that further details will be shared in future meetings. The discussions underscored the complexity and urgency of addressing behavioral health needs in the community.