CBHDA

06/05/2026

is a time to celebrate and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. CBHDA proudly recognizes and supports LGBTQ+ individuals, including clients, community, members of our staff and county behavioral health leadership across the state.

Everyone deserves access to services in inclusive, affirming environments where they can be their authentic selves.

06/05/2026

This , we recognize the impact trauma can have on behavioral health, relationships, and daily life. Approximately 6% of U.S. adults will experience PTSD at some point in their lives, and many individuals living with mental health or substance use disorders are at a greater risk of developing PTSD.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of PTSD, support is available and recovery is possible. If you have Medi-Cal, visit https://www.cbhda.org/need-help-now to connect with a county provider near you.

06/04/2026

Joint County Family statement on today's Assembly (California Assembly Democrats) Proposal from CSAC, Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC), Urban Counties of California (UCC), County Health Executives Association of California (CHEAC), County Medical Services Program (CMSP), California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems (CAPH), County Welfare Directors Association (CWDA), and County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California (CBHDA).

Read the joint county family statement: https://www.counties.org/news-and-media-article/joint-county-family-statement-on-assembly-budget-proposal/

06/04/2026

CBHDA thanks the Legislature for its unanimous support of our co-sponsored bill with Cal Voices during today’s Senate Health Committee hearing. We also extend our gratitude to bill author Assemblymember Jackson for their steadfast leadership and advocacy throughout this effort.

Medi-Cal Certified Peer Support Specialists are essential in behavioral health because their lived experience allows them to build trust with clients, and they serve as powerful examples of hope—demonstrating that recovery is possible.

AB 96 (Jackson) helps reduce barriers for Peer Support Specialists to enter the workforce by removing the high school diploma requirement and expanding access to meaningful careers in behavioral health.

06/03/2026

05/27/2026

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re continuing to share real stories of hope, healing, and connection through Behavioral Health services in San Bernardino County. 💚

Thank you to Sky for sharing her journey and reminding others that support can make a difference.

Learn more about behavioral health services by visiting our website.

05/27/2026

“We must protect and expand mobile crisis response. It saves lives.” - Mae Sampani, Executive Director of Crisis Services at Pacific Clinics

Every day Pacific Clinics’ Mobile Crisis Response teams help those experiencing a mental health or substance use disorder crisis get connected to the care and services they need and stay out of local hospitals and jails.

"Historically, law enforcement was the only option for a mental health crisis," she said. "While police are vital for public safety, mental health and substance use crises require a specialized clinical response and compassionate care."

Michelle Doty Cabrera, the executive director of the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California, said that cutting state funding for mobile crisis intervention would force counties to pay around $168 million annually in order to keep the service alive.

"We will be urging the governor to reconsider this cut and to lift mobile crisis up as a cornerstone of his legacy, and to continue to lead in advancing behavioral health transformation," she said.

This is a service worth preserving and we call on the Governor and Legislature to maintain this vital benefit in the final budget agreement.



California Alliance of Child and Family Services
NAMI California
County of San Diego - Government

Read more:

Health officials in the Bay Area and across the state are demanding that Gov. Gavin Newsom restore proposed budget cuts of mobile crisis intervention services.

05/27/2026

"It's been huge for us," she said. "This has been transformational for law enforcement."

As Sheriff Kelly Martinez from San Diego County Sheriff’s Office notes, the Medi-Cal Mobile Crisis Response benefit is not simply another program. Rather it is the crown jewel of the more than 85 new initiatives that the Newsom administration has rolled out in behavioral health.

Sheriff Martinez says that mobile crisis intervention teams help law enforcement focus on what they do best, while ensuring people in crisis get the support they need. Everyday, Mobile Crisis Response teams help those experiencing a mental health or substance use disorder crisis get connected to the care and services they need and stay out of local hospitals and jails.

As part of his budget proposal, Gov. Newsom has proposed shifting mobile crisis response from a required Medi-Cal benefit to an optional one, which would put the cost of the program on the counties.

"Eliminating state funds forces counties to scale back or eliminate mobile crisis teams altogether, which will be devastating," said Nadia Privara Brahms, director of the San Diego County Behavioral Health Services.

This is a service worth preserving and we call on the Governor and Legislature to maintain this vital benefit in the final budget agreement.



California Alliance of Child and Family Services
NAMI California

Read more:

Health officials in the Bay Area and across the state are demanding that Gov. Gavin Newsom restore proposed budget cuts of mobile crisis intervention services.

05/27/2026