By: Nathaniel J. Greene, Community and Culture Reporter

On May 16, Ethnic Media Services, in partnership with California Black Media and the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), hosted a briefing to discuss the transformative efforts of Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, in addressing behavioral health needs. This third briefing in a series focused on how Medi-Cal is expanding mental health and substance use disorder services to create a comprehensive, whole-person health system for Californians.

 

Sandy Close, Director of Ethnic Media Services, opened the briefing by emphasizing the significance of the ongoing Medi-Cal transformation. She stated, “Medi-Cal provides coverage for one in three Californians, and now includes expanded services to meet their health care needs well beyond the doctor’s office.”

Paula Wilhelm, Interim Deputy Director of Behavioral Health, DHCS, provided a detailed overview of the behavioral health services now available through Medi-Cal.

“Mental health is just as important as physical health, and all of our health outcomes are intertwined,” she noted.

Wilhelm highlighted the various services Medi-Cal covers, including prevention and wellness services, outpatient and community-based treatment, crisis care, residential treatment, and essential medications for mental health and substance use disorders.

She also elaborated on the “no wrong door” approach, explaining, “This series of policies ensures that no matter where you live or which door you enter to seek care, you can find a compassionate provider who will connect you to the appropriate mental health services.”

Autumn Boylan, Deputy Director, Office of Strategic Partnerships, DHCS, discussed the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, a cornerstone of Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Kids’ Mental Health. She stated, “This initiative is a $4 billion investment in youth mental health services and supports for emerging and existing behavioral health conditions.”

Boylan highlighted the alarming statistics of youth mental health challenges, noting, “Half of all lifetime cases of diagnosable mental illnesses emerge by age 14, and 75% by age 24.” She stressed the importance of early intervention and preventative services, particularly in school settings and through community-based initiatives.

Jennifer Oliphant, LCSW, Program Director at Two Feathers Native American Family Services, shared her on-the-ground perspective, emphasizing the critical need for culturally responsive services.

“Community-defined practices are essential for achieving better outcomes, especially for our young people of color and low-income populations,” she said.

Tricia Nguyen, CEO, Southland Integrated Services, highlighted the impact of Medi-Cal’s expanded services on local communities, particularly in addressing the unique needs of diverse populations.

She remarked, “By investing in evidence-based interventions and culturally competent care, we are making significant strides in supporting the mental health and well-being of our community members.”

DHCS is making comprehensive efforts to transform Medi-Cal into a holistic health care system that addresses both physical and behavioral health needs. By leveraging partnerships with community health care providers and focusing on culturally responsive care, California is setting a precedent for Medicaid programs nationwide. With initiatives like the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative and the no wrong door approach, Medi-Cal is poised to significantly improve the lives of Californians requiring mental health and substance use disorder treatment.

As Paula Wilhelm aptly summarized, “Our overarching goal is to make it easier for our members to access health care and all the services they need to live healthier lives.”