As California continues to advance large-scale behavioral health reforms, integrating substance use disorder (SUD) treatment into primary care remains a critical and complex goal. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Medi-Cal managed care plans (MCPs), and county behavioral health departments each play important roles in this effort yet often operate within siloed systems. To meet the needs of individuals with SUD more effectively, greater alignment and collaboration across these sectors is essential.

At the upcoming DHCS Integrated Care Conference, the “Enhancing Access to SUD Care Through Cross-System Partnerships” session will explore how FQHCs, MCPs, and county behavioral health systems can work together to expand access, improve care coordination, and better serve patients with complex needs. Through a mix of statewide insights and on-the-ground experience, panelists will highlight opportunities for shared leadership, funding alignment, and service integration that support whole-person care.

Session Highlights

Allison Homewood and Brianna Nielson from Aurrera Health Group will present findings from a recent statewide assessment (conducted in partnership with the California Health Care Foundation) exploring how SUD care is currently delivered in California’s FQHCs. The analysis sheds light on existing service models, key barriers to integration, and opportunities for partnership across systems.

Sara Gavin, Chief Behavioral and Community Health Officer at CommuniCare+OLE, will provide insights from the primary care perspective. Drawing on her experience managing a network of health centers across three counties, she will highlight how FQHCs can build stronger relationships with county behavioral health partners. Sara will share lessons learned from CommuniCare+OLE’s efforts to embed SUD treatment into primary care settings through collaborative partnerships, shared accountability, and non-judgmental support. Her remarks will underscore the importance of treating substance use disorders as chronic health conditions that deserve the same coordinated, stigma-free care as diabetes or hypertension.

Dr. Chris Esguerra, Chief Medical Officer at the Health Plan of San Mateo, will focus on the unique role of Medi-Cal managed care plans in supporting integration. He will outline how MCPs can promote whole-person care by aligning incentives, building operational relationships with counties and providers, and supporting enhanced care coordination for shared members. Drawing on the Health Plan of San Mateo’s longstanding partnership with county behavioral health, Dr. Esguerra will discuss the critical infrastructure and leadership practices that help make cross-system collaboration work in practice.

Looking Ahead

The session will also address key state-level reforms shaping the future of integrated behavioral health care in California. Policies like Enhanced Care Management, BH-CONNECT, and the Behavioral Health Services Act (Proposition 1) offer new tools and funding to support integration, but realizing their full potential will depend on continued collaboration across systems.

A panel discussion and audience Q&A will explore what’s working, what infrastructure is still missing, and how stakeholders across systems can collaborate to improve health outcomes for patients. For those attending the conference, we invite you to join the discussion, learn from peers, and contribute your perspective. If your organization is interested in learning more about opportunities to move toward a more integrated and responsive system of care for people with SUD, please reach out to Allison Homewood.