BH-CONNECT and the BHSA
The Behavioral Health Community-Based Organized Networks of Equitable Care and Treatment (BH-CONNECT) Initiative
The Behavioral Health Community-Based Organized Networks of Equitable Care and Treatment (BH-CONNECT) Initiative builds on California’s historic investments and policy changes to establish a robust continuum of community-based behavioral health services. It aims to improve access, equity, and quality in behavioral health services for Medi-Cal members with significant behavioral health needs.
To learn more about the BH-CONNECT demonstration, please visit the DHCS BH-CONNECT webpage.
The Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA)
The Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), part of the Proposition 1 “Behavioral Health Transformation” legislative package approved by California voters in March 2024, aims to modernize California’s behavioral health delivery system, improve accountability and increase transparency, and expand the capacity of behavioral health care facilities. The BHSA complements and improves upon California’s other major behavioral health initiatives, including BH-CONNECT.
To learn more about the Behavioral Health Transformation and BHSA, please visit the DHCS Behavioral Health Transformation webpage.
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Requirements Under BH-CONNECT and the BHSA
Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) are key components of both BH-CONNECT and BHSA. Key requirements and timelines related to implementation are:
EBP
- Assertive Community Treatment / Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (ACT/FACT)
- Forensic ACT (FACT)
- Coordinated Specialty Care for First-Episode Psychosis (CSC for FEP)
- Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Supported Employment
- Clubhouse Services
BH-CONNECT
- Services are available as Medi-Cal benefits at county option effective January 2025.
BHSA
- All counties must begin offering by July 1, 2026, working toward full fidelity by June 30, 2029.
- Functional Family Therapy (FFT)
- Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST)
- Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
- Clarifies coverage guidelines for these services pursuant to the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit.
High Fidelity Wraparound (HFW) is also required under BHSA; however, clarification of coverage under Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) is not expected until January 2026. Further guidance forthcoming.