California Behavioral Health Association

This month, the California Behavioral Health Association recognizes #NationalSuicidePreventionWeek 💙   During this time, we want to uplift the crucial support our members provide to individuals dealing with suicidal ideation. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to serving your communities!   The 988 Suicide and Crisis Support Lifeline provides confidential support to individuals in crisis via text, call, live chat, and other accessible formats. For more information on crisis support accessibility, visit 988california.org.

CBHA proudly recognizes The Hume Center as one of the first three agencies to renew membership this year! 📢 Serving over 6,750 community members annually across the Bay Area, at The Hume Center, the belief is simple: it takes a community to heal a community. 🫶 🔹 Why CBHA? "CBHA represents the largest network of nonprofit behavioral health agencies in California, making it a key ally for organizations seeking to navigate complex regulations and enhance services. As a nonprofit Community Mental Health Center (CMHC), the Hume Center is proud to join this network, which unites us with a powerful collective voice in advocacy, provides access to crucial resources, and fosters collaboration with peers across the state to strengthen behavioral health care delivery. Our membership reflects our mission of Service For Humanity’s Sake and helps us advance the wellbeing of the communities we serve." - Joty Sikand, PsyD, President & Chief Executive Officer, Portia Bell Hume Behavioral Health and Training Center We are grateful for their ongoing partnership in advancing behavioral health care across California. 💛

A special thank you to @calhealthreport for publishing an Op-Ed written by our CEO, Dr. Le Ondra Clark Harvey! 📄✅ Dr. Clark Harvey shares data representing the lack of diagnosing, reporting, and treatment with alcohol use disorder (AUD). To read more about how California is impacted by gaps in AUD care, click the link below! bit.ly/4fZMS9y

CBHA applauds the Asian Law Caucus, along with a coalition of California nonprofit organizations, including CBHA, for filing a powerful amicus brief urging the Ninth Circuit to block the Trump administration’s attacks on sanctuary cities. These organizations underscore how the loss of federal funding would jeopardize essential behavioral services. This action reflects a bold commitment to justice and immigrant rights. CBHA stands in solidarity as a fellow advocate for community-centered, equitable policies.

Today, CBHA participated in a meeting with the Commission for Behavioral Health. Thank you to our Senior Policy and Legislative Affairs Advisor, Carli Stelzer, for representing CBHA and expressing our gratitude to the Commission for their continued efforts in addressing gaps in behavioral health services. A special thank you to our member, @ShatterproofHQ, for their contributions towards today’s meeting and all of the valuable work they do in the behavioral health space.

As a backdrop to this year's #DHCS conference, @samhsagov recently released the latest 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which shows how people living in the U.S. reported their experiences with mental health conditions, substance use, and pursuit of treatment.

During yesterday's Select Committee on Nonprofits hearing, Geoff Green, @CalNonprofits CEO noted, “Nonprofits serve the most vulnerable communities and employ workforces that most reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.”   CBHA is proud to represent the most diverse membership of behavioral health providers in California. As federal action continues, CBHA is committed to following the impact on nonprofits and advocating for policies that support our diverse members in their mission.

CBHA is honored to recognize and extend our appreciation to our newly elected CBHA Board Officers for their leadership and guidance:   🌟 President: Martine Singer, MBA – CEO, @ChildrensInstLA 🌟 Vice President: Henry “Harry” Bruell – CEO, @PathPointCA 🌟Vice President of Public Policy: Jonathan Porteus, Ph.D. – CEO, @WellSpaceHealth   CBHA is grateful for their commitment to advancing behavioral health access and equity across California. We look forward to their vision and leadership in the year ahead!

During today’s [Asm Sub 7] committee СВНА shared public comment on the severe budget impacts of H.R. 1 on California's heath system. Cuts towards the MCO tax, State Direct Payments, and the Hospital Quality Assurance Fee will leave large gaps in the Medi-Cal budget. This will take billions out of California's health system, and behavior health providers will ultimately face the cuts. Changing work requirements and frequent eligibility redetermination will lead to a rise in administrative costs and paperwork, while we continue to face a reduced budget for direct care. Thank you to committee Chair @AsmGreggHart & members for highlighting the budget impacts of H.R.1.

During the Joint Health hearing, CBHA shared public comment on the devastating impacts of H.R. 1 on California’s behavioral health system. CBHA’s key concerns:     •    $28B cut to Medicaid could impact 3.4M Californians and community providers cannot absorb this loss.     •    Immigration enforcement is driving families away from clinics, leaving mental health and chronic conditions untreated.     •    Data sharing with ICE undermines trust, further deterring care. Behavioral health depends on trust, access, and stability. Cuts and barriers make recovery harder for those living with behavioral health disorders. We are grateful for committee Chairs @SenatorMenjivar and @AsmMiaBonta and members for their attention to the real impacts of H.R. 1.

CBHA teammate at today’s event, A Day of Immersion into Collaboration, Innovation, and Impact! A huge thank you to @TheCenterSHF and @DHCS_CA for their incredible support of our Leadership & Wellness Academy! 🌟 Your partnership helps us empower leaders and promote wellness across our community. #LeadershipAndWellness #CommunityImpact #ThankYou

Thank you, @openmindscircle, for inviting our CEO, Dr. Le Ondra Clark Harvey, and Minnesota Association of Community Mental Health Programs CEO, Jinny Palen to present: “Shaping a Chaotic Market at the State Level: A State Association Executive Discussion.” As the new federal administration’s policies take shape, advocacy is needed more than ever. We are grateful for the opportunity to share insights, exchange ideas with fellow leaders, and continue working toward policies that protect and strengthen communities. Thank you again, @openmindscircle !

CBHA is happy to uplift the @openmindscircle 2025 Service Excellence Institute in Long Beach, California. This Excellence Institute begins today (August 12th) and runs through August 14th with an action-packed agenda. Content includes sessions featuring CBHA’s own CEO, Dr. Le Ondra Clark Harvey, and CBHA’s valued members from the @PathPointCA , @ChildrensInstLA, @TelecareCorp, @gardner_health. We also want to highlight our business partners who are supporting this event, @Qualifacts and @ContinuumCloud. Check out @openmindscircle website for virtual attendance options.

As the California Behavioral Health Association celebrates 40 years of behavioral health advocacy, we are proud to honor 40 individuals who have transformed health policy and left their mark on the behavioral health space. This August, we are excited to highlight 8 champions who have proven their commitment to behavioral health access, equity and consumer empowerment. Behavioral Health Champions 🏅 Mark Ghaly - Former Secretary | CA Health and Human Services Agency Assemblymember Bauer Kahan | State of California, District 16 | @BauerKahan Honorable Gavin Newsom | Governor, State of California | @CAgovernor Health Equity Champions 📢 Al Senella | President & CEO, Tarzana Treatment Center | @TarzanaTC Nadine Burke Harris | Former Surgeon General, State of California Consumer Champions 👥 Keris Jan Myrick | Senior Vice President of Partnerships and Innovation, Inseparable | @IAmInseparable Marvin Southard | Former Executive Director, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Frank Mecca | Former Executive Director, County Welfare Directors Association of California CBHA is honored to recognize these individuals' dedication to building a stronger future for behavioral health in California. Join us in celebrating our behavioral health hall of fame at our 40th Anniversary Celebration! For more information visit: bit.ly/40rMBpG

A press release from the California Department of Insurance expands on Commissioner Lara's landmark rulemaking in support of the California Mental Health Parity Act 🗞️ New integrations under SB 855 will ensure coverage for crisis behavioral health services and cover services that are equivalent to those required in AB 988. CBHA is proud to have supported SB 855 and continues to promote equity for comprehensive behavioral health care! 🌟 Thank you @RicardoLara4CA for your commitment to enforcing behavioral health treatment as a necessity! Thank you Senator Scott Wiener for your dedication towards Californians and the fight for equitable health insurance policies! Find the full release here: bit.ly/4fc5KC6

After the Trump Administration’s decision to end specialized LGBTQ+ support on the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, California is stepping up with decisive action. @CAgovernor and @Cal_HHS have partnered with The Trevor Project to enhance crisis counselor training, ensuring LGBTQ+ youth receive affirming and inclusive care when reaching out to 988. CBHA proudly supports this vital commitment to protect and uplift LGBTQ+ young people in crisis. 👏 Thank you, California, for leading the way! 🏳️‍🌈💙 Read more here: bit.ly/3GN2MHn

📢 Governor Newsom Signs AB 1034 - Teacher credentialing, programs of professional preparation, and youth mental health 📢 CBHA proudly announces that @CAgovernor has signed AB 1034 (Ávila Farías) into law, a bill we co-sponsored with Jewish Family and Children’s Services. This groundbreaking legislation requires youth mental health training to be integrated into California’s teacher credentialing process, preparing educators to better support student well-being.   Our deepest thanks to @anamariead15 for her leadership, Jewish Family and Children’s Services for their partnership, and all supporters of this vital bill.   Together, we continue advancing mental wellness and compassion in California classrooms! 💙 Read the full release here: bit.ly/3TG7QQE