County Approves Behavioral Health Services Act Integrated Plan

June 20, 2026 - 04:57

The County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously this week to adopt a comprehensive three-year Behavioral Health Services Act Integrated Plan, covering fiscal years 2026 through 2029. The plan outlines how the county will allocate state funding to address mental health and substance use disorder services across the region.

Officials say the integrated approach aims to streamline care by combining prevention, early intervention, and treatment programs under a single coordinated framework. The plan prioritizes underserved communities, including youth, older adults, and individuals experiencing homelessness. It also expands mobile crisis response teams and increases funding for peer support specialists.

Supervisors emphasized that the plan was developed with input from local health providers, advocacy groups, and residents through a series of public meetings. "This is not just a budget document. It is a roadmap for how we meet people where they are," one supervisor said during the hearing.

The plan includes performance metrics to track outcomes such as reduced emergency room visits and improved access to outpatient care. Implementation will begin in July, with annual reports required to monitor progress. County health officials estimate the plan will serve over 15,000 residents annually through expanded clinics and outreach programs.