The Sonoma County Behaviorl Health Board held its monthly meeting on June 16th from 5-7pm at 1440 Neotomas Ave, It was a detailed discussion regarding the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) referral process and the inefficiencies of the current access line. A key takeaway was the recommendation to send individuals directly to treatment facilities rather than the central access line to avoid delays and potential relapses. The conversation also touched on the impact of Measure O and opioid settlement funds in Sonoma County, emphasizing the community’s commitment to improving mental health and addiction services.
Legislative and Budget Updates
Mobile Crisis Mandate: The latest State budget revision suggests the mandated mobile crisis response will be preserved, potentially providing state Medi-Cal reimbursement. Measure O Oversight board sent a formal letter to the Board of Supervisors advocating for full funding of the CAPE teams. Subsequently, the Board of Supervisors voted to restore all five CAPE (school-based) teams, and fully staff the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU). CAPE teams provide mobile crisis intervention, assessment, and drug counseling directly in high schools in Santa Rosa and satellite areas. discussed was a strategy to transition CAPE to a mandated service category to protect it from future budget cuts. Additionally, the Department announced that efforts are underway to opt into the IMD (Institute for Mental Disease) waiver by August 1st in order to receive Medi-Cal reimbursement for short-term hospital stays (18-65 age group).
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Expansion
Recovery Housing: Buckelew was awarded $3.8M for 60-69 sober living beds; project includes unique support for men with children. Youth Services: the Department (DHS) is opening a new facility near Los Guilicos (Valley of the Moon) to provide adolescent residential treatment, withdrawal management, and outpatient care (completion July 1st; licensing 12-18 months).
Tribal Partnerships: DHS executed a MOU with Sonoma County Indian Health Project for traditional healing practices (music therapy, drum circles, herbal remedies). New Outpatient Providers: Paramita, Cura Vita, and Sion have launched or are expanding services; West County Health Centers starting drug treatment in the Russian River area.
Access Strategy: Encouraging direct entry at provider sites rather than going through the central county access line to prevent delays and relapses. Mental Health Integration: Organized Delivery System (ODS) requires licensed practitioners (LCSW/LMFT) to sign off on SUD assessments, forcing better integration.
Probation and Courts: DHS is implementing medical necessity-driven treatment recommendations in court settings rather than arbitrary 9-month sentences.
Behavioral Health Connect: New mandates for evidence-based practices (IPS for employment, Clubhouse services) launching in October.
Stay tuned: HEAPA will publish a link to the video recording of the meeting.
Homeless Emergency Assistance Program Association 